What color looks best on a chestnut mare?

Question

I am looking for new English tack for my chestnut mare and I don't know whether to go with Havana brown or black. What color would you chose and why? I am leaning towards black but I don't know. She has a large white blaze on her face and a partial hind sock. More than likely it would be covered with polo wraps anyways.

Answer 1

Black would contrast beautifully with the chestnut coat color. Especially when she is groomed till she shines. Black is classic, and sophisticated.

Answer 2

Hobby Horse, a company that makes show outfits, has a color wheel that suggest various colors.. They have done a lot of research on this.
As far as english tack goes,, Colors can be disipline specific... I could not imagine riding a dressage test in any thing but black,,, But for a hunt horse I would go with the Havana brown.. I think a peach pastel blouse would look ok,,
You will want a pleasant transition from your hair color to the horse, nothing that stands out to daringly.

Answer 3

I think the havana brown would be the better choice. It would complement her coat, and most English saddles are traditionally brown (with the exception of synthetics and dressage).

I personally like a hunter green saddle pad with the brown tack on a chestnut horse! It is classic and looks good! You could get hunter green polo wraps to match the saddle pad!

Answer 4

Chestnuts should always have brown tack for the most part. Everyone in dressage uses black saddles, so no question there, but otherwise only bays and greys can get away with a black saddle - chestnuts and black horses should stick to a dark brown.

Answer 5

It depends on weather or not you are showing. If you are going to show in hunt seat classes you need a brown saddle, Havana would look best And your bridlework should match too. Black usually is reserved for dressage, and usually better quality English saddle makers do not dye their leather black, as it will transfer on to breeches and pads especially on soft leather. Don't forget that different brands of saddles come in different shades of colors and natural leather will absorb color differently, so shades will vary. It is best to blend with your horse, not contrast as it will create a funny picture when mounted, if you do not show however, then it does not matter what color you choose as long as it is a quality saddle that fits properly. Good Luck

Answer 6

The horse I ride is a chestnut too and she looks stunning with brown or black tack but like you, I also prefer black because it looks more professional so i say go for black.

Answer 7

I would go with the Havana brown. That is most prevalent in English classes. I see black in Dressage the most.

Answer 8

I think the black.. it is a stronger contrast to her chestnut color.
Black looks great w/ the new lime green or purple pads and other color coordinated tack!

Answer 9

i'd say the havana brown. like everyone else has said, black is seen mostly in dressage.

Answer 10

I suggest black, looks the best on chesnut color, makes them stand out more.