Customer Review of the Ultimate Harness Reins.......Happy Customer

Buckaroojohn is honored to meet a customer purchasing a pair of Ultimate chap lined Harness Reins

While on my travels- I stopped at the D bar M Western store to stock their supply of Buckaroo Leather quality horse tack. I happily ran into a satisfied customer......

Jim was purchasing the Ultimate chap lined harness reins-he has been a fan of the reins for years-

"They have a broke in feel from the day you pick them up off the shelf"

Learn more about these quality western reins-watch the video above and Thank you to Jim for his comments ......



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

Team Roping Equipment and History

Team roping also known as, heading and heeling, is a rodeo event that features a steer and two mounted riders. The communication and teamwork between the header and the heeler is vital to a successful team. But, if you do not have a properly trained horse or the proper horse tack to allow for good communication to your horse, the team will not be successful.

Team roping is a huge draw in rodeo events. To watch the teamwork and skill between riders and horse is an exciting display of horsemanship of both present day Cowboys and the Cowboys of the Old West.

Below is a description of the Team Roping Event

The first roper is referred to as the "header.” The header is the person who ropes the front of the steer, usually around the horns, then turns the steer so its hind legs can be roped by the second person the "heeler.”

Steers used for roping are moved from a holding corral through a series of narrow runways that lead to the roping arena. The runways allow the steers to be lined up in single file. Then, one at a time, a steer is moved into a chute with spring loaded doors in front and a solid gate behind, so that only one animal is released at a time. On each side of the chute is an area called the box it is big enough to hold a horse and a rider.

The header is on one side (usually the left, for a right-handed header) and the heeler, will start from the box on the other side of the chute. A taut rope, called the barrier, runs in front of the header's box and is fastened to an easily released rope on the neck of the steer of a designated length, used to ensure that the steer gets a head start. An electronic barrier, consisting of an electric eye connected to a timing device, is sometimes used in place of th e barrier rope. When the header is ready, he or she calls for the steer and an assistant pulls a lever, opening the chute doors. The freed steer breaks out running. When the steer reaches the end of the rope, the barrier releases.

The header must rope the steer with one of three legal catches: a clean horn catch around both horns, a neck catch around the neck or a half-head catch around the neck and one horn. The header then takes a dally-a couple of wraps of the rope around the horn of the saddle. Once the header has made the dally, the rider turns the horse, usually to the left, and the ste er will follow, still running. The heeler waits until the header has turned the steer. When he or she has a clear throw, the heeler throws a loop of rope under the running steer's hind legs and catches them. As soon as the heeler also dallies tight, the header turns his or her horse to directly face the steer and heeler. Both horses back up slightly to stretch out the steer's hind legs, immobilizing the animal. As soon as the steer is stretched out, an official waves a flag and the time is taken. The steer is released and trots off.

There is a 5 second penalty for roping only one hind leg and a 10 second penalty for breaking the barrier. Team roping is the only rodeo event where men and women compete equally together in a professionally sanctioned competition, in both single gender and mixed gender teams.

A successful professional-level team takes between 4 and 12 seconds to stretch the steer, depending on the length of the arena. At lower levels, a team may take longer, particularly if the heeler misses the first throw and has to try again. At higher levels, the header and the heeler are allowed only one throw each, if either misses, the team gets no score.

Team Roping History

Team roping grew out of the cowboys working on the ranches in the old west. It was necessary to capture and restrain a full-grown animal that was too large to handle by a single man. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, as in the old west, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the cowboys and their horses.

Horses used in Team Roping

Another important aspect to the event is the type of horses used by the ropers. The American quarter horse is the most popular among all timed-event competitors, particularly team ropers. Heading horses generally are taller and heavier because they need the power to turn the steer after it is roped. Heeling horses are quick and agile, enabling them to better follow the steer and react to its moves.

