Gaited Horse Training : Horse Classifieds : Gaited Horses : Online Magazine

Photo of Hátið frá Garði1by Dea Vemming Icelandic Issue September 2009

GOING Gaited

ONLINE

When the going gets rough... go gaited!

MAGAZINE

f o r g a i t e d h o r s e e n t h u s i a s t s

Saddles/tack

Brenda Imus Saddle

Bits

CTK/Sycamore Creek Saddle
Crest Ridge Saddlery

National Bridle Bareback Pad
Rebecca Underwood Treeless Saddle/(Softride Treeless Saddle)

Trekker Endurance Saddle

Trekker Treeless Pro Endurance

Wintec Saddle

Products (by name)

Absorbine Ultrashield EX

Andis rechargeable trimmer

Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle

Easy Boots

Fuzzy Logic Ready To Ride Boot-Cut Riding Pants

Ground Control Horseshoes (plastic)

Sunflower Sunscreen

Thrush Buster

Products (used for..)

Bot egg removal

Bug bites

Desqueaking saddles

Fly Control

Hoof Bacteria

Mane/Tail care

Proud flesh

Rain Rot

Saddle conditioning

Sheath cleaning

Sweet Itch

Thrush

Ticks

Treats

email your review for a new product or any product below to editor@goinggaited.com

HORSE TACK/PRODUCT REVIEW

Saddles/tack

Brenda Imus Saddle - I have found that the Imus saddle allows for superior freedom of movement for the horse. The workmanship is excellent and highest quality. GREAT looking saddle. I did find that the flex tree was a bit bouncy, but then that's a result of the purpose of the construction- movement. Compared to old-timer saddles, this saddle is comfortable for your behind as well as for your ankles and knees. Worth the money? Yes.

another review:

I absolutely love this saddle. I have always had terrible knee pain while riding. This saddle eliminates that problem. I have also experienced a back injury and before buying the Imus saddle couldn't ride more than a couple of hours because of the pain. Since, I have been riding in the Imus saddle, I can ride all day and free of back pain. I also appreciate the light weight of the Imus.

weblink: http://www.gaitsofgold.net/content/view/192/237/

another :

I own two of the Imus saddles. I love the rigging but these saddles are not a one size fits all. We have a non stop problem with them slipping over to one side. This a problem when the horses are different sizes. One has a wider back then the other one. Both gaited Rocky Mountain horses and we've used them on our Tennessee Walkers. Still the same problem. I know we're cincing them up correctly and using the non slip saddle pads. Now we have to use a stepping block to mount up so getting off on mid trail to tighten up is not an option. I've had to saddle them up and ride them around and head back to the barn and tighten them up again just so I'll be sure the saddle is in place. We always make certain we stay centered in the saddle for the horse's comfort. We do have to twist in the saddle to look behind us during our rides, so having that saddle snug but not too tight is very important. My farrier was telling us that his saddle's tree is so well made it fits snug and he rides without the girth drawn up tight. He rides with it loose & does target shooting, so I know he's got one terrific saddle! That was a big investment on the Imus saddles only to have them slipping and sliding about. I'd love to sell them and go with a brand that has a better tree built in. The two things I do like is the three way rigging and the look of the saddles but that's it.

yet another:

I have both the Western and Endurance models. The Western is a standard tree and the Endurance is a wide tree. I love both of them. The leather is the highest quality and holds up well over time. I've had my Western saddle for over 4 years now and it's in great condition. Just some minor cosmetic defects that are my fault! The supracor padding is incredibly comfortable on trails. My butt still gets sore, I won't lie, but it takes much longer in the 4-Beat saddle. The Endurance saddle has the stirrup leathers twisted just so allowing the stirrups to sit in a forward riding position instead of parallel to the saddle, which I love. My knees have never felt better after a long ride. I even use my 4-Beat on my thoroughbred and it's perfect for him too!

Brenda Imus Bits - The ICB does everything it is made to do. Encourages horse to drop his head with plenty of pinchless tongue relief. Worth the money? Absolutely

another review:

I love the Imus Comfort Bit. This bit is wonderfully made and achieves everything that is desired in a gaited horse as well as a quarter horse. I used this bit on my western pleasure QH and it worked wonderfully. I would recommend this bit to anyone riding any breed of horse.

weblink: http://www.gaitsofgold.net/content/view/193/241/

My TWH went from trotting in a snaffle bit to a nice running walk and rack as soon as I put the bit in his mouth. The horse has become a gaiting machine. The one drawback I am experiencing with the bit is that it has gotten corrosion (rust) on the rings of the shanks where the bridle, chain strap, and reins attach. When I posted what is happening with my bit on the Gaits of Gold messageboard I was told by the owner that the rusting of the bit was impossible and the posting of the problem was then removed from the board.

