The How and Why of Sidepull Headstalls

The Majestic Collection Sidepull

Side Pull Headstalls are used without a bit, and are very popular in the training arena and for the experienced trail horse and rider.

Many trainers have found the side pull headstall great for horses who do not except a bit very well and are fussy and tense and unable to relax and learn.

SidePull Bitless Headstall Old West Silver

It is also excellent for horses that have mouth injuries or are sensitive due to harsh training conditions.

The side pull is fast becoming the choice in early stages of ground driving and teaching the basics of turning and stopping.

A Quality leather side pull headstall or bridle is designed for the reins to connect to the rings on each side of the horses cheeks allowing the rider to communicate very clearly left and right.

Different nosebands are available depending on how much pressure you want to excerpt on their nose. The single lariat rope nose gives the most in a narrow area across the nose. 

Rolled Nose Sidepull Bitless Bridle

The double rope spreads the pressure out. 

The flat leather nose gives the least amount of pressure for the more trained and experienced horse.

Buckaroo Pro SidePull-Stainless

Trainers in the natural horsemanship arenas have been using different types of side pull headstalls for a long time.

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand 
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today 
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A Breast Collar That Trigger Wore.....Over The Neck Style

In the picture above, you will see Roy Rogers and Trigger and one of his amazing saddles with the over the neck style leather Breast Collar. You can see this style in many of Roy’s photos and movies with Trigger.

Trigger's finest saddles were made by Edward H. Bohlin. He was known as the Michelangelo of saddle making. Many of Trigger's saddles were covered in intricate patterns in silver and gold, and some of them weighed as much as 150 pounds.
 

Along with his Bohlin saddles, Roy also purchased the Music saddle. It is one of the most elaborate saddles ever made. It was created in the early 1930's for a lady named Mrs. Music and she rode this saddle in the annual Rose Parade and other events for a number of years. She was a small lady and this saddle has a very small seat. It took 16 men almost a year to produce this saddle set that originally sold for $20,000 and reportedly contained 1,400 ounces of sterling silver, 136 ounces of gold and hundreds of Czech rubies. Roy bought the items from the original owner's estate in 1950 for $50,000

Would you love to have a western breast collar with the over the neck style that is inspired by Trigger's. Buckaroo Leather now has the Hollywood One Piece Breast Collar. (above)

And if you also love the parade style horse tack inspired by Ed Bohlin we have a vintage parade headstall that is beautiful. This was a custom order and can be made to order especially for you.







Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today 
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Gymkhana a History of a Popular Equestrian Sport

Gymkhana is the action packed, precision sport of the equestrian world that is one of the most exciting family oriented equestrian sports in the world. Gymkhana classes are timed speed events such as Barrel racing, Keyhole, Figure 8, keg race (also known as "down and back"), flag race and Pole bending.

Gymkhana has many interesting meanings.

To start, the word is derived from the Hindi and Urdu word for "racket" court. Gymkhana is also an Indian term which originally referred to a place where sporting events took place. This meaning then altered to denote a place where skill-based contests were held, such as in the sports of equestrian, gymnastics, and sports car racing. In India, the term gymkhana is commonly used to refer to a gymnasium.
In the United Kingdom, the term gymkhana now almost always refers to a multi-game equestrian event performed to display the training and talents of horses and their riders. Often the emphasis is on children's participation.

Gymkhana for the equestrian had its beginning with the English military. During the Colonial period, the English military used horses for both transportation and military maneuvers. On Sunday afternoons, the Calvary would compete in horseback games to sharpen their horsemanship for war. Through the years different events have been added, some of which originated in Europe and others which were developed in this country. Ring Spearing, an event that is still part of Gymkhana in some areas, resembles the knight in medieval days riding full charge with his lance aimed at his enemy. The British Bengal Lancer engaged in Tent-Pegging, using his lance to unearth the tent pegs of the enemy, bringing down the tent on his adversaries. Pole Bending can easily be seen as good training for a Calvary charge through dense forest. The Rescue Race and Cowhide Race were originated by the Native American Indians as a way to rescue their comrades in battle. Similarly, the Speedball Race may have derived from the Native American Indians counting "coup" in which they would touch their enemies without harming them. The Pony Express Race, of course, simulates the old time Pony Express rider who delivered the mail between St. Louis and Sacramento in the Old West.


Below is a list of just some of the events you might find in a modern day Gymkhana.

