Custom Horse Barding - Design Help??

[mmcb]

I've decided to dust off my original attempt at making a horse barding and see if I can finally get the thing finished off.

One thing that has plagued me is what to do with the front of the barding. So I have come up with 4 possible solutions and would like your help in determining which would be the most suitable design. Each have their pros and cons in both style and looks, but my main concern is with regards to head movement of the horse. Some designs allow full up and down movement, whilst others only allow partial movement.

Style 1:

Click for larger picture

Style 2:

Click for larger picture

Style 3:

Click for larger picture

Style 4:

Click for larger picture

You may notice that one style (Style 3) has the wavy edge. Once I finally get the final design worked out, I plan on offering both a flat edge and a wavy edge version. For now thoughm I just want to concentrate on the front of the barding.

Thanks for your help,
MMCB

[Sheen]

I like style 3 myself, wavy edge not-withstanding.

[Princess_C]

I really like design #4, which reminds me that I need to order from you again.

[Barbrickian]

I think 3 looks the nicest.

[Heir of Black Falcon]

I like them as well. Nice work! I think three is my favorite still.

Heir

[Lamanda2]

In agreement with the others, I have to say number three is my favorite, as it seems to be the most "polished" of them all. I'd most prefer my horses to be suited in that style.

These are very impressive, Mark.

~Amanda

[divonic]

I think I like 4 the best but I also like 3.

[Aliencat]

I would have to go for number 4. That's the best shape in my opinion, to me the only thing 3 has going for it is the wavy edge, but if you're going to make two versions with a wavy and straight edge anyway, I like the shape of 4 better.

[Kevin1990]

I like them all, they all have something wich you can do something sweet with.
maybe even lamanda can make some of these and design them with cloth :O

[mmcb]

maybe even lamanda can make some of these and design them with cloth :O

Umm, you do realise that I make my own fabric accessories!!?? I plan on offering these in 2 styles (straight edge and wavy edge), and with a number of designs applied to them.

My previous attempts at this can be seen here and here.

MMCB

[Lamanda2]

While number four has a great look, it seems as though it might limit the movement of the horse's head (and the concerning part of that would be if you moved the head past its limit, it could potentially harm the barding (or at least, I'd think it would)). But if it doesn't have any limits like that, I think it would be the wise choice.

~Amanda

[mmcb]

While number four has a great look, it seems as though it might limit the movement of the horse's head (and the concerning part of that would be if you moved the head past its limit, it could potentially harm the barding (or at least, I'd think it would)). But if it doesn't have any limits like that, I think it would be the wise choice.

~Amanda

#4 does limit the head movement. The head can move about 3/4 the way down before it hits the cross piece. Too much pressure on that part and it will distort the barding to the point of breaking up near the saddle.

I'm partial to #4 myself, but in terms of movement #3 is the best option I think....who knows, maybe I will produce both 3 and 4!!

MMCB

[Kevin1990]

maybe even lamanda can make some of these and design them with cloth :O

Umm, you do realise that I make my own fabric accessories!!?? I plan on offering these in 2 styles (straight edge and wavy edge), and with a number of designs applied to them.

My previous attempts at this can be seen here and here.

MMCB

I am sorry I didn't know that, I would love to see how everything turns out, why not just try them all?

[Blue Moon Knight]

I think #4 with the front-connector-bit moved down slightly would be better, though I'm not sure if you want to mod the designs any. I think you can probably scrap #'s 1 and 2, and focus on 3 and 4.

Three would probably be best for people who don't want posing restrictions, while four would be better for those who are more concerned with appearance.

My two cents.

[mmcb]

I think #4 with the front-connector-bit moved down slightly would be better, though I'm not sure if you want to mod the designs any.

Moving the front-connector down is possible, but it would only add a very small amount of extra movement (1mm at the most). In most cases, anything that goes across the front of a horse goes across the chest area. So if anything, it should be moved up to be more accurate. So I might as well leave it where it is.

I think you can probably scrap #'s 1 and 2, and focus on 3 and 4.

#3 seems to be everyones favourite (not only on here, but on other forums as well). I'm partial to #4 myself. But #1 and #2 are definately gone.

Three would probably be best for people who don't want posing restrictions, while four would be better for those who are more concerned with appearance.

I'm drawing to that conclusion myself. At this stage I'm thinking of offering both #3 and #4. Whilst it ends up being a bit more work for me, it does give people more options and variety. Which is always a good thing, isn't it

My two cents.

I'll refund you your two cents Thanks for your input.

MMCB