Bitless Bridles

I just got a Dr. Cooks Bitless Bridle (BB). In fact, I now have two. Actually three but the first one-not a Dr. Cooks-was a raging disappointment. If you go BB-don't be a cheapskate becasue not all of them are as designed as well and are therefore not as functional.

My percheron really does not do well with bits. He panics, is hard to tack and will really take off, even with a light hand. I finally figured out it is fear and pain. A bit does not make him "listen". It sends him into an out of control frenzy. he has really taught me a lesson about all horses and bits. There really is a better way.

I first came across the notion when I was using a rope halter during farrier visits. It worked fine and he behaved better. So, next, I tired an inexpensive BB. I did not like the design. It did not take advantage of pressure points. While at Equine Affaire, I purchased a Dr. Cooks. Carole and the staff at Dr. Cooks are very helpful. I have used the BB to lunge and do ground work with. Its great. Good enough that I bought a smaller one to accommodate my Haflingers. They do just fine with it. Of course Halfingers do just fine with about anything! The trick with them is to get them to go forward at all! So yeah... a BB is really a great option!!

My next trick is to use it with a friends horse that insists on head dropping and banging herself in the mouth with a bit.

I'll keep you posted!

Glycerin Soap

Winter days are made for tack and harness cleaning. One of the most useful things to have in ones tack room is glycerin soap. I've used everything and for the price, this is clearly the best value. Far superior to generic saddle soap, glycerin is great on old and new leathers and leaves the kind of fine luster we all strive for.

Depending on the condition of your leather, this treatment may be all you need!

Back to Tack

I've been away from this blog for awhile. Winter is here and I am back on track. Well, back on track with things that cannot be done outside! In the interim, I have created another blog about a misunderstood Percheron and his pasture mates. Actually, it is a lot about our journey and how we are using our limited resources to become better selves.

Here, I must stick to tack. I will, on occasion talk about other equipment because we are working with some different approaches to foot care and I am also in search of the best that equine products have to offer (always at the best price).

No, this is not about cheap. This is about what works and what gives us the best bang for our buck.

NEWS:


While away from the blog, I have made several purchases that are at least interesting, if not exciting.

1) A two toned Albion Dressage Saddle. Ebay. What can I say. I got the lovely , older saddle for $200.00 Not only did the two toned effect look great on my Bay Arabian but it fit him like it was made for him. so exciting. I can't say enough about the comfort. I still like my used county a little better (just a teeny little bit) as it gives me a little more freedom. I think seat on a saddle is a matter of taste. Some want to be placed in position and some of us want a little more freedom. I do prefer a deep seat though. Albion really caters to a wider, flat backed horse so that is a real advantage for me. For you thoroughbred folks...maybe not so much.

2) I got a marked down Weaver black snaffle bridle for Mick the Giant.  Again, EBAY! Weaver truly knows how to make Draft sized tack and their product is superior for the price. Really nice quality.

3) I got a bitless bridle for Mick the Giant. He does well with rope halters (the pressure points give him a necessary message) so I thought I would try bitless. Do not scrimp as I did as I am so sorry. Get a Dr. Cook. it is the only one that is engineered to handle the pressure correctly.

There are other things I want to share but...

Another day, Another blog.

Stay Warm!