Jim

CTK/Sycamore Creek Saddle- I found this company online after weeks of searching for specific things: a high qualty saddle with individually wrapped panels (like an english saddle but with more coverage) that would fit a short-backed horse. It had to be relatively lightweight, comfortable, and reasonably priced. Did I find it all? Oh yea. And customer service is outstanding. I now have 3 of these saddles (a TA0005-A, a TFS003 GSV001-A, and will buy another when needed. Did I mention that they are custom made to your horse's wither tracing? Yep, they are.

weblink: http://www.sycamorecreeksaddles.com/

Crest Ridge Saddlery-I know you probably have many people send in what they use and course its always THE best..!! We purchased 2 saddles from Crest Ridge saddlery and we love them. Give them a look if you have a chance. They specialize in gaited saddles.
The link is http://www.crestridgesaddlery.com/
PS: We purchased 2 horses from Laura Kidder this past spring. We love them. The experience was and is still very positive.
-Ron

another for Crest Ridge: The Delzar (custom High Prairie) (click here for photo)

Crest Ridge Saddlery

After searching high and low for a saddle company to custom build me a saddle, I entrusted Debra of Crest Ridge Saddlery with this daunting task. We spent hours on the phone going over exactly what I wanted. We email pictures back and forth. When we finally got started, I was pretty sure that Debra knew exactly what I wanted. I wanted something that was built especially for me. Something that is not floating around everywhere.

During the construction process, Debra sent me pics of the saddle being built. I would ask if she would change this, or do that. Debra in turn would say "I don't like this or maybe we should try this." About 6 weeks later, what I received from Debra was far beyond what I expected. It turned out awesome!!!!!

First and foremost, the saddle "FITS" many of the horse on our farm and is the most comfortable saddle I have ever sat my a** in. I give props to Crest Ridge Saddlery. High Quality Leather, Workmanship, Customer Service is all 5 stars!! Thank you Debra you have made my saddle dreams come true, I could not have asked for a nicer custom saddle! Also, thank you Amon, for using your skills to hand craft me such a beautiful saddle.

Sincerely,

Lance Deloria

Delzarfarm.com

National Bridle English Bareback Pad (Product Code 1-6427)- I love this pad. It has waffle weave on the underside of the pad and girth that keeps it in place-I’ve never had a problem with slipping or rubbing. The suede on the top provides excellent grip when cantering and the pad is thick enough that it makes bareback riding much more comfortable (especially on my high-withered horse). I have used this pad consistently for a year now and it really shows no signs of wear and tear. It’s a breeze to clean up, too. It costs about 70 dollars and is in my opinion worth every penny (I use it almost as much as my saddle).

Rebecca Underwood Treeless Saddle/Softride Treeless Saddle - I LOVE this saddle!
Rebecca's are a bit different from other treeless. One of the things that is different is that, at first, they seem bulky and clunky because they are "formed" and have a semi-rigidity that many treeless saddles don't have. It takes about 2-3 hrs to break in. It is extremely comfortable. I have a little SSH with a weird comformation - after trying approx 50 trees, treed saddles, and tree forms, the closest fit for him was with a Peruvian Paso saddle. But, not close enough. That's why I went treeless with him. When I was keeping track, we were averaging 100 miles a month in that saddle. I stopped counting after I rode 3000 miles in that saddle on that horse. The horse loves the saddle. I have had friends who are anti-treeless being very skeptical and after palpating his back themselves after a long day's ride, they were convinced he wasn't the least bit sore.
They hold up extremely well and are very comfortable. Mine is still in excellent shape with many many more miles left in it.
My saddle came with the hooded stirrups and I love them and would definitely get those again.

What I don't like: I don't like the naughahyde breaststrap and girth. I replaced those on mine with Toklat fleece. That is just personal preference - but I prefer the "Y" style breastcollar and fleece girth.. And, I prefer the natural materials.
Also, Rebecca doesn't recommend using a pad under them, but I have used a 3/8" wool (Sharon Saare) pad under the saddle to keep the underside clean and just for a little extra padding underneath. If a person did opt to use a pad, I would use something 1/4"-1/2" at the *most* and if using anything over 1/4", I would use one with a spine channel. I would definitely not use anything over 1/2" thick. It is unnecessary and may cause the saddle to not ride properly. I have checked the weight distribution several times with the Port Lewis Saddle Fit pad and the distribution is awesome. Also, the way they are "formed", there is no appreciable weight on the spine. The saddle sits you in a nice balanced position. My horse gaits perfectly in it and my knees are never sore! Also, I think I have very pronounced seatbones and have had great difficulty riding many treed saddles. My seatbones absolutely never hurt in this saddle but it is sturdy enough that my seatbones also don't affect the horse. Even though they are very sturdy, they are also very light. I prefer the Aussie style because if you need to grab the grab strap at the front, there is nothing in your way, making it easier to access quickly.

