Made by Harls

26/04/2025

When you can't choose between the chestnut tan or the brown bridle leather ... problem solved - this client just ordered both 😍

A quick change work bridle that takes you from fixing the fence line in the back paddock, to running a 90 at the draft ... and back again ... love making these.

$260 plus postage - https://fa5a4c-ff.myshopify.com/products/handmade-leather-work-bridle-quick-change-stainless-cart-buckles-straight-browband

26/04/2025

I have had a couple requests for brass/jew bronze hardware on bridles, particularly for the show ring. These are going to look amazing on a bridle ... especially the brown Chahin brown leather. It just pops, in a super classy way!

If you would love a MBH bridle but have been waiting for these, don't forget to order this week as my wait time is currently around 3 weeks!

Oh, and yes, I can also do matching breastplates so just message me. I will also add brass hardware as an option to the online store today at this link where the bridles are housed - https://fa5a4c-ff.myshopify.com/collections/reins-and-poppers-coming-in-january-2025

25/04/2025

I wake up to the best things ... a husband who is my greatest support and just wants to see this little venture succeed for me, a 4 yo in the middle (not every day, but last night he came in with his pillow so clearly he was staying lol), and a farm I love with horses I adore in the paddock ...

and messages like this!!

Thank you Lisa & Digby for sharing this picture and your kind words. I love that you love your MBH kersey saddle pads! Good luck at Nationals... you've got this!!

25/04/2025

Oh my goodness.. I am such an over sharer but check out these three exclusive MBH blanket pad designs that are being shipped to me next week!!

I designed these myself!!

Super exciting!!! If one takes your eye, let me know as I only had one of each made to see how they turned out!!!

25/04/2025

Because of them, we get to do what we love. Forever grateful.

25/04/2025

Oh no!! My Mothers Day Giveaway post has vanished into thin air and I know there were already a few comments on there... I am so sorry but we're going to have to start this party again (eekk!! please re-add your comments if you already entered as I don't have a list of those who did ... what a bungle!!)

Anyway, to enter to win this handmade leather notebook (gorgeous veg tanned leather and hide on the outside and pink kangaroo on the inside!!), make sure you do the following ...

1. Like the original post (if you're seeing it from a share or Instagram, head to the MBH page to enter)
2. Make sure you follow the MBH page
3. Comment as to why you'd like to win or who you would give it to (make sure you're a mum or they are, and yes, include step mums or someone who is a mother figure to you!)

Winner will be drawn on May 1 to allow time for me to post it out to you. I will notify the winner personally by private message and there will be no links to click or pages to visit so be careful of any scammers!!)

Good luck!!

25/04/2025

Lots of people ask me what oil I use to condition my leather. I just use good old neatsfoot oil (once it's clean of course - if it's not it's kinda like putting deodorant on when you're already sweating ... doesn't work and only rubs the dirt in deeper in my opinion). You do have to be careful that it doesn't darken leather and you need to follow the directions to make sure it's suitable for the leather you're using it on, so read the label and I always test it on an inconspicuous spot first!

I also use it before I send out any of my bridles or slobber straps, to make sure they've had a good first dose.

Oh and this triple layer bit hobble/curb strap was made for a client to match their Jeremiah Watt buckles on their bridle and is a 1/2 inch width, but I can also do these in a 5/8 inch size if you're wanting one - with a variety of buckles.

For the flash buckles like these and made from bridle leather, one will set you back $70 but if you're a matchy matchy person, it's a pretty neat addition that you'll have for a long time!

Grab one here - https://fa5a4c-ff.myshopify.com/products/bit-hobble-curb-strap

24/04/2025

Just going to park this one here as I'm not a shim fan either. Good explanation of why though. Follow Wendy's videos - she's got a tonne of knowledge!!

24/04/2025

Small increments matter with saddle pad thickness. I always go the thinnest one I can with my saddle.
Its a great analogy.. having shoes that fit and then putting thick socks on with them = shoes no longer fit.

24/04/2025

Story time ...

So this time last year I was preparing for the Willinga Park Gold Buckle Campdraft.

