Tack and Gear
Whether you've just started riding Western or are adding to your Western tack collection, choosing the right equipment for you and your horse can be daunting. Learn from Bud Lyon, Brad Barkemeyer, Amberley Snyder, Al Dunning, and Ken McNabb on the best western horse training tack and gear to keep safe while working with your horse.
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Is Your Horse a Hackamore Horse?
Just because you ride your horse in a hackamore doesn't necessarily mean he's a hackamore horse. Learn what Brad Barkemeyer is looking for when he finds his next hackamore horse.
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Learning From Mistakes in the Hackamore
Brad Barkemeyer talks about learning from your mistakes when you're first starting to ride your horse in a hackamore.
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Collecting a Horse in the Hackamore
Collection in the hackamore is a little different than it is in a snaffle bit or shank bit. Brad Barkemeyer goes over how to gain collection using a hackamore.
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Basics of the Hackamore
Brad Barkemeyer goes over the basics of riding in a hackamore.
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Romal Reins
Bud Lyon discusses different types of romal reins.
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Why Does He Play With His Bit?
Does your horse play with his bit? Brad Barkemeyer offers his advice on what kind of bit to try.
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How to Choose Cinch & Proper Cinch Adjustment
Learn the different types of cinches from Brad Barkemeyer and how to properly adjust a cinch when you're preparing to ride.
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Leg Protection: Front Boots
Know when to use leg protection on your horse and learn how to properly use front sport boots with help from Brad Barkemeyer.
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Kick Off Those Boots
Brad Barkemeyer gives riders a tip on when to remove their horse's exercise boots.
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Leg Protection: Rear Boots
Sometimes you need to use back sport boots on your horse. Brad Barkemeyer breaks down when to use back boots and how to properly place them on your horse's legs.
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How to Choose a Saddle Pad
In the market for a new saddle pad? Ryan Rushing gives his preferences for choosing the right saddle pad.
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Clean Your Tack
Brad Barkemeyer shares why he likes a clean cinch and why cleaning your tack is so important to a safe ride.
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Curb Strap Adjustment
How should your curb strap fit? Brad Barkemeyer talks through how to adjust for leather and chain curb straps.
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3 Things a Saddle Pad Must Do
Ken McNabb explains why a good saddle pad is critical to your tack's fit.
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Bits: Correction Bit
Bud Lyon discusses the next step in bit progression: a shank snaffle or correction bit.
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Bits: Training Hackamore
Bud Lyon answers questions about using a hackamore in his horse training program.
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Bits: Spade Bit and Curb Straps
What kind of bit should you use on a seasoned horse? Bud Lyon discusses spade bits and how they can be used with other pieces of tack, including curb straps.
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Bits: Smooth Snaffle
Bud Lyon talks through when he starts a young horse in a snaffle and what he likes in a good snaffle.
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Bit Problem or Dental Problem?
Do you have trouble finding a bit your horse likes? The bit may not be the issue. Brad Barkemeyer shares his recommendations.
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Bits: Solid Port Bit
Bud Lyon talks about bits for horses who are past the correction phase and what different port sizes can be used for.
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What's a Bit's Purchase?
Brad Barkemeyer discusses what a bit's purchase is and explains how leverage is applied.
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When to Change Your Horse's Bridle and Why
Brad Barkemeyer explains why he has a different bit/bridle set-up for each horse. He explains why he does this to avoid "riding the brakes" and making sure each bridle is fitted properly to match each horse's unique pressure points.
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Why Does He Play With His Bit?
Brad Barkemeyer explains what to change if your horse plays with the bit. He suggest a different type of bit and tack adjustments in this Q&A.
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Picking Out the Right Cinch
Learn what Ryan Rushing looks for when he's picking out what kind of cinch he wants to use with his horse.