The saddle doesn't slip with mounting provided you are a decent mounter. I think any saddle will slip some if you are a heavy rider *and* not a very good mounter. On the other hand, you can be heavy, have a slippy saddle, and be a good mounter and not have any trouble at all. I've never had a problem with the saddle slipping. That said, I pretty much always use a mounting block.
Overall, I think these are great saddles, and I would highly recommend them!

Trekker Saddle - I have tried the original Trekker and have had two of them. Loved each of them. Very, very comfortable. That being said, I tried them before I learned about the importance of collection when riding your horse, gaited or trotting. The Trekker saddles have a bit of a rock to the bars, and will fit a more narrow horse (like an Arabian) with a bit of a curve to his back and if you never plan on collecting your horse, this saddle would be perfect. If you are intent on being a better rider and eventually learning to collect your horse, this saddle is not conducive to collection. At all (picture trying to balance an orange on top of another orange). I've also tried the King manufactured version of the Trekker synthetic saddle and the tree was twisted.

weblink: http://www.fourwinds.net/esadcat/jtas7521.html

Trekker Treeless Pro Endurance Saddle - I have been trying a Trekker pro endurance saddle. This is my first time in a treeless saddle and it is different than most because it has foam panels underneath that you can adjust to fit your horses back. The pommel adjusts also for narrow or wide horses. I am short with fat thighs and I figured my legs would feel spread apart but no way. It feels like it has a more narrow tree than my Steele. I can feel Divas every move in it too. I rode in it and changed to my Steele and wow; the treeless is so much more comfy. She didnt spook while I was in it but I really like the feel of it and felt like it was well balanced. I think I am going to keep it. It was so light weight I threw it on her with one hand which is a plus. When I got down,[my dismount is not a pretty sight]this saddle did not slide. If you tighten it up good before you mount then the saddle pretty much stays right there. I was impressed. I always said I would never ride treeless but I think I changed my mind. click here for photo

Wintec Saddle- I've got a Wintec Youth All Rounder Saddle. Holds up to weather and bunches of abuse. The bars are not very padded and it doesn't have a place for a back cinch, so tends to pop up in the back if you lean forwards, but it's economical, lightweight, and nearly indestructible. For a guest saddle in available sizes that fit a wide variety of horses, it's a winner.

weblink: http://www.horse.com/Wintec-All-Rounder-Western-Saddle-Full-Quarter-Horse-Bars-WKS02.html

Products (by name)

Absorbine Ultrashield EX fly spray- Well, it works the best of everything I've tried so far. It does a LOT better than Bronco, Endure and Tritech.

Andis Rechargeable Trimmer- This trimmer was ideal for me because it was not supposed to over charge. I used it about 10 times, held it's charge great each time. Did two horses before it pooped out. Didn't use it for a couple of weeks, and the charge won't hold now. The blades are also too dull to use. Would not purchase it again.

weblink: http://www.marystack.com/aaaaaaabne.html

Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle - I have used this on several horses and it's a great concept. The only thing I needed to overcome when I used it for an extended period of time, is that it does not encourage a good headset and you need to keep refreshing your horse's lessons with that. Otherwise, it's great.

Easy Boots - I have used the easy boots and without the gaiters attached- they do come off easily. Especially if your horse overreaches at all, they will pop the front ones off with their back hoofs. I attached the gaiters and have had no more problems with them coming off. I would recommend buying them with the gaiters to begin with because purchasing the boot and gaiters separately cost more and it was a real job to attach them myself.

