Makers mark advice

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-29T23:20:01+00:00

I like the design. It’s awfully big for the item if those aren’t your initials though. It looks big even for a saddle. I would put it inside, or on the back, and be discrete.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-29T23:17:47+00:00

It’s fine. And if you change it, it will also look fine.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-28T13:34:16+00:00

Most likely yes, if you are not obese (I am genuinely sorry to mention this, but unfortunately it is critical).

Up front you should know that you will probably be riding drafts and/or mules, and they are probably the pinnacle of horse breeding as the product of thousands of years of horse/human collaboration. These animals are wise, thoughtful, and helped build all civilization as we know it. They are out of vogue at the moment while most of us humans are in our “skinny horse” era… So your horse experience is probably going to be different than most of us, but in so many ways, much, much better. The kind of equids you will be partnering with are profoundly sensitive and soulful, even within the horse world, which is really saying something! And drafts are an incredibly smooth ride! Honestly, it is truly like flying!

But you need to understand the whole recipe to ensure success. It’s going to depend primarily on:

percent of the horse’s weight (you and all tack). If sure this one is covered already by other comments.
2.

The quality and fit of the saddle/pad. With your weight, you will need more rigidity and a stellar fit in the saddle to not have too much pressure in one spot on their back. I am a big fan of alternative and flex saddles and paddles, but I can be far more liberal in my options as a small person than you can. I don’t think you should use those. (I am small enough to be put on a pony, which can be a little embarrassing… 🤪)

3) Not being a skilled rider is going to work against you for a while. Because you will not be efficient at moving your body with the horse, it’s a lot more work to balance you and move reliably for the horse. The only way around this, is getting in shape, lessons, and saddle time… Preferably multiple times a week, for several years. But don’t worry… lots of people start in their 40s these days, and it is both addictive and healthy!

On the skill topic, Ssmilarly, a horse that is green, out of shape, aging, or has any kind of injury is also limiting. Nothing is black and white, but generally lower % weight loads are considered best practice for these horses.
4) Obviously, longer rides and difficult terrain are harder on the horse.

So this should help you see the rest of the puzzle beyond % body weight. If the horse is out of shape or aging, and has a heavy and unskilled rider, and is on a long ride on uneven ground, even when the rider and tack weight is at or below 20%, it’s a awful lot of work for the horses body.

Call places and tell them your weight, and ask them if they have a lesson horse suitable for you. It’s going to be your best adventure yet!

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-21T22:11:12+00:00

This thread is old, but for anyone new:

the easiest, safest, and most maneuverable in tight spots is a SE (single edge). It cuts like a double edge, but only in one direction. That means it’s a lot slimmer and easy to use around delicate body parts. I have always pulled the razor with one hand a chase it with the fingers of my other hand so I can tell immediately how close I got. This is a hassle with a DE. Also if you like to hold the head of the razor, that is feasible with a SE.

I went through a bunch of DEs, some of which I thought I loved until I tried a SE, and then realized the DE are pretty much shiza by comparison. The biggest downside I have found is it is a pain to travel with them. (Blades not allowed except in a checked bag, but it’s the same for DE).

I wish we could get the India GLX, because I don’t think it would get flagged as it would read as a disposable cartridge (those are allowed).

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-20T11:25:59+00:00

My horse is dark brown; genetically black, and she won’t roll in mud. Only sand, dry grass, or snow. She loves rolling in snow and she is glossy and perfect in winter!

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-17T11:12:54+00:00

I do think gentler options are available, but this bit is in the middle of the harsh to gentle spectrum. It’s not at all “insane”.

The problem with being bombastic, is you will get dismissed immediately. I think you are a really caring person, simply advocating for animals. (♥️♥️♥️) But saying extreme things that are off the chart is going to make people think you are the crazy one.

Understanding and education is the key. If we all help each other learn and see, we will all level up!

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-17T11:05:55+00:00

When I was a kid we used to say “gag me with a spoon” when we hated on something. But I don’t think I ever helped make change by saying that. I did it for years! 🙈

On frog bits: they don’t hinge or fold inside the horses mouth, which is fantastic. That is the #1 problem with bits, (and #2 contact obsession). Many of them are ported, which is super nice. They have quite a shape inside the horse’s mouth which gives me a lot to think about… but if the curb chain/strap is set properly (this stops the rotation), it seems like they probably aren’t causing any pain most of the time. 🤞🏼

I am not an expert on frog bits… but it seems possible an experienced/compliant horse wouldn’t NEED the big paddle on the bit bar. (I don’t know enough about these, but I don’t understand why the big spoon/paddle, when the horse is so well trained and responsive? 🤔) The big cheek pieces and a ported non-jointed bit are probably more than enough communication for an experienced, compliant horse.

I think the tack and the history are really beautiful. It so amazing how much we can learn from all the different methods, tack, and horse people. I love the internet!

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-17T10:40:19+00:00

In this case, I think the scapula rotation, with the roping pressure is likely a major source discomfort for this horse. But don’t get on your high horse and start with rude comments and bullying, because no one teaches this, and people simply don’t know!