Horse Equipment used by Team Ropers

Rope - used to rope the steer. The rope is made of synthetic fibers, or a more traditional cowboy rope is made from rawhide. The Header ropes are 30ft long and are soft. The Heelers ropes are 35ft long and stiffer than the Headers ropes.

Lariat Rope- (lasso) is a loop of rope that is designed to be thrown around a target and tighten when pulled. It is also a well known tool of the American Cowboy.

Pulling Breast Collar- Pulling breast collars are popular among Western riders, particularly ropers. Instead of crossing a horse's chest from side-to-side like some other styles, pulling breast collars sit just above the line of a horse's shoulders and buckle around the pommel of the saddle. This style of Breast Collar allows the horse more freedom of shoulder movement and better leverage when pulling.

Roping Breast Collar with an over the neck Wither Strap- this will have the best up and over the shoulder fit for a good pulling position for the horse and rider.

Nosebands and Roping Tie Downs-used to help keep the horses head down and out of your line of sight.



Roping gloves- Used to prevent rope burns on the hands of the ride rs.

A Western saddle - a particularly strong design with double rigging and other specialized features, including a rubber wrap around the saddle horn to keep the dally from slipping.

A good quality Roping Mohair Cincha is required for the best support.A wider Western Roping Flank Cincha is also best to hold the back of your saddle down when dallied.


Quality Leather Roping Reins and a leather Bridle.

Team Roping Techniques

Headers swing their loops overhead in a smooth, flat motion, aim for the back of the steer's head and release the loop. When the roper releases, he or she is to stop the hand open, flat, and palm down at the point where the loop is thrown.

Heelers use a different technique; a right-handed heeler will twirl the loop on the left side of the rider's body, always keeping the tip of the loop on the left side so that when the loop is thrown, it will go under the steer. Heeling is all about timing; the tip of the loop has to be at its lowest point as the steer's legs are coming forward. The lay of the loop is also very important; it should stand up against the steer's legs with the bottom loop on the ground so the steer will jump right into it.


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 Tie a Mecate Rein

John Brand of Buckaroo leather shows you how to tie a Soft Cotton Mecate Rein to a quality Rawhide Bosal

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

Farah DeJohnette Discusses Bitless Leather Side Pulls

I just read, Farah DeJohnette's new article from her Blogazine. Farah is a skilled horse trainer and her new article gives great insight to why she uses bitless leather bridles. Also, visit her website and follow her on facebook!


Bitless: Why I Do It........

my journey through Horsemanship and Training, I have come to look for better ways to communicate with my horse with equipment and without. The more skilled I have become the less reliant on equipment I have become.

I always used what I'd call "cheap" western Side Pulls from time to time in my training in the past but wasn't into them enough to convert completely. I hadn't found one that compared with my fine english bridle quality. I also was able to ride in halters, leather and rope, but found them a bit sloppy and imprecise for more than a fun hack around some slightly higher level work. Mechanical Hackamores were to me as aggressive if not more then some bits with bicycle chain and wire wrapped with leather in some designs.

When I found the Buckaroo Leather Side Pull and then went on to design the Padded version with John Brand, I had no idea this bridle would become my go to training piece of equipment until I had it in my hand and kept going back to no matter what type of horse I was riding.
I use it on soft horses, heavy strong horses, young horses, jumpers, dressage horses, western horses and more. I don't care if the horse is green or advanced I still use it.

Of course I still use bits because unfortunately, some competitions wont allow you not too, but hopefully that will change soon. I don't feel I need a bit at all though. Give me enough time with a horse and I can get him to ride beautifully in a Side Pull. Let me reiterate "TIME". It took me time to get the heavy pullers riding nicely in the Side Pull but I took that time as opposed to taking the easy way out and going to bigger bits and gadgets. I took the Time to teach them to be more supple, more balanced and strong through proper work and fitness.

