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Brenda Imus Gaited Horse Info and Products
CCi Saddles Now Shipping!

Is this a gorgeous saddle, or what? As pretty as it is on the outside, it's premium

tree, padding, leather - and unique design - gives this saddle a heart of Pure Gold!

 

Many of you will recall my announcement, last month, about working with CCi Saddle Company (Colorado Correctional Institute's Master Saddle Makers rehab program) to build all future Imus 4-Beat™ saddles. Those who have followed the development and production of this saddle are aware that supply issues have been a challenge, from day one. Supply could never quite keep up with demand. (Good problem to have? Not really. . .)  Well, I believe those days are finally behind us.

 

CCi saddle makers are now completely set up for top-notch production, and saddles are rolling in to National Bridle Shop. These saddles boast all the special quality features of my saddle, plus we have decided to use Wickett & Craig, vat-dyed leather. There's been a tremendous number of calls and e-mails from folks wanting to order the new CCi saddles - just wanted to let you know that NOW is the time to do so. Ordering now will ensure that you have the saddle in plenty of time for those spring trail rides!

 

I just received the following e-mail:

 

Hi Brenda,
 
CCi is the same group that makes all of Colorado Saddlery's saddles.  I have a roping saddle that was made there and it's wonderful.  I think the saddles coming out of that program are far and above the "production" saddles made by many other saddlemakers. I believe that each saddle an inmate makes is a creation of pride, not just another day done on the job. Congrats on going that route.  Based on the saddles I have seen come out of that program, I think the quality will very much please everyone.
 
Rene' Ferdig

 

 

Price: $ 1599.00

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Ten Common Bit Myths

Myth #1: There is no such thing as a harsh bit, but only harsh hands.

Myth #2: Any bit can be severe in the wrong hands.

Myth #3: Bits with broken mouthpieces are snaffle bits. 

 

Read more...
 
Gaits from God DVD Series

Gaits from God 

Confused about how to get your gaited horse trained - or retrained - as it should be? This is the DVD set for you! Or, now that spring is upon us, you may want to re-educate yourself before mounting that out-of-condition horse! This DVD set is the best tool for the job.

 

Highlights:

  • 3 Set DVD Series
  • Understand Effectively Your Horse's Gait
  • Increase Your Communication with Your Horse

Detailed Description
A 3-DVD instructional series on the subject of gaited horses. This series is like a gaited horse college education in a box! Brenda Imus covers every aspect of gaited horsemanship with knowledge, humor and compassion. Learn how to humanely and effectively bit, trim and ride the gaited horse, how to recognize the various smooth saddle gaits, and how to understand what gait your horse will perform based on its individual conformation. Discover simple riding techniques that are remarkably effective at improving gait while increasing your and your horses level of communication and comfort.

 

If you own a non-gaited horse, there is still much to be learned thru viewing this series.

 

One customer's remarks:

 

I have been watching the DVD set for the past few days. I must say that it is well worth the $$$.

 I am a person that really needs a visual to help make sense of things. The section on bits is great. Showing actual horses moving to demonstrate the gait spectrum is great, esp. w/ the slo-mo parts. What I liked best, since I will be in the market for a new horse soon, is the section on conformation & how it relates to form & function. Yes, I can see it now.

All the rider clinic part is also very good, but I am spending much more time in the areas I am most interested in before getting on into the actual riding of my horse. What I did like is being able to see what is meant by various terms used, esp. as it relates to riding these gaited horses.

 It is like having Brenda come into my home for a private clinic. Plus it gave me a chance to have a face to go with a name or 2.

 Thanks for the very helpful DVD set. It is jam-packed w/ so much info that each time I watch it, I pick up on something new & the pieces of the puzzle are coming together for a very good fit.

Debbie in GA

Buy the DVD Series Here
 
Gaining Control of the Horse that Rushes
Rushing Horse
 
 
One of the most common problems presented to me at a clinic or expo demonstration is that of a gaited horse that has little or no ‘whoa.’ There’s a good reason for this, and a simple solution.