Bending Poles are one of the most common races today. A line of about four or five poles is set up, and the horse and riders have to weave in and out of them as fast as they can, turn round the last one, and bend back to the finish line. This can be played in teams as a relay race and the first team all home wins. If they miss bending round a pole they have to go back and do it again, the only penalty they incur is wasting time. This teaches the pupil to control his mount, as well as turning.

The Egg and Spoon race is another favorite. The participants each get an egg on a spoon and have to go from the start to the other end (usually around the last bending pole), and back as fast as they can without dropping the egg. It is often played with potatoes instead as they don't break when landing on the floor, but beware of horses that eat anything. This is a wonderful event for teaching beginners to sit quietly on horseback and though the pony may be moving their seat moves fluidly with that of the horse. It is also an ideal exercise for riders with a 'hot seat' as they learn to sit still.

A favorite among pony clubbers is the Pairs race. One rider starts on the pony, goes as fast as they can to the other side, where a partner waits. They then help the partner mount and get back to the finish line as fast as possible. A variation of this is to have one start the race, dismount at the other end, and the partner has to mount and race back with no help from the dismounted rider. This is often a difficult thing to do on an excited pony, and can be especially fun when the game is played bareback. They will learn how to mount and dismount as well as how to work as a team.

The Sack Race is played the following way: they all line up at the start, and gallop to the opposite side where sacks are waiting for them. They dismount, jump into the sacks and hop back to the finish line. The first one home wins, and surprisingly this race is often the longest as ponies play up because the person leading them is jumping up and down and unsettling them.

                                                                    Gymkhana pattern

In recent years Gymkhana has been steadily gaining in popularity. New events have been designed for competition between riders which bring into play the abilities of the rider and the speed and handiness of the horse. A good Gymkhana horse must have the speed of a race horse, the turning quickness and agility of a cutting horse and the control and responsiveness of the stock horse. In general, control of the horse and of oneself in the saddle is an added benefit of learning to play these games.

In Gymkhana your horse and you need to have constant control and communication. Quality leather horse tack will enhance this communication between you and horse.

Buckaroo Leather is proud to manufacturer this quality American Made leather horse tack! Our quality leather is not only durable but timeless!

Visit our website for quality leather Training and Performance Tack, Professional Grade Tack, and breast collars and headstalls.







Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Biggest Sale at Buckaroo Leather 20% Off.....

SALE!!

Buckaroo Leather’s Biggest sale of the Year!!!

20% Off your purchase*

Celebrate with Buckaroo Leather your Mother, Father, or Yourself and your Horse.

We encourage you to treat Yourself to quality leather Horse tack, made in the USA by Buckaroo Leather Products.

Starting today, May 2nd 2015 just use code day20 for 20% off your purchase on our website!

This is a great opportunity to indulge yourself or someone you love in our quality American made horse tack, like the New Majestic Collection Headstall and Sidepull or how about our popular leather reins or a beautiful quality leather breast collar!!

It is easy just visit our website at www.buckarooleather.com and use code day20

Sale ends Monday, May 11th 2015

*except on saddles and sale items

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Leather Horse Tack Spring Check List

I know we are wishing and hoping for Spring to be here!! We are all itching for that first Spring Horse Ride. 

So while Mother Nature is still deciding when Spring will come, you can prepare for that Spring Ride with a Horse Tack Spring Check.
 

The horse tack "spring check" includes cleaning, oiling, and conditioning your leather horse tack. This check of your leather horse tack is vital to insuring your first spring ride is safe and enjoyable for both you and your horse.

Western Leather Horse Tack Spring Check List

First-




Take everything apart and inspect all your leather horse tack, including your saddle for wear. Especially at all areas ("picture 1") where your tack folds around the bits, buckles and saddle riggings. This is where there will be the most wear and stress. You need to replace any parts cracked or stretched. Chancing it is not worth the safety risk. Take your time; your piece of mind is worth it.

Secondly -




Clean all your leather horse tack and saddle with lots of water and glycerin saddle soap. Don't be afraid to get your leather tack wet. You have to get all the dirt and sweat out.




Third -




Hang all your horse tack to dry. Before it is completely dry, oil with a good quality neatsfoot oil. The drying process will help suck the oil into the leather.


The western leather horse tack "spring check" is a great habit to get into, not only for adults, but for children too. Teaching your children about quality AMERICAN MADE leather tack and it's proper care will insure the safety of both your child and horse.

