Dreamflite Design Studio Blog: Sally's Answer

Last week, Sally Whippet asked a question on the Frequently Asked Questions post. I didn't answer right away, because to answer properly I was going to have to hunt for something. Believe me, I hunted all over that silly hard drive and had myself pretty worried that the photos had gotten lost somewhere. I finally found them, though!

In 2007 or 2008, I was commissioned to create a portrait set for a custom Secretariat. This was a really fun, challenging project. I had done racing tack before, but never a hood. That took some thinking, trying, and trying again before I got it 'okay'. Looking back, I'm not happy with it and I'm pretty sure I wasn't happy with it then, either, but there's only so much you can do. Unfortunately, these pictures were taken before the saddle blanket was finished. What's on there now is a pad, the edge of which can just be seen in the reference photo.

And here's a slightly more recent racing set.

So, Sally, to answer your question: Yes, I do make racing tack!

11 comments:

Stephanie ClarkAugust 2, 2011 at 11:13 PM
I don't think it's that bad. I've never tried to make a hood; the idea just makes my head hurt right now. Well, actually that is probably because i just about fainted in the heat riding today, but I don't see me making one in the near future. Yours looks good, and you've got to remember that that was 3 or 4 years ago, and you've gotten way better since then and shouldn't compare stuff you make now to what you used to.
Sally WhippitAugust 3, 2011 at 12:46 AM
Amazing, the hood is awesome. Both sets and saddles look wonderful. What be the cost of something like the set on the chestnut horse?
Christine SutcliffeAugust 3, 2011 at 9:07 AM
Don't knock it, I think overall it's a really nice set! :D
Lovely SM in the first two photos too - beautiful shading!
The Demon's KatAugust 3, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Have you ever or would you ever make a harness? Either a draft type or a light harness. I made one for a traditional sized horse and I can not fathom doing it for a stablemate! Your attention to detail is amazing and I enjoy all your tutorials and all the tack you make it is amazing how much you can pack into such a small little saddle or bridle or accessory!
AnnaAugust 3, 2011 at 1:23 PM
Christine: I adore that horse. It kills me now to think that I painted white markings on an otherwise gorgeous OF that's a little on the hard side to find.
Sally: A racing set would cost somewhere around $65, with some wiggle room depending on what you wanted.
The Demon's Kat: I've started a harness, actually! I got bogged down when I couldn't find suitable reference photos. It's something I'd like to try again, but probably won't for a while.
Sally WhippitAugust 4, 2011 at 6:18 PM
Okay, cool, I'll have to work out what I want and then start saving for when your book reopen.
MadieAugust 7, 2011 at 7:29 PM
That is stunning!!!!
AnonymousAugust 10, 2011 at 10:58 PM
the first racing set it owned by me and has NAN Q'd. :) I have another picture or two on my custom if you want to see it.

Jessica Sneeringer
AnnaAugust 11, 2011 at 7:37 AM
Thank you, Jessica! Its great to fill in some of the blanks from this period, since I didn't keep very good records. I would LOVE to see photos of it on your custom! Would you mind if I added them to this post?
AnonymousAugust 11, 2011 at 11:35 PM
I'll email you!

Jessica Sneeringer
GracieAugust 25, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Wow I love all of those sets... and thoroughly admire your hood :) I have been trying to make one to go with a mule racing set... and have failed miserably every single attempt. I'm getting there though! It's good to know that it's at least possible!
The set on the chestnut at the end is my favorite. Very classy looking :)