As you can see in the pic, I hadn't started MBH but proudly sported my Angus Barrett saddle pad ... yep I will always support others - there's room for all of us and we all have our niche (plus I don't own an embroidery machine so if you're wanting gorgeous embroidery, head there!)

This mare Heavenly Hank is campdrafting royalty. We bought her about 3 years ago and in January we retired her.. actually she retired herself - she layed down on the truck and promptly told us she was only getting up if she could live the good life in the paddock for the rest of her days. Which she is - and every morning I am thankful she's there - the fairy godmother of our paddock - our Queen.

Riding Heaven's was like having wings. You rode her long and soft, cause that's how she liked it, and she never once left you. A ferrari that was as safe as houses. This mare was the greatest horse I'd ever sat my bottom on and to this day I miss riding her. We are super lucky to have two of her c**t foals in our paddock ... and one on the way (yes, praying for a filly but thankful for whatever the old girl graces us with).

Anyway, it's that time again where I'm prepping for Willinga, but this time I'll be riding a new love, Cats Jackhammer. Jack is like the perfect husband (it's ok - Wade knows Jack is a close second to him 🤣) ... handsome, dependable, a worker and a downright superstar who's earned his stripes. I cannot wait to proudly ride him at such a spectacular event.

But ... see the little horse hair tassel in the second pic?? Well, I made it today ... it's a little piece of Heavens' tail, and will hang proudly on a bridle I'm making especially to ride Jack with in the Gold Buckle.

For some added wings 🥰

24/04/2025

I love this part... when something special, that I know you've saved for and worked hard to buy heads out the door, from me to you.

I appreciate you guys so much and never take any order for granted.

You could choose lots of brands.. choosing mine is humbling.

Thank you x

23/04/2025

When you're ordering something and you do a double take and realise that's your name and logo on the Mac-Lace Leather website, from when I ordered mine! That's a bit cool!!

23/04/2025

Just a little reminder to place orders early to get in the queue. I try to complete orders in the order they come in (except where items are pre-ordered and I am awaiting delivery of materials) and I know there are always some urgent orders which I always try my best to accommodate .. but we are heading to Willinga Park for the Gold Buckle Campdraft next month (wowsers - I can't actually believe we're heading into May!!) and this means I'll be off the machines for 6 days.

If you're wanting something pre-Willinga, please order this week and don't forget to allow time for postage.

Alternatively, if you are heading to WIllinga as well, need a new pad/bridle/reins etc and want to take advantage of free delivery to the event, use the code WILLINGA at the checkout to wipe postage costs off your order. But, you need to order by Sunday to guarantee I can get it done for you.

Happy Thursday!
Harls
x

23/04/2025

Another gorgeous MBH handmade bridle heading out to its new owner tomorrow.

This one is the chestnut leather, with Jeremiah Watt buckles and keepers, and quick-change bit ends.

It also has the flyveil built into the browband of the bridle - not only super flash, but built for purpose too!!

Shop these here - https://fa5a4c-ff.myshopify.com/products/handmade-leather-bridle-with-flyveil-browband

22/04/2025

A gorgeous dark brown work bridle with quick change bit ends ... just about to be oiled and head out the door.

I do love making bridles... there's something special about turning a slab of leather into a smooth little work of art. And the smell of first grade leather ... addictive :)

These can be ordered here - https://fa5a4c-ff.myshopify.com/products/handmade-leather-work-bridle-quick-change-stainless-cart-buckles-straight-browband

22/04/2025

What a combination!! .. I love my QHs and am very proud to see Wyatt Young Equine and Metallic Storm walk away with the MBH hair on hide trophy pad for highest scoring QH at the Sydney Royal Easter Show World Championship Campdraft.

Thanks to the Australian Quarter Horse Association for asking me to be part of the prize pool for such a prestigious award.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 Sydney Royal Easter Show 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝑯𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑸𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒔𝒆 was Metallic Storm ridden by Wyatt Young at Young!!

Presented with an AQHA Champions Sash & feature Made by Harls champions pad👌

🤝Big thank you to Rodneys Photography for this wonderful shot!!