Does anyone use the beta-biothane bridles and halters? If so, how well do they hold up and do they take the abuse of a horse rubbing his head against the hitching post when tied. I like the idea of how easy they clean up and think maybe they would make good trailriding equipment, but would like some others input that has used them, before I purchase them.
Posted 2007-08-26 1:21 PM (#66489 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 489 Location: CA
I have the Zilco trail bridle and breast collar. I love them! I'm about to order the crupper. I don't know about the other brands, but the Zilco is great. I rinse and/or wipe them after riding and they're done.The one thing I would do differently is get the clip on bit hanger bridle instead of the regular 2-part halter/bridle. Other riders I see with that set-up have it easier than I do.
Posted 2007-08-26 5:14 PM (#66494 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 560 Location: Mena, AR
I have two beta bridles from two different companies, and I like them both. They have the bit hangers on them. I also have a set of beta reins and they are my favorite. Just swish them around in a bucket of water and they are ready for the next ride. I've had one bridle for a year and it looks brand new. I'm thinking about getting a beta breast collar to replace my leather one. I don't have any biothane tack.-Betty
Posted 2007-08-26 6:59 PM (#66502 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434 Location: Brooksville, Fl
I have used all 3 and I prefer the Zilco tack. I think it holds up a bit better than the beta as far as hole stretching goes. I have some beta halters and the holes get worn mutch easier than the Zilco does. The Zilco is also a bit lighter than the Beta. The biothane is ok but if the coating is breached, it tends to separate and I don't find it to be as pliable as the Zilco or Beta. The Zilco and Beta won't separate. I have Zilco harness, bridles, reins, halters and breastocollar. I actually prefer the two peice halter/bridle because if your horse sits back while tied and does manage to break something, at least you have your bridle left to ride home with, but that is a personal preference. Get your synthetic tack regardless of which you choose. You won't go back to cleaning any leather!
Oh, and you can dress yourself in some great colors too!
Posted 2007-08-27 7:18 AM (#66515 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Regular
Posts: 85
Try www.saddleupshop.com They sell a wonderful halter/bridle combo of beta-biothane tack. No clumbsy bit hangers, this bridle fits over the halter and has a cool relflective overlay if you get the diamond glow. I love mine, very easy to put on and easy to clean.
Posted 2007-08-27 9:06 AM (#66523 - in reply to #66515) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I've used a lot of this stuff over the years. It's popular with endurance and competitive trail riders. I've got one biothane bridle/headstall setup thats probably 10 years old and it's starting to show enough wear this year that I might replace it. But 10 years of hard use is pretty good life.
The Biothane breast collars seems to come apart a faster. They wear at the buckle where I tighten them. Once they wear through the coating, water and sweat get inside and they become unsightly. Reins and Headstall don't get adjusted as much and don't see the stress that a berast collar does. So they last longer.
Beta on the other hand, doesn't have the surface coating. So it seems to hold up better, feels more like real leather, but doesn't come in the assortment of colors that Biothane does.
Posted 2007-08-27 1:02 PM (#66556 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Elite Veteran
Posts: 781 Location: La Cygne, KS
I use Beta with a Biothane overlay. This give the beta a little more rigidity and holds up a longer on the buckle ends. I've ordered several sets from distance depot and tack a tack. One down side to the beta is it tears easier than the biothane. So if you get a rein stepped on or accidently pulled on a tree branch it tends to seperate or tear. But the beta reins are easier on your hands and feels more like leather than the biothane. It is light weight and I use it rainy days on the trail and also for hot sweaty days where I don't want my good leather headstalls to be covered in sweat and grime. It's true that you only have to dunk it in soapy water and it comes out looking like new.
Posted 2007-08-27 8:10 PM (#66590 - in reply to #66556) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434 Location: Brooksville, Fl
For Zilco tack try www.advancedequine.com Their site may reflect mostly driving stuff right now as they are on the road until October, but they carry a full line of riding equipment.
Posted 2007-08-29 8:17 PM (#66770 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 391 Location: Columbia, KY
I've used biothane tack (halter bridles, bridles, breast collars, reins) for close to 20 yrs and the beta biothane for at least 10. and they work great. only thing I wouldn't do is tie a horse w/ them. you can order several nice varieties from Teddy Landcaster at RunningBearFarms.com. reasonable prices and very quick shipping!
Posted 2007-08-29 11:52 PM (#66812 - in reply to #66478) Subject: RE: beta-biothane horse tack
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 385 Location: washington
I just started using beta tack and love it. I bought my stuff from Hought. I think they make all their stuff right there and you can special order for extra small or large horses.
beta-biothane horse tack
The one thing I would do differently is get the clip on bit hanger bridle instead of the regular 2-part halter/bridle. Other riders I see with that set-up have it easier than I do. 