 It will also give you a sense of pride and confidence in your saddle and horse equipment....



This springtime check is essential to keep your leather horse tack in good working order for the safety of both rider and horse. Not to mention increasing the longevity of the leather. Cleaning is important but checking the durability of your leather horse tack is also vital.


One of the ways to stop the wear on your saddles billets, are Wear Leathers!

One of Buckaroo Leather's innovations is the Wear Leathers (pictured above) on all our offside billets. The wear leathers stops your saddle rigging dee rings from wearing into the billets, which can cause a stress point!!

You can purchase the wear leathers separately!!


Buckaroo Leather always puts safety first! The wear leathers can be added to any billet. It slides on very easily!

 

To find out more about the Off Side Billet Wear Leather watch our How-to-Video!

 

Along with the leather horse tack spring check an important thing to remember is knowing you have quality leather horse tack to begin with!

Read the four key things to look for in 

Quality Leather here

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Romel Reins A Vaquero Tool Popular Today

Romel reins are very popular in the equine world just as they were in the old days of the vaquero. The Vaquero used the romel reins for their horse training. 

The 3 stages of the Vaquero horse training were…

The 1st stage - starts with a hackamore bitless braided rawhide headstall to teach the horse to yield to pressure. The reins were long hand braided horse hair mecates.

The 2nd stage - or "Two Rein" is where the Vaquero would use a thinner simpler version of the hackamore nose piece, the bosal. This bosal was lighter for this part of the stage. The mecate bridle had a spade bit and a braided rawhide romel rein. During this stage of the training the Vaquero would hold both sets of reins and the horse would be controlled with mostly the bosal and light on the bit. Then the Vaquero would transition to only using the bit and would then get rid of the bosal all together.

The 3rd stage- is called the "Straight upon the Bridle". The Vaquero handles the horse with just the spade bit. The Bit is connected with romel reins. The bosal and mecate are used under the bridle to lead the horse.

The Vaquero use to test their horses skills by tying a thread to the links section of the chain part of the romel reins. The Vaquero would then bring the horse to a stop with a “light” pull of the reins. If the thread broke - the Vaquero needed to pull to hard.

Today, Horseman and women use the Romel Reins in horse training but they are also realizing what a great all around riding style rein they are.

They are like a one piece or roping rein with a ring or tie connector with a romel connected and a popper on the end.

Buckaroo Leather offers many types of Romel Reins in different types of leather and rawhide.

We have great everyday styles of Romel Reins with supple harness leather like the Rounded Romel Rein

We also offer a classic Vaquero style Romel Rein with hand braided rawhide buttons for decoration available in assorted colors and designs

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

AAA Wade Buckaroo Ranch Saddle- For Sale

 photo by Ory Photography

Buckaroo Leather has a great Saddle for Sale

It is a used AAA Wade Buckaroo Ranch Saddle.

The price is $2600 (sells new for $3450).

This is an incredible saddle of the highest quality!.

photo by Ory Photography

 
This saddle has a 16” seat. The swells, back jockeys and half-covered stirrups are stamped with a traditional geometric box stamp giving it a traditional “waffle” look. And the rest of the saddle is Rough Out with a “wavy river” border stamp around edges; it has a look similar to a rope design.

The Stirrups are 3” bell bottom with half-covered design and leather treads installed.

 photo by Ory Photography

If your interested please email Buckaroo John at          buckaroojohn@sbcglobal.net or call him at 530-545-0139

                    

photo by Ory Photography

 See More Details about this saddle here

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

For Bitless Horse Riders...The Alex Mufson 3R Sidepull by Buckaroo Leather

 “A thoughtful approach to horsemanship, working with the horse’s mind to build a willing partnership”…..

Alex Mufson of Three Rivers Horse Training

This is the philosophy behind Alex Mufson Three River Horse Training. Alex's horses work in a variety of disciplines but all share a common foundation of softness, both physically and mentally.  

Alex believes to achieve this willingness involves building the horse’s confidence in both themselves and the person. In cultivating this partnership Alex emphasizes directing a horse’s thought rather than only their body. The horse is asked to take an interest in the situation and in her, working towards a relationship based on engagement instead of obedience.

“I am in love with horses and fascinated by animal behavior.  I’m so thankful to have a job where I can be inspired by horses and their people each day, and spend my time learning about an animal I love so much”…Alex 

To read more about Alex’s training philosophy click here…..