Which leads me to another very interesting point. In my conversion of many horses to Bitless for training, I made a discovery about a common problem. Horses opening their mouths during training with the bit. I discovered that mouth opening had more to do will lack of suppleness in the Poll and being on the forehand then it had to do with the bit! How did I find this out? Well while training some known mouth openers with bits, Once I switched them to bitless guess what? When they were resistant, or unbalanced or both, They opened their mouth with NO BIT. When they were stiff in their body and poll, They opened their mouth regardless of whether they had the bit or not.

What does this mean? To me it means that the Poll and jaw are connected (not a new discovery in training) but why are we working on the jaw when the problem is originating in the Poll and body?

Hence back to why I use a Side Pull bitless bridles and Neck straps (Corderos). They allow me to talk directly to the body parts I need to without interfering with other body parts and possibly even DISTRACTING the horse from the area that needs focus. I'm not saying there are not dental problems and bitting issues that can arise from the mouth, but I am saying you can find out if you try a bitless bridle and in fact it may be the answer to horses with dental and mouth issues. Just like when I want to see if the saddle is compromising the horses desire to perform. I ride him bareback or with a bareback pad. If he rides fine, then I know the saddle is a problem. More food for thought from yours truly and my two cents. Also, Don't miss an opportunity to get one of these beautiful bitless bridles right now for 10% off in my Bridle Shop enter promo code "Summer10" at checkout.





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

Buckaroo Leather Adjustable Leather Trail Reins-Customer Review

A happy customer sharing her satisfaction with the fine leather Adjustable reins she purchased manufactured in the USA by Buckaroo Leather Products.

Leather Roping Trail Reins LR2861R/LR2851R

Superior Leather Reins made in AMERICA! Made from the finest quality heavy weight Hermann Oak Harness leather or Latigo for a smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. With adjustable Nickel Plate buckles and Rawhide Keepers. THESE REINS ARE THE EXTRA LONG ADJUSTABLE TRAIL REINS OR LONGER ROPING REINS YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! 5/8" adjustable from 8' to 10' lengths. These Reins are also available Lined and Oiled for extra softness!

Trail Rein LR2861RR

Made from the finest quality heavy weight Hermann Oak Harness leather or Latigo for a smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. With adjustable Nickel buckles and replaceable snaps. THESE REINS ARE THE EXTRA LONG ADJUSTABLE TRAIL REINS OR LONGER ROPING REINS YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! 5/8" adjustable from 7' to 10' lengths. Perfect for western trail riding.

Trail/Roping Rein-Buckle on LR2861pro

Made from the finest quality heavy weight Hermann Oak Harness leather for a smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. With adjustable Stainless steel engraved buckles and buckles at bit end for easy bit changing. THESE REINS ARE THE EXTRA LONG ADJUSTABLE TRAIL REINS OR LONGER ROPING REINS YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! 5/8" width. Adjustable from 7' to 10'. Perfect length for trail riding.



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

Popular Pulling Breast Collars and Alpaca Mecate Reins

Video- A visit to Buckaroo Leather Booth at Western States Horse Expo 2010

This video features our number #1 seller- the soft Alpaca Mecate Reins and our popular Leather Pulling Breast Collar. This Breast Collar has an old fashioned cowboy look with either basket stamp or wild rose hand tooled pattern. The shoulder fit is designed to wrap through the saddle swells, perfect for a pulling position.

Barns By Harrahs provided a 3 sided shelter for Buckaroo John Brand and Buckaroo Leather to introduce our USA Made quality leather horse tack.

Thank you to Barns by Harrahs- we had a great time talking to existing satisfied Customers and meeting many new ones.


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

Cutting Horses-How it all Began

Cutting is an equestrian event in the western riding style where a horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a calf away from a cattle herd and keep it away for a short period of time.

The horses involved are typically Quarter horses, although other breeds may be used, such as American Paint Horses or Appaloosas. A horse that instinctively knows how to keep a calf from returning to the herd, and is trained in a manner to be shown competitively, is considered a cutting horse.

In the event, the horse and rider select and separate a calf out of a small group. The calf then tries to return to its herdmates; the rider loosens the reins ("puts his hand down" in the parlance) and leaves it entirely to the horse to keep the calf separated, a job the best horses do with relish, savvy, and style.

