Western Bling In The Ring: Part I

Howdy ya’ll. So, as promised I am beginning a short series of Western Bling In The Ring articles that will be fun yet informative for anyone interested in knowing just a little more about the western show world. For Part I of these articles I am going to begin with the show halters. This is probably the smallest and simplest piece of tack that you need for the show ring, yet these bad boys can cost an outstanding amount of money depending upon how fancy and “blinged” out you desire to be. Here are a few examples of some of the craziest, most expensive, or in my opinion… just downright ugliest halters that are out there for purchase.

This Royal Silver Bar Halter is a very nice looking show halter. It is made out of very high quality bridle leather and is accented with hand engraved bright finished inca silver pieces. Priced at $66.95 this is an example of a more common and “down-to-earth” piece of tack that still looks very professional and presentable in the show ring for almost any western halter class.

This dark oil show halter is certainly more elaborate in the quantity and quality of silver pieces. For anyone who believes more is better… the price will definitely reflect your desire as this halter is priced at $259.99. While the silver buckles and plates along the side are indeed eye-catching with the gold tinted coloring, I personally find it unattractive and not a personal preference.

This Billy Royal Fort Worth Supreme Show Halter is definitely full of bling and glitz. The raised silver floral design is inlaid with blue stones and beaded edges that feature an intricate hand engraved Sterling Silver plated trim design mounted on the finest heavy weight, hand finished dark oil leather. Priced at $354.95 all I gotta say is… “it darn better be the finest!”

This Silver Royal Gold Texas Star Show Halter has its fair share of silver with the fancy gold stars. While it might not look quite as fancy and glamorous as the previous halters… the price declares otherwise, rolling in at $358.80.

This Billy Royal Texas Star Show Halter is covered in bling and sparkle. The raised silver stars and beaded design feature intricate hand engraved silver plated trim and are mounted to the finest heavy weight, hand finished, dark oil leather. The sterling silver plated glitz is very eye catching but the price will BLOW your mind. This pretty little number is valued at a whopping $720.00! YOUCH!!!

Well, Part I of Western Bling In The Ring has hopefully left ya’ll with a better idea of the western show world prices that many people are actually paying. Even for a lifelong horse owner like myself, I find these prices completely insane and crazy! What do ya’ll think? Where do you draw your price limit? Later Partner!