Is Synthetic Tack More Animal-Friendly?

Image from ccdoh1

Perhaps it is ironic that anyone who wants to ride a horse would swear off of animal products altogether. But research shows me that there are some equestrian vegans & vegetarians out there who want to find non-leather tack options.

My question is this, I understand why you don’t want to use leather, but are synthetic products really better?

Not Very Natural

Synthetic products are generally made from chemicals & petroleum which come from big chemical & petroleum companies. Chances are these companies pollute ecosystems, and destroy the habitat of whole species. Just because it’s not made from animals doesn’t mean it is animal or earth friendly.

The Big Picture

Carbon fiber requires noxious chemicals & resins in its setting process and nylon & polyester are made entirely of chemicals.

Image from marinephotobank

Regardless of the effects of these things on you and your animal personally, the footprint you leave by supporting them is ensuring a much grimmer future for animals in general.

I’ve been doing quite a bit of research into animal and earth-friendly products and the more I read about the synthetic stuff the less inclined I will be to use them…ever.

What IS The Right Choice?

I realize this is just a part of a dilemma that vegans & vegetarians face on a daily basis, and it’s one I’m sympathetic to. I’m not ready to go vegan, but I’m working towards a more natural life.

So I will continue to comb the web for good sources, whether it is for natural fly spray, GM-free feed, or even a great vegan shoe store. Just remember that some of the synthetic products that replace leather can have devastating effects too.

For Now…

Start by avoiding products that utilize ingredients which contribute to the slaughter of animals (like many fabric softener brands). Here is a list of animal-friendly fabric softeners.