The reason gaited horse have a common habit of rushing or barging is that they have actually been trained to do so. Traditionally it has been thought, and taught, that the only way to establish a good, fast gait is by asking the horse to move out at speed, and then throwing the animal off balance via weight shifts, raising its head, and see-sawing on the reins. Indeed, this technique will encourage the young animal to move all four legs out of synchrony, resulting in a fast, smooth gait. To some trainers’ way of thinking, an added benefit of this method is that horses as young as 18 months can be started at gait work, and it’s not uncommon for two-year-olds to be run through auctions gaiting at very fast speeds. The faster the young animal gaits (rushes), the higher the bidding is likely to go.
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The Imus Comfort™ Bit - outselling all others!

 

Imus Comfort Bit

 

This revolutionary bit has taken the horse world by storm! It features a barrel shaped mouthpiece that allows ample tongue relief, and therefore rolls smoothly over the tongue, rather than biting into those sensitive tissues. The mouthpiece is designed to extend from 1/8" to 1/2" beyond the horse's cheeks on either side, and fits mouths from 4 1/2" to 5 1/2" wide. This eliminates chafing at the corners of the lips, and encourages the horse to drop softly into the bit, rather than stiffening up against it. The pinchless center roller and bushings, and independent side-to-side action, allow the rider to work a horse laterally, pick up a shoulder, use a leading rein, or perform a correct one rein stop. You never will startle or 'grab' your horse by the mouth with this bit, as the the ratio of the purchase (upper shank) to the curb (lower shank) gives the horse a logical, sequential 1-2-3/poll-chin groove-mouth cue when the rider takes hold of a rein. If you've ever wondered if your horse would perform better in a different bit, you owe to yourself, and your horse, to try this amazing piece of equipment. 

 

Though I often receive expressions of gratitude for the products I've brought to market, I can promise you nothing makes me happier than to have your feedback!  I so appreciate those of you who take the time to write. This came in just this morning:

I just had to write you about my experience with the Imus Comfort Gait bit. In today's world, it is so easy to become jaded by the multitude of claims for "fix it" products. So, when I was first told and read about the Imus bit, I was skeptical. However, after being unhappy with the way the heavy, and often pinchy way my traditional bit/bridle setup for my Tennessee Walker treated him, I decided to give it a try. It is the best $70, I've spent on tack for my horse. I've used it on a ride twice now and my laid back, somewhat lazy Walker has gaited beautifully with barely a request from me. I wouldn't have believed it unless I experienced it. My trail riding friend has been so impressed by the change, she is ordering one for her Walker as well.

Thanks for making something that really works. I know my horse thanks you too.

Nancy Webb

Price: $69.95

Buy Now

 

Read more...
 

Gaited Horse Community!

 Horses & Riders

If you have not visited the #1 Gaited Horse Community Message Forum on the Web, you are totally missing out! 

Our Gaits of Gold Community Messageboard supplies a HUGE wealth of professional information regarding training gaited horses, and we just plain like having fun! Over 1500 members and growing!

 

Free Training Articles!

Establishing Authority     The horse who is disrespectful is usually one who has not learned to trust its handler with its safety and well being. In such ...  Full article...

How (and Why) to Retrain that Pacey Horse     Many gaited horses – indeed, it seems the the majority of them  – will perform a pace or stepping pace as their preferred gait. ...  Full article...

Types and Talents of Various Gaited Horses I frequently remind people that a horse’s saddle gait is more dependent upon conformation than upon registration. This is equally true of any kind of ...  Full article...

Messageboard Member Post Dear Gaits of Gold Friends, Following are two message board posts that appeared on our web site a short while ago. The board member, Retta (aka: ...  Full article...

Mining for Gold: Discover your Horse's best Innate Gait I’m often asked if my books or video contain information about training a Missouri Fox Trotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, or other specific breed of ...  Full article...

When You're Not Hot to Trot: How to Work with Trotty Horses It can sometimes be more of a challenge to 'smooth out' the gaits of a horse with a strong trot tendency than it is to work with a pacier animal. ...  Full article...