A contestant has 2 1/2 minutes to show his horse; typically three cows are cut during a run, although working only two cows is acceptable. A judge awards points to the cutter based on a scale that ranges from 60 to 80, with 70 being considered average.

Cutting is one of the fastest growing forms of western horsecack riding/equine sports in the world. In 2006, the contestants at the NCHA Futurity competed for more than $3.7 million--over a hundred times the offering of the first year.

Here is the story of how it all began for this fast growing equestrian sport.

When American cowboys of the 1800s began using their best horses to separate individual cows from a herd, it was part of the daily job. Cutting's heritage runs strong and deep, like the centuries-old mesquites that flourish on the Texas plains. From Chisholm Trail to present day, cutting horses have been indispensable tools in the cattle trade.

During the era of the open range, cattle from one outfit often drifted and mingled with those of other outfits. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, neighboring ranchers would join in a cattle roundup to sort out their brands.

Every outfit traveled with a remuda of horses. Within the remuda each cowboy had a string of horses, some of them more suitable for one job than another. For instance, a cowhand needed a steady mount to patrol the herd during the night, but in the morning he could ride last year's bronc to the far reaches of the roundup circle.

The cutting horse was an elite member of the remuda. A typical cutting horse might have started out in a cowboy's string, but his sensitivity to cattle brought him to the attention of the roundup boss. He was the horse that pricked his ears toward a cow and followed her with his eyes. He instinctively knew not to crowd her, yet was wary of her every move. He made the difficult job of separating cattle easier and quicker.

As big cattle outfits gave way to small farms and ranches in the twentieth century, pickup trucks and squeeze chutes took the place of cow horses. A few large ranches still rounded up cattle the old-fashioned way, but cutting horses were fast becoming obsolete.

The first advertised cutting contest was held at the 1898 Cowboy Reunion in Haskell, Texas. Fifteen thousand people, lured by ads in the Dallas News and the Kansas City Star, attended. Since the nearest railroad was fifty miles away, they came on horseback, or by wagon and hack. The cutting contest offered a prize of $150, a substantial sum in those days, and 11 riders entered.

The first record of cutting as an arena spectator event came at the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas, when a cutting horse exhibition was added to the annual rodeo in 1919. It became a competitive event the following year.

By 1946, there were so many cutting horse contests being held, under so many different sets of conditions and rules that a group of 13 cutting horse owners met at the Southwestern Exposition and Fat Stock Show and decided to form an association to establish standard rules and procedures for holding such competition.

The first show was held in Dublin, Texas, in the fall of 1946, and the rest they say is history.

The bond between people and horses that make this sport so special, also links it to the sweat and dust of the Old West, and sets it apart from all other events.

To find out more about the Cutting Horse Sport please visit our Squidoo Lens and the links section for Cutting Websites.

Buckaroo Leather Cutting Horse Tack

American Made Leather, Timeless Quality

Quality Leather Horse Tack is vital for the performance for both horse and rider.

Leather Reins

The type of cutting horse tack used is harness leather split reins and harness leather headstalls for working and cutting horse training...

A quality rein can make the communication between horse and rider superior, creating a stronger performance. Below is a listing of some of the finest American made reins available at Buckaroo Leather.

Professional Heavy Leather Split Rein-(pictured to the right) 5/8" width with an 8' Length. These TOP OF THE LINE Quality Pro Horse Reins are for everyday use by the Professional Horseman! These are heavy hand picked uniform Split Reins with Hand Beveled edges and rubbed with extra oil for a soft supple feel-Providing the Best ready to use Feel! Great for reining, training, Cutting, etc.Famous Lined and Oiled Split Reins

Split Lined Reins (Pictured to the right) 5/8" width with 7' or 8' length. The finest Quality Split Lined Reins are sure to become your favorite! They have the uniform balance through out the complete length Because we take care when cut side by side they are PAIRED together, BORN together for that exact same feel & weight for the ultimate signal and communication! This is the only Rein of its kind on the market! Great for reining, Cutting, trail riding and stock horse events.

