Tack Trends 2005: What's new, what to watch for in 2006

Bling Dressage Gloves

The small, sparkly touches that have been creeping onto dressage browbands in past years are now making their way to the rider's wardrobe. Our pick - Bling Dressage Gloves in soft, washable aquasuede by SSG. For the Dressage Princess in you! Available from Dressage Extensions www.dressage-ext.com

Sheepskin Half-Pads

Sheepskin half pads have of course been hot, hot, hot with the hunter/jumper circuit for at least the past year. The half-pad allows for the comfort of a sheepskin saddle pad without the bulk under the rider's leg. Pads are available generally in white or black. Our pick is the EA Mattes Half-Pad, which comes with an open channel gullet to prevent spinal discomfort in the horse. The EA Mattes Correction Half-Pad comes with specially designed pockets in front and back, into which felt pads can be placed for temporary shims. Available with front trim only or front and rear trim. For more information, visit www.mattes-usa.com

Pastel Everything!

New pastel colors were definitely hot this year, although perhaps not fully appreciated by everybody. But what's cuter that matching baby blue or pink saddle pads and Eskadron boots on a kid's pony? You can find the new colors - baby blue, pink, champagne, mint, peach, and light purple - on everything from coolers to polo wraps, saddle pads, fly bonnets, and protective boots.
Check out saddle pads and Shedrow fleece coolers at www.greenhawk.net, Eskadron boots from Dover Saddlery www.doversaddlery.com

Plastic "Cheese Grater" Stirrups

We'll be honest... we don't know anyone who's tried a pair of these stirrups, so we're not really sure why they're becoming popular so quickly! Jump 25 Royal Rider Flexible Plastic Stirrups, priced at £99.99 in the UK Saddlery Shop, were "the" new item, especially for young jumpers, at the Spruce Meadows Masters trade fair this year. Made in Italy, the stirrups are constructed from a special super tough plastic made by Du Pont. The flexible section allows shock absorbtion and improves grip, following in the popular Spregner stirrup trend. These stirrups come with two sets of treads: one set metal 'cheese grater' style, the other black rubber. They weigh just 280gm and boast a tension breaking load of 500kg/cm2. Check them out online at: www.thesaddleryshop.co.uk

Prochaps

Sandridge Saddlery says, "A high-tech version of an old stand-by, ProChaps combine waterproof leather, breathable neoprene and a Cambrelle lining to create a lighweight, form-fitting performance chap suited to the athletic demands of riding today." Check out our Product Review for the full chaps - a new review of ProChaps' re-designed half chaps is coming in January, but we can tell you right now that they're beautiful! ProChaps is also a Canadian company that supports Canadian riders, so you can feel proud to support them.

Check them out at www.prochaps.com

What's your opinion? We'd love to hear! Questions and or comments can be emailed to editor@sportponycanada.com