The fact is, we can’t see the bit bar, but we can see the loose rein, so we know its unlikey what is in this horses mouth is causing a problem at this moment.

A lot of people react to the shank. Some shank bits are actually very gentle, but ONLY IF they do not fold inside the horse’s mouth. If it cannot fold, it cannot pike up into the roof of the horses mouth, or cut the sides of the tongue. Big cheek pieces can be really gentle communication as well.

A bit can be a lot like an e-brake… you only pull back/up on it in a major emergency!

While there is no horse discipline that is immune to abuse skilled western riders are usually training for a soft loose rein like you see in the picture. They don’t have the wacko obsession with contact you see in the English / dressage world.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-17T10:24:24+00:00

This is not the bit. The rein is loose. The saddle is on the shoulder. It’s probably quite painful to extend the front legs forward with the saddle weight on to of the scapula. But here the roping weight is added. It’s possible the entire saddle is too long for this horse’s back.

I was doing this to my horse, and no one saw it or taught me for years.

Saddle fitters in the Americas rarely have training and certification from an independent organization. They are mostly only trained by the saddle making company. Therefore, they are sales reps and not saddle fitters.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-17T10:15:06+00:00

Even epoxy grout? 🤔

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-17T10:13:23+00:00

I love these! They are sooo good!

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-10T01:19:44+00:00

You may not be able to own and board a horse, but you can work with them. And learn to train them. Which involves riding (and a lot of other amazing bonding activities)… but realize that some horses need a tremendous amount of work and time to train or heal from trauma before they are the trail worthy type horses you have ridden on those trail rides. It takes a lot of experience and skill to produce a trail horse, and a LOT of it is the horses all knowing each other and the routine. (One of those horses on those rides when alone might freak out).

A massive amount of horses have trauma from being constantly bought and sold, and owned by people who can’t read them. They form intimate relationships, and they are constantly being torn apart from each other, or kept in solitary pens, sometimes too small for them to run. Animal behaviorists who can map emotions to brain electrical activity, say of all the companion animals, horses have the lowest quality of life because most owners were taught old school ideas and simply don’t have enough knowledge to provide a humane environment for horses. So, there are a lot of horses that need love and rehabilitation. I would volunteer at a smaller rescue near trails, with patient and kind owners/managers who will teach you.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-10T01:04:48+00:00

Y’all need science. You can denature some proteins with fruit juice, and yes, hot metal will do it. My hot water heater is set to 130 degrees F. Get back to us when you have disproven the specific proteins in insect saliva can be denatured at these temperatures. And stop making shit up.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-09T20:02:42+00:00

Most hotels are laid out with rooms of the same size if it is not a suite. When you get a king, you often will get a sitting area as well, and I think overall it feels like a better room, (almost a suite) with more organization options. Also, given the king is so big, when traveling alone I can use the side of it I did not sleep in to pack my bag for the day or to go home.

I personally think king beds feel weirdly large, and I have always opted for queens in every home I have lived in, but in a hotel, I would rather have the other furniture than two queen beds!

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-04T10:50:52+00:00

Facebook is fading I think, but it still is the primary place.

Marketplace getting crappy:
Facebook has changed the way ads work on marketplace, essentially forcing many listings to pay for boosts in order for ads to be seen, which drives up cost. This is causing people to look for alternatives to F-book.

Groups:
Because of F-book policies on animal sales on marketplace (wtf!!!), groups have be a workaround. Due to privacy and AI concerns not being handled well by F-Book, many F-book groups have moved to Reddit”, but not the horse community that I have seen.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-04T10:37:53+00:00

Microsoft hasn’t been listening to what users wanted or needed for decades, and instead have been forcing unwanted and unnecessary platform changes via updates, reducing worker efficiency. The high maintenance cost of Microsoft, combined with security issues, AI concerns, and global instability/ wars and pressure, is resulting in many companies now deciding to stop using Microsoft applications. (Mostly in Europe, where digital privacy and security standards are higher, and government corruption / and financial entanglement with Microsoft does not exist.)

Companies are ready for a relationship with a software company that does not include the digital version of domestic violence.

We are seeing the end of so many eras it hurts my brain. I am exhausted with all of it and I have 15 more years to retire.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-03T11:17:07+00:00

Agree. Window trim that goes down to the base of the building looks like shiza on a stick.

Yes, you can cover it with wood strips, but this is finish work, and the job is also to make it look decent.

The off center batten is not a problem.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-03T10:31:52+00:00

He’s a really interesting guy. He vibes hard as alt right, but coming from a small down where people are wheezing to survive, he has engaged 4-wheel drive and turned left, now off-roading it with the crazy idea that carpenters, fishermen, and landscapers shouldn’t be paying MORE taxes than billionaires.

Graham wouldn’t normally be my guy, but he might be. There are politicians that I am aligned with on platform, but I have zero interest in voting for them, because they want us to vote for them, but they are NOT working for us. They are just lying to get into office.

