I was at a show awhile back, and walked up to help two ladies who were shopping in our booth. They were pleasant and we were discussing what colors would look good on her new horse. A few minutes into the conversation one of the ladies informs her friend that while it's pretty, she shouldn't buy this "fancy" tack as it weighs way too much and will slow her horse down. I politely informed her that it actually doesn't weigh as much as you might think, and began going into detail about the approximate weight of the style tack her friend was interested in, to which she interrupts me to argue that the weights I'm quoting are " less then half what it actually weighs".
O.k., let's pause here.
To paint an accurate picture, I feel it's necessary to inform you that both of these lovely ladies had wintered quite well, and were at no risk of shopping in the Petite section anytime soon. Had the subject of the conversation not revolved around weight I would not feel compelled to share this, but since it does I think it's imperative.
About the third time she interrupted me, and basically told me I was lying, I decided it was best to just walk away and help another customer as it was clear I wasn't going to win this one.
But here's what stuck with me.
I wasn't lying, or exaggerating, or being shady in any way. I know what this stuff weighs. I'm generally the one to box and ship all orders, as I like to be the final set of eyes that goes over things before they leave and make sure they're perfect. (So if your next order isn't right you now know who to address your hate mail to). But for the sake of argument, let's say I was being a shyster and fabricating low weights.
I should also add that I am guilty of this practice in other circumstances, such as at the DMV when re-newing my Driver's License and they ask if my weight is still 120. I immediately suck in my belly and nod my head, praying they don't ask me to step on a scale. But, really? How likely is it that my weight is the same as it was when I was 16? Does anyone fess up with their actual weight? I like to think NO, and will continue lying through my teeth until they force me onto said scale.
Anyhow, I wasn't trying to dupe anyone here, and it just seemed like such a contradiction that this ample woman was so concerned about a few pounds of tack when her horse was already carrying a substantial load. God Bless them for being barrel racers, but really ladies? Could you not see how illogical your argument really is? I'm pretty sure that what's "slowing your horse down" has little to do with the tack you use. Just sayin.
For those of you that are curious as to what your tack does weigh, here's a few examples of the (aproximate) MAXIMUM possible weight of some of our items:
Browband Headstall: 1.6 lbs.
Single Ear Headstall: 1 lbs.
Scalloped Breast Collar: 2.5 lbs.
Dali Breast Collar: 2.5 lbs.
Picasso Breast Collar: 1.2 lbs.
Matisse Breast Collar: 2.5 lbs.
Van Gogh Breast Collar: 3 lbs.
To put it in perspective, the few pounds of tack your horse packs is similar to the weight of a wrist watch to a person. You get my point?
That being said, I'm off to grab a burger and fries for lunch. Don't judge, I ride a big horse.
Until next time ~ Jess