Fuzzy Logic Ready-to-ride Boot Cut Riding Pants - UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME!!! You can buy from the ones in stock, or you can choose made-to-order from your own body measurements. These pants are comfortable beyond compare. I get compliments on them every time I wear them, which is OFTEN. As a matter of fact, I wear them several times a week. They're as comfortable as your favorite pair of sweatpants and I find myself wearing them outside and then keeping them on when I come inside. I fully expect to eventually have these in a variety of colors and fabric weight! GREAT product! www.fuzzylogicequine.com

Ground Control Horse Shoes- (plastic horseshoes) - GREAT product. They are durable (can be re-used up to 3 shoeings), are flexible (allow horse's hooves to grow as if they were barefoot) and protect the hoof better than if they were barefoot. We love them!

weblink: http://www.plastichorseshoes.com/GCintro.html

Sunflower Sunscreen - I have used this all over my horses- from mane to tail- once a day, and it protects against sun damage/sunburn/sunbleaching. AWESOME product!

weblink: http://www.stagecoachwest.com/productDetail.asp?id=24645&md=d&mode=showDetail

Thrush Buster (available through several vendors, ~12 dollars) -I liked this product a lot because it only has to be applied once a week. Since I board my horse at a farm 26 miles from my home, it is difficult to get out there once a day to apply medications and impossible to get out there twice a day as some thrush treatments require. When you see this little two ounce bottle and realize its twelve dollars, don’t’ get scared away by the price-its worth the money. It knocked out my horse’s thrush in one application and when used as a preventative (once every two weeks) the thrush stayed away for the rest of the spring season. I used about half the bottle so I still have plenty left for next year-which means I only spent 6.00 for the year in thrush prevention. My new natural hoof care practitioner also really likes it and has had good luck with it. All in all, a really good product.

another review: I used this product last year. It did a good job of clearing up the thrush, but it is dark blue in color and stains your hands for days

Products (used for..)

Bot egg removal-

Bot Block- We use a stone that I think is called a Bot Block. It is a very porous stone that is similar to what restaruants use to scrape grillsworks quite well and no danger of cutting the horses.

Bug bites-

Fels Naptha is not just a bar of soap. I use it for skin irritations. Takes the itch away immediately. Use on any insect bite on you or your horse. Lather up and apply to skin. Some folks rinse off after a minute, I just wet the bar and rub it on the bite and leave it. You can find it in the laundry aisle of the grocery store. AfterBite works really well too.

Desqueaking saddles-

Baby Powder- I use baby powder, and just wrestle the stuff into every nook and cranny. Yes, I look quite ghostly when done. Poof! like magic, no more squeaks. Sometimes it takes more than one treatment. And we all smell baby fresh!

Fly Control-

Homemade remedy- It is the bite of gnats that causes sweet itch in our area. It is a skin allergy to the gnat bites in the West that raise a welt that itches like sin. I do love keeping up with the newest combinations that work best. I still like to feed the horses garlic, a little vinegar and veg oil and shazaaaaam!

Another Homemade remedy- 48 oz garden sprayer :2 c pine-sol (original) & 1 c skin-so-soft (original) fill with water, shake, and spray

Another Homemade remedy - I've been using a 50-50 mixture of Skin So Soft and Bronco fly spray. I can tell a big difference in the amount of flies. Doesn't eliminate them but I notice mine just standing and grazing while all the other horses are stomping like mad.

Tritech- one of the best products that i have found to work is tritech concentrate. only the concentrate works for very long. also wipe works pretty good. of course it only lasts for a couple of days, not 2 weeks like the bottles say.

Hoof Bacteria-

Tomorrow Dry Cow Treatment- a couple years ago my horse had bacteria in the cleft of the frog, between the bulbs. It was pretty deep and had black, smelly gunk it it that I just couldn't get rid of. A farrier recommended Tomorrow, and it worked within just a couple days. Dried it up and the cleft healed to a normal depth. I've since then also used the Tomorrow when my horse chipped a hoof and a small hole developed and collected material that then turned into thrush-like gunk. The Tomorrow kept it clean in there until the hoof grew out enough to trim it away. GREAT stuff.

Mane/Tail care-

BioSilk- I personally use Biosilk on my mare. No brushing, just detangle the mane and tail with my fingers daily. I've also been told to use baby oil just in the roots. I was warned to be careful though because it can cause sunburns!

Cholestral- My secret for shiny coats is Cholestral- it is in the black hair care section or you can get it at the dollar tree, so cheap cheap cheap. Put it all over the horse and leave it on for a few minutes - around 5 or so, and rinse it out. Shiny Shiny Shiny.

CoCoSoya Oil- Ya'll wanna know something that I thinks works great? CocoSoya Oil. About $16.50 a gallon and you put it in their feed. I feed 1/2 cup once a day and Pepper is growing a forelock after all these years and I'm constantly trimming her tail so it don't drag the ground ANNND..it makes 'em shine, shine, shine. Even the white shines. Try it. You won't be disappointed.

weblink: http://www.cocosoya.com/

Infusium- mane and tail de-tangling and shine, use either olive oil hair spray- works really well but what I really like is "Infusium" leave in treatment, OMG! it seals the cuticle and no oily residue hair sprakles. Put it into a spray bottle it takes the knots out and they stay out.

