JC Javelle Report post Posted August 12, 2011 Okay, so the barn I take riding lessons at hosts its own open shows, and there is one the Friday before Halloween. My instructor, barn owner, and myself were at Cracker Barrel for lunch. We were browsing through the store, and they had a whole bunch of Halloween stuff out, including some super cute and overly glittery masquerade set ups (mask complete with sequins and feathers, matching hats complete with veils, etc). Now, the horse oriented women we are, we start going off about how cute that red hat would look great on that mare, and the green one on the gelding, and the violet one on that stallion, and so on. Well, we start talking about Halloween get ups between riders and their horses and having a competition or what you will call it at the show.... so on and so forth. Now, with my recent fascination with leather... why would I spend some 20 bucks on a cheap mask with the fake diamonds falling off when I can make my own? And why not make a mask for the horse I ride as well? I believe they are called Shaffrons (correct me if I am wrong, pictures aren't mine), and this is what they look like: It's horse armor! I think it's a cool idea. How I am going to get Champ to sit still while I wet mold this to his face....? I dunno yet. I'll tackle that when I get there. He is usually patient with me. Now... here's where I ask for the boards input. What weight do you suggest the leather to be? And presumably, I would attach this to his bridle, so any suggestions there would be appreciated as well. First idea that comes to mind is maybe having some straps that buckle around the bridle (similar to how the throat latch and chin strap are buckled), but I am not sure how well that would work either. So suggestions! Please! If I think I have the courage to, I would like to do a matching breastplate (a piece that attaches to the front of the saddle by d-rings and straps across the chest, and down between the front legs to attach to the girth by a d-ring) as well. So suggestions for leather weight for a breastplate, please. A masquerade mask for me, a Shaffron, and (maybe) a breastplate. I'm not big on tooling, but I might work something simple out for this project. And two months for this idea to come to fruit. It feels like a mountain of work I don't understand in front of me, but I am excited by the prospect! Thank you! Jessica PS a long winded post, cookies to who reads it all! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
radar67 Report post Posted August 12, 2011 Attach it to the harness with line 24 snaps. I would use 10/12 leather for that project. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JC Javelle Report post Posted August 12, 2011 Attach it to the harness with line 24 snaps. I would use 10/12 leather for that project. What are line 24 snaps? And a weight that thick, really? Honestly, I was expecting maybe a 7/8 weight leather, but I will check out a 10/12 if you think so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
radar67 Report post Posted August 12, 2011 Here is a link to the snaps, http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/search/searchresults/3631-00.aspx I like 10/12 for anything in the armor class, the 7/8 would work. Just my preference. I wouldn't go buy leather I would not be able to use if I already had something on hand that would work. With the snaps, be sure of the thicknesses, the line 24 is for 8/10 leather, the line 20 is for 5/7 leather. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nooj Report post Posted September 30, 2011 I have no idea how to help you- but I just wanted to say I think it's a cool concept :-) I hope you post your pictures of what you come up with (for you and the horse) and I wish ya luck! I agree with radar's comment about the snaps for the shaffron, and the leather weight- it would be simple to apply to an existing bridle. As far as thickness, if you have something like 5/6oz you could bond two pieces flesh side to flesh side and it would be nice and sturdy- plus, finished looking on both sides; as opposed to using single layer leather of similar thickness. As long as it is sturdy enough to hold it's intended shape, then it's thick enough (especially for show/costume... armor may be a different story). Nooj Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wareagle Report post Posted September 30, 2011 6/7 would work fine for the idea you are trying, and like the idea of 2 4/5 leather glued back to back for a more finished look Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aurelie Report post Posted September 30, 2011 Yup great idea! hum, as for me i would just put some oval holes with a punch on the sides to allow bridle to come through the mask or use some snaps as said... depending on how you want it to look finished good luck and post some pics when finished! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