The Three Rivers Horse Training is primarily operating out of the Grey Cliffs Ranch, a 6,000 acre ranch in Three Forks, outside of Bozeman, MT. The facility includes large paddocks, an indoor and outdoor arenas and round pens, trailer storage, and miles of private riding.

Alex and her horse with the 3R Sidepull Headstall

 
Buckaroo Leather Products is proud to be working with this very talented horse trainer to create the Three Rivers Horse Training, Alex Mufson Sidepull. 

We are excited to team up with Alex to create a 3R line of quality leather horse tack. The first offering in this line is the 3R Sidepull.

 The 3R Sidepull

$139.40

The 3R sidepull is made from the finest heavy weight Hermann Oak Harness leather or Black Latigo leather. It has that smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. This sidepull Headstall is double and sewn with a soft chap lining, and oiled for that soft supple feel. This Headstall is a Side Pull style with a width of 5/8" available in a Regular Horse size. This Headstall has a 1" wide leather noseband and is available with Nickel plate hardware. It has a Jowel strap for stability but does not have a throat latch or brow band.

Alex has requested a few modifications to the typical sidepull to make the 3R Sidepull more versatile in sizing and to prevent it from slipping into the horse’s eye.  It is also great in the cold winter, as it does not involve waiting for a frozen bit to thaw!  Thoughtful horsemanship does not require a bit, because the work is with the horse’s mind. The 3R Sidepull is an ideal headstall for those who do not want to rely on leverage and control, but want an honest examination of their relationship with their horse!

Click Here for more information and to purchase....

Please be sure to visit Alex’s brand NEW website and follow her on Facebook page. 

To see her schedule click here

Three Rivers Horse Training

Alex Mufson Trainer

www.threerivershorsetraining.com

Email: alex@threerivershorsetraining.com

Phone: 406 579 4791

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, 
The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today 
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

Best of America by Horseback 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge

Lana Bland won the Cross Trail Leather Saddle for all her hard work. Congratulations to Lana!

On June 20th-22nd 2014 at Butlerhill Equestrian Center in Burlington, Wa. Best of America by Horseback held their 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge. This horse trail challenge was a test of the riders communication skills with their equine through a trail challenge competition.

 Participant at the Best of America by Horseback 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge

Photo taken by Cindi Pendel

 Participant at the Best of America by Horseback 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge

Photo taken by Cindi Pendel

Buckaroo Leather Products was proud to be able to provide/sponsor the 1st place winner a Cross Trail All Leather Saddle. The Best of America by Horseback 1st annual Trail Horse Challenge winner was Lana Bland. Lana won the Cross Trail Leather Saddle for all her hard work. Congratulations to Lana!!


 

 Participant at the Best of America by Horseback 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge

Photo taken by Cindi Pendel

 Lana in the 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge Course

Photo taken by Cindi Pendel

You can watch the 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge on the Best of America by Horseback TV show on Tuesday, October 28th at 4:30 pm est. on RFD-TV. See the Schedule Here.

“I did get the opportunity to ride the saddle (a weekend long ride moving cattle) and its great. Very comfortable for long hours in the saddle. A lot of my riding is not on trails so I love that it supports a crupper when I'm descending of ridges down steep draws. 

I normally ride my Aussie when I'm traversing the mountain so this saddle works great with its design combining the best of the Western and English saddle styles together”….. 

Lana Winner of the Cross Trail All Leather Saddle at the 1st Annual Trail Horse Challenge.

 

Lana Bland won the Cross Trail Leather Saddle for all her hard work. Lana's horse with the Cross Trail Saddle

You can purchase this very versatile saddle from 

Buckaroo Leather Products. 

Just give Buckaroo John a call at 530-545-0139

Cross Trail All Leather Saddle

Price: $1146.00

All-leather trail saddle made with tunnel skirt ventilation, glove leather skirt liner, close-cut components, a high-back cantle, and padded horse bars.

The Tree is a Ralide tree with 5 year warranty. 

Gullet width is 7".
Cantle: 5".
Horn: Pleasure, 3".
In-skirt dropped C-plate rigging.
Rear-rigged for center-fire option.
Nylon felt Cinch, off billets, and tie straps included. Dark hand-oiled finish.
Approximately 22 lbs.