Pledge - The best thing I have found to get tangles out without breaking off hairs is Pledge. Yep the furniture polish. Used it for years on my show horses. Get the original Pledge in the yellow can. Hold tail up and spray lightly, tail should not be wet. You should be able to easily comb out any snarls and the tail will really shine. I also used it as a show sheen in a pinch. Do not spray so heavily/close that it gets to the skin, just a light dusting. Works on manes as well.

WD-40 - to get witches knots out. I have heard that it works to get out those huge knots out of tails as well, spray it on leave it for a few minutes (or however long it takes) and supposedly the knot will fall out or at least pick out easily. It does untangle those mane dread locks/witches knots some of them get.

Proud flesh-

Wonder Dust- awesome stuff! Use it to prevent proud flesh or to deal with it when it's already swollen. Use it on any seeping wound that is not too deep and that will not hold a paste antibiotic.

Meat tenderizer- Something else that works (my vet said ok so don't be horrified) is meat tenderizer. There are no nerves or blood supply in proud flesh, so you won't be hurting the horse as long as you are careful to apply it only to the proud flesh. It can also be surgically removed, but is apt to grow back some.

Rain Rot-

Listerine - Listerine is the way to go. Works for me every time.

MTG - The M.T.G. WILL make their hair grow back in VERY fast. I saw new growth in 3 days and within 1 week hair was covering the bald spots. But they smell like bacon grease while being treated with MTG!

Betadine- I just use Betabine scrub on it. It clears right up.

Capatan- Well, after only 2 applications of Capatan all, and i mean ALL, of the rainrot was GONE. It is an antifungul that is used on fruit trees and on some vegetable palnts. I have used it for rain rot, I make a paste out of it and apply to the individual scabs for 15 to 30 minutes and then wash it off, I was told not to leave the paste mixture on for longer than that, did this every other day for 10 days and also used 11% iodine shampoo and bathed the 2 times during that period. I now check periodically and if i find scab that resembles rain rot i treat it immediatley to keep it from spreading.

Saddle conditioning-

Neatsfoot Oil- Neatsfoot oil all the way- be careful though to get PURE neatsfoot oil. The synthetic or combo kind actually breaks down leather.

Olive Oil- oil all parts - front, back, sides with real sheepskin cloth (terrycloth if you don't have the other). Wipe on, wipe off, and is good for your hands too!

Sheath cleaning-

Baby Oil- I use baby oil - squirt it on a couple times a week or whenever you need to. It dissolves the gunk and what doesn't fall off on its own can just be wiped off.

Sweet Itch-

MTG- I have used the M-T-G and have had good luck with it on itchy, hair loss spots in the past.

Herbal remedy- One thing I know that works great for allergies, is a combination of Chamomile and Pau d'Arco. It cured my pony of her fly allergy and she had it so bad she would get hives anywhere she had been bitten.

Hydroxizine- I use Hydroxizine.

Inside Out- A friend of mine swears by a product called Inside Out.

Thrush-

Bleach- I mix a 50/50 solution of bleach and water and keep it in my tack room. When the weather is muddy or rainy, I squirt it on the hooves after I pick them out. Thrush never develops. It's important not to make the percentage of bleach too high or it can damage tissue on its own, but 50/50 is ok.

Ticks-

Garlic- I have one word- Garlic. For both you and your horses (and dogs, but mine wont eat it) I have a horse that is very sensitive to ticks, she throws fits when they climb her legs on a ride, or standing tied. She actually got sick from them this year. I was late this year putting them on garlic and paid for it. Have it free choice in a bucket for all 6 to eat as needed. They eat it like candy and the tick problem has almost vanished. Works to help with the deer flies too. I cook with alot of garlic and I have been with others who do not and they get eaten alive by ticks and I might find one or two. Works better thanbug spray in my opinion. Now if you do get a tick(s) you can put hand soap (or shampoo) on a cotton ball and rest it on the tick for a few seconds, the tick should come right out. I also use dog flea tick shampoo on their legs and then use a bot knife to get them off once they have died or let go.

Treats-

Frosted Mini Wheats- the strawberry flavor is the favorite- AWESOMELY cheap and last a long time

Cheerios- for clicker training- tiny treats- a box lasts forever!