‘We Don’t Have Tack For That,’ Presented by ThinLine

A trendy New York design co. called Horse+Nail is making handbags out of bits and selling them for nearly a grand apiece.

While they’re a bargain compared to the designer horsey handbags we featured earlier this year in Part I (the top seller was a $8,700 purse by Gucci), it’s still a big stretch for a purse. Especially since we all know what happens to purses that belong to horsegirls:

Reader Amanda Braun, who sent us the tip about Horse+Nail, explains, “At first I thought her designs might be interesting. The price tag made my mouth drop.”

Better hold up your chin for this, Horse Nation:

“The Scout” by Horse+Nail: $845

“The Hackney” by Horse+Nail: $875

The Meghan by Horse+Nail: $960

The Morgan Bucket Bag by Horse+Nail: $760

The Rider Backpack by Horse+Nail: $875

The Lexington Clutch by Horse+Nail: $675

OK, that clutch is pretty cute, but for $695? No thanks. We consulted with Horse Nation’s Equestrian Lifestyle Editor, Horsenista, who responded with an emphatic NO as well: “If I’m going to spend $1,000 on leather… it ain’t gonna be on a handbag.”

Ever crafty, Horsenista suggests making your own version using this free “no-sew” pattern offered on Huckleberry Love. If you’ve got an old bit laying around the whole thing should set you back about $5. She walks us through the process:

The whole thing took me less than 15 minutes to complete. You simply cut an old pillowcase on the diagonal and hem the edges…

Then with a few clever folds here and there and some Stitch Witch ($5 at Walmart)…

Bada bing, new handbag!

I finished mine off by tying it together with an O-ring snaffle bit.  A craftier person could sew on buttons to hold the bit, but I simply knotted the pillowcase to the rings.

The possibilities for this design, though, are endless.  I think it would be super cute to try for a baby pad version.

And wouldn’t it be cool to make one from a race horse saddle towel?

 Now we’re talking!

ThinLine pads can’t stop you from dropping a grand on a purse that you could pretty much make yourself for $5, but they WILL keep you and your horse performing at your best. ThinLine pads use non-compression technology to dissipate impact and pressure, creating a more comfortable riding experience for you and your horse.

Check out ThinLine’s complete line of shock-absorbing saddle pads and other products for horse and rider, including saddles, horse boots, hoof pads, tack and more. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Go ThinLine, and Go Riding!