Available in a 15”, 16” or 17” Seat




Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, 
The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today  
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

How to Fit the Very Popular Sidepull Bitless Headstall

Ultimate Padded Sidepull Headstall w/exotic hair on overlay

How to Fit the Very Popular Sidepull Bitless Headstall

To begin, we want to have a willing horse. By walking up and offering the Sidepull and allowing your horse to willingly put their head into the bridle should help get the process started. It also creates an understanding and ease between horse and rider. Wait for the queues from the horse to let you know they are ready to begin. What you want to do once the horse is ready is to adjust the side pull out very wide to get the Sidepull on. That way we can easily adjust it on the horse. You will want to ensure the wide nose band is not adjusted too low. This will cause irritation to your horses breathing and nasal passages. Once on and properly adjusted you want to understand the horses facial configuration. Some horses can be very narrow, other may have more prominent cheek bones, and that will affect how we want to adjust the jowel strap. Make sure you set the horse to their individual configuration. The jowl strap prevents the Sidepull from moving side to side when pulling on the reins, which can cause irritation as well.

Adjustment will really depend on the individual horse, and using your best judgement. You want to make sure of a few things: Ensure the nose band is not putting pressure on the nasal passages, and ensure you can get 2 fingers under the jowel strap, which is probably the most important piece for stability. You want the jowl strap to fall just below or at the horses cheek. The chin strap is not vital to stability, and really lends more to preference. The looser the chin strap the more freely the horse will be able to open and move their mouths.

The main concerns when adjusting your Sidepull are to ensure the noseband is not laying too low and properly adjusted above the nasal passages, that the jowel strap lands at or below the cheek bone and you can get two fingers underneath, and that you pay attention to the signs from your horse. They will tell you what needs to be adjusted and what may be irritating them. Once you have these steps down you are ready to ride!

(the above information is from an article on the Infohorse.com)

 Buckaroo Pro SidePull-Stainless

 Hermann Oak quality 5/8" Harness leather or Black latigo, flat leather nose, double stitched with soft chap lining; hand edged, rubbed and oiled for a soft supple feel. It features an adjustable throat latch, chin strap and additional jowel strap for more stability.

There are different noseband options for the sidepull available from Buckaroo Leather Products. The type you use depends on how much pressure you want to excerpt on your horses nose. The single lariat rope nose gives the most in a narrow area across the nose. The double rope spreads the pressure out. The flat leather nose gives the least amount of pressure for the more trained and experienced horse.

Buckaroo Leather Products has a great selection of these very popular headstalls. Bitless Sidepulls with rawhide noses, the Justin Dunn Bitless Sidepull, a rolled nose sidepull plus many more. We also offer the bitless sidepull headstalls in large and draft horse sizes, small horse, cob, pony, regular horse and mule sizes.  

 Buckaroo Ultimate Sidepull with Rawhide Nose

 This is a Side Pull style with a width of 5/8". This Ultimate Headstall has a soft chap lining and is oiled for that soft supple feel. It has a flat leather nose with Braided Rawhide around the nose and is finished with Nickel or stainless hardware

 Justin Dunn Bitless Sidepull

 We are proud to work with Justin Dunn of Justin Dunn Mustang Horsemanship to bring you his proven designed signature Sidepull Headstall. Made from the finest quality heavy weight Hermann Oak Harness leather or Black Latigo for a smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. Oiled for that soft supple feel.

 Justin Dunn Sidepull - Draft horse size

Rolled Nose Sidepull Bitless Bridle

The Buckaroo Ultimate sidepull Headstall is just that- THE BEST. Made from the finest heavy weight Latigo for a smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. This  Buckaroo Headstall is double and sewn with a soft chap lining, and oiled for that soft supple feel.

 

 Ultimate Sidepull Oklahoma Conchas

This Buckaroo Headstall is double and sewn with a soft chap lining, and oiled for that soft supple feel. Now with silver OKLAHOMA HAND ENGRAVED CONCHAS...  This Headstall is a bitless Side Pull style with a width of 5/8"

Buckaroo John, in the video below will demonstrate the SIDEPULL, aka "Bitless Bridle", its variations and the reasons to incorporate this useful piece of horse equipment.

 Play this How to Video on the Bitless Sidepull Headstall

Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the 
Western Horseman the safest most durable 
Quality American made leather horse tack....... Buckaroo John Brand Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand 
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site