Pulling Breast Collars by Buckaroo Leather

Cutting horse breast collars are very popular also because the horse is so fast and athletic it is needed to hold your saddle in place. The pulling breast collar, martingale breast collar (sometimes called choker) and over the neck breast collars are the most popular.

And in the cutting horse shows they often add silver conchas and buckle sets to accent and bling up their cutting horse tack...

Pulling Breast Collars-Tooled - (pictured to the right) Hermann Oak Leather Buckaroo style Pulling Breast Collar. The width is 2 1/2" wide with Nickel Plate hardware. This Breast Collar has an over the shoulder fit. It is designed to wrap through the saddle swells, perfect for a pulling position.

Pulling Breast Collars (pictured to the right) We have added 4 beautifully hand engraved Antique Berry Conchas to this Pulling Breast Collar. This Cowboy Pulling style Breast Collar is American made of Golden Bridle leather, is 2 1/2" wide, oiled & stitched with a soft chap lining and finished with Nickel Plate roller buckle hardware. The Breast Collar has an over the shoulder fit and is designed to wrap through the saddle swells, perfect for a pulling position.

Pulling Breast Collars - (pictured to the right) Quality Hermann Oak Leather Pulling Breast Collar. The width is 2 1/2"with a Golden Bridle leather color. This Cowboy Pulling style Breast Collar is oiled & stitched with a soft chap lining and finished with Nickel Plate roller buckle hardware. This Pulling Breast Collar is designed to wrap through the saddle swells, perfect for a pulling position.



Quality American Made Horse Tack

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 - Rage of the Sage......

Romel reins are becoming very popular again
as they were in the old days of the vaquero...

Horseman and women are 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...

They are available in many types of leather
and rawhide. At Buckaroo Leather
we make great everyday
using styles with supple
harness leather as above-#LR206

We also offer styles in our famous chap leather lined
and oiled reins for that brokin feel


We also offer hand braided rawhide buttons for
decoration in assorted colors and designs
for a real classic look as below #LR206X


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

Side Pull Headstalls, How and Why.......

Side Pull Headstalls are used as pictured,
without a bit, and are becoming 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….

It is also excellent for horses that have been
injured in their mouth or 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
as you see pictured, 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. The double
rope spreads the pressure out. The flat leather
nose gives the least amount of pressure for the
more trained and experienced horse…..

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 28 years in serving the western horseman the safest most durable Quality American made leather horse tack

BuckarooJohn

Buckaroo Leather The Brand to Demand

The Brand Family and Buckaroo Leather

Hello fellow Western Horse aficionados and all who
love the feel of Quality Leather horse tack.



WHAT IS THE BRAND

It's not a hot Iron, but attention to quality that marks every Buckaroo Leather Product manufactured by The Brand Family.

Bob and John Brand started the business 28 years ago in their barn in Diamond Springs, Ca.
John pulled the showroom trailer around the Western States to promote and acquire retail dealers to sell their products.They moved out of the barn and into our own building and hired more help in 1989.

Over the years John's wife Michele has ran the office and their children, Jason, Bryan and Kalyn worked in the plant on weekends and summers.

At the manufacturing plant some of their employees have been with them for more than 20 years hand crafting tack (from Quality Leather such as Tanned and Cured by Hermann OakLeather for the Western rider, from headstalls to reins, breast collars, hobbles, and all the training and pleasure riding equipment.

One of their most popular items are the Buckaroo Reins, which have gained respect in the training and show rings because of their unmatched quality and supple feel that enhances communication between horse and rider.

We are here to deliver to you the finest available to assure your peace of Mind of owning and using Quality Leather Horse Tack, Buckaroo Leather, The BRAND to Demand

Come back and Visit is Soon
John Brand, A.KA. BuckarooJohn