My Horsemanship Toolbox (tools I find useful and like to have available)
- Rein 'em in - Custom mohair tack
- I love the color, style, and size options! For showing in Cowboy Dressage I have gorgeous split reins and a neck rope that seconds as a get down rope.
- Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle
- This is a sidepull type bitless bridle. The design works well for still having control and finesse to communication. The regular model has really big buckles that get way too close to some horse's eyes. Even the black one (with smaller buckles) causes the cheek pieces to lift toward the eyes.
- Zilco Flower Hackamore
- I went with this style of hackamore because it is really adjustable and is a bitless option that can have varying levels of leverage.
- Crest Ridge Saddlery
- I had them come custom fit Zeke for a saddle and have loved it. We got a lite and it is synthetic in all the best places and leather in all the right places. The synthetic fenders are much nicer on my ankles and knees!
- Rose Lodge Yacht Braid Loop Reins
- I love these reins with the Justin Dun bitless bridle. Dan has a long neck and needs a longer loop rein than most that you can find. I work with Zeke with a lower headset a lot which also requires a longer loop rein. The feel and weight of these are really great and maintain a live contact even on a loose rein.
- Rockin' S Raised Snaffle
- I tried this bit after Iv's Glide Gait recommended it. This bit is a little unconventional (and not Cowboy Dressage legal), but Zeke loved it right away! Zeke chewed on it some in the beginning, but then really liked its design with the raised mouthpiece.
- SmartPak Lavender Utility Balm
- This is a lavender scented balm. I started using it when trailering after seeing a scientific research study showing that lavender scents calmed horses while trailering.
- Rhythm-n-Beads mane clip rhythm beads
- I've always wanted rhythm beads to help hear Zeke's gait and to have him hear it. I knew his head moved more than his neck and I wanted to be able to use them with a breastcollar, so I opted for the mane clips. She was really helpful in helping me custom order based on the rough idea I wanted. I also want them to make my presence known on the trail to other trail users, hunters, and cougars.
- Balanced Cinch by Anita Howe
- This is a rigging system that I use on Zeke. Many gaited horses do better in this double rigging (two cinches). Zeke's saddle fit and gaited improved after I switched to this style of cinch.
- Blocker Tie Ring
- I love this for tying to the trailer and in the trailer. It keeps the horse tied unless there is a lot of pressure, which under pressure it will let the rope pull through.
- Garmin inReach
- There isn't much reception where we ride around our barn. This uses a subscription, but uses satellite communication and live tracking. It helps me have peace of mind, and is a back up gps tracking option.
- Rail Raizers
- To help Zeke with his gait we do a lot of pole work and raised poles help even more. These are light weight and easy to use and stack for added height.