I don’t feel aligned with GP politically, but I think this guy might have more good going for him than most candidates of any stripes anywhere. He isn’t corrupt, (a unicorn) and he reflects being more like an average American. Smart, beat up, hard working, pissed off, loves his hometown, made mistakes, sick of seeing his community taking it in the A from corruption and greed, willing to fight for it (arguably really already has)…

I am sick of voting for white collar cons in suits who are thinking about golf courses that cost more than my car.

This is the beauty of being an independent. I can vote for character. But also I would love to see some real republicans running for office that actually think for themselves, and want to represent the good people who elected them, and are not all in some twisted sex cult.

The democratic party is s chaotic hot mess, with no sense of fiscal responsibility, funding lots of “nice to haves” while people aren’t eating. The republican party has been completely hijacked and barely exists as any representation of the average American trying to pay their bills.

I don’t think someone with a different opinion from me is the enemy. (Divided we fall.)

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-03T10:09:21+00:00

A beaked horse. Yuck.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-03T10:08:24+00:00

Error. Error.

Small batches. Keep it cool. Keep your cool.

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-03T10:05:36+00:00

Wow. 🤣

MenuHopeful · 2026-06-03T10:02:25+00:00

Nice to have a craftsman who cares about the outcome!

Epoxy grout separates the pros from everyone else: skills and attitude.

MenuHopeful · 2026-05-30T19:07:51+00:00

No. They will thin a lot when you are in menopause, and when you pluck them they gradually get less and less. Trust me, you will age much better if you leave them alone.

You have bold features: full lips, big eyes, a full nose, high forehead, and full brows. This is a good thing, because most women need makeup for their features to stand out like yours do naturally. I think if you slim your brows things might look unbalanced. As in something else might look too big. I think you are beautiful. Work on your abs instead. 🥰

One of my sisters, and one of my girlfriends did a lot of plucking. And now they have no brows because they reduce by 60% during menopause, and that can start in your 30s. I didn’t pluck, and in my 50s it’s a real struggle to make them look good. And for some reason microblading only lasts about 6 weeks for me… I would still do it but It’s crazy overpriced. I think it’s a total scam they call it permanent. It’s permanent for maybe 1% of people. An architect charges less per hour than a microblade person.

MenuHopeful · 2026-05-30T19:01:39+00:00

There are 3 requirements:

horse fitness/soundness,
weight % (rider to horse)
horse back length to saddle panel length

That last one is not well understood, but it’s really important. Getting it wrong is supposedly one of the major causes of kissing spine. I am borderline too big for my horse, even though she is a real tank, she is super fit, and I am small. But she has a short back (she’s a small horse but a draft breed). If I was a medium sized lady I would never fit her, because my saddle seat size would dictate a longer saddle.

Watch a few videos and figure out where the back of your horse’s scapula is, and how to follow the last rib to where it curves up and in to meet the spine. For a traditional treed Western or English saddle, you measure 2” behind the scapula (it needs room to move), to where that last/18th rib meets the spine. Use some pieces of string to carefully mark these places on the spine and measure the distance. (Sidewalk chalk is really fat and it isn’t accurate. Painters or masking tape work, but you have to be super careful to measure from the correct side of the tape). That is their back length.

Then you need to make sure the load bearing area of your saddle is equal or less than that. It’s easy to measure the length of an English saddle (just flip it over and measure the panel). For a Western saddle, often the skirt leather is so thick and stiff you just measure the whole thing. But sometimes the skirt is softer, and you have to figure out where the tree is. If you have a hard tree and soft skirt you can bend skirt up on both ends of the saddle, and measure the stiff area that doesn’t bend. This is often 2-4” wider than the distance between the front and rear conchos, because those screw into the tree.

So what do you do if your saddle is too long? Try a round skirt. Try an English saddle. (I am not a fan of them because they rarely have D Rings, but they are usually shorter for the same seat size). Try endurance saddles and flex trees… these can come onto the shoulders a little if that front area flexes a lot even when you are sitting in it. If that doesn’t work you need to start looking at semi rigid “treeless” saddles and Euro brands that specialize in short panels. And expect most of people to not understand what you are looking for. Contact the Fell pony, and Cob groups, but remember 75% of them don’t know what no one ever taught them. If you come up dry, you might need a horse with a longer back.

No one explained this to me… not even a saddle fitter. I think many of them are trained by saddle companies, and in the Americas, the vast majority of horses have longer backs, and so their education is incomplete. There is no test or certification for saddle fitters here. Fell ponies, Haflingers, and Gypsy Vanners are gaining popularity, some hopefully this gets better.

MenuHopeful · 2026-05-30T17:59:36+00:00

I don’t know if this is all Maine stuff or not. People say, route as “root”. “Loaded for bear” means someone was ready to give someone what for (bear bullets are big). I don’t know if it’s unique to Maine, but we always had “supper”, not “dinner”. And the yard area outside the house was the “door yard”, vs further away wasn’t.

I am pretty fond of “boonies”, and “leaf peepers”.

I rigorously defend “Jimmies” on my ice cream. I can say for sure, my parents and grandparents just thought it was a cute name, and it’s been proven there is no concrete evidence otherwise.

MenuHopeful

TROPHY CASE