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part I) The poor form in which gaited horses are commonly ridden predestines a high percentage of them to becoming hollow or sway backed. This results in ...  Full article...

Spring Training for the Gaited Horse While a horse may seem especially frisky and energetic in the spring, be aware that all that energy doesn't necessarily mean they're in good condition ...  Full article...

Bits For The Gaited Horse There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the best bit to use when starting a young gaited horse under saddle. Many Spanish training traditions ...  Full article...

How, and When, Should I Canter (or Trot) My Gaited Horse?   One of the most common questions I hear from gaited horse owners is whether it is all right to canter, or to trot, their gaited horse. In ...  Full article...

Ten Common Bit Myths Myth #1: There is no such thing as a harsh bit, but only harsh hands. Myth #2: Any bit can be severe in the wrong hands. Myth #3: Bits with ...  Full article...

Developing Impulsion (Part II) Last month I discussed the importance of developing your horse’s fast walk with impulsion from behind. This exercise cannot be overdone, if you want ...  Full article...

Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse Part II In my last article, “Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse,” I described the causes and symptoms of this frustrating disorder (upward fixated ...  Full article...

Is your Horse's Manner of Gaiting Destroying His Body? A while ago I was talking with a fellow who owns a gaited horse breeding and showing facility. He was telling me about a recent clinic that had been ...  Full article...

Gaining Control of the Horse that Rushes     One of the most common problems presented to me at a clinic or expo demonstration is that of a gaited horse that has little or no ...  Full article...

Determine Which Gait Your Horse is Performing Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the gait spectrum, (you have, haven’t you?), it’s time to determine what gait your horse does most ...  Full article...

Gaits Of A Horse In A Nutshell Every saddle gait falls somewhere on the gait spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is the totally lateral pace. When a horse paces, two same side legs ...  Full article...

Conformation as it Relates to Gait This part of the site will feature conformational analysis of gaited horses. I've prepared these in such a way that each horse has been 'charted out.' ...  Full article...

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part III) Now that you’ve learned how to do exercises from the ground for your hollow backed horse, and have made sure that your tack isn’t causing any more ...  Full article...

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part II) Beginning Exercises for the Hollow Backed HorseMy last aticle outlined steps that can be taken when working from the ground to help relieve problems ...  Full article...

Ten Tips for Finding and Keeping the Gait 1.) Don’t expect your young, or new, horse to gait very well right “out of the box.” Young horses need time–often a full season or two–to correctly ...  Full article...

You Can Collect That Gaited Horse For the past couple of years there has been a growing controversy in the gaited horse world regarding the right way to train and ride a gaited horse. ...  Full article...

Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse: Part I A common physical affliction among gaited horses is upward fixation of the patella, otherwise known as locking stifles.The symptoms of this may be so ...  Full article...

A Weighty Subject - by Brenda Imus I’ve had some folks e-mail to tell me that they’ve gone to a trainer or clinician who used light weights and other gait training ...  Full article...

How to Determine Saddle Seat Size        The Imus 4-Beat(tm) saddle seats measure smaller from cantle to pommel than they actually are when being ridden. ...  Full article...

Back to Basics (or: Basics of Backs)   The greatest frustration for those owners of gaited horses that are ‘clued in’ to their animals is often finding a saddle to correctly fit ...  Full article...

Gaited Horse Saddle Fit If you were going on a long hike, carrying a heavy backpack, what would you prefer to wear on your feet: wooden shoes, or well-made, flexible soled ...  Full article...

Developing Impulsion (Part I) The most common problem I discover when dealing with gaited horses is their lack of forward impulsion. This isn’t a horse problem so much as it is a ...  Full article...

Ride-N-Tie™ Trail Bridle

The Ride-N-Tie™ Trail Bridle is the ultimate must-have haler/bridle combo for the serious pleasure trail rider!

Halter bridle combinations are a great idea, no doubt about it. Who wants to risk taking off their horse's bridle when it's time to stop for a lunch break out on the trail? Let's face it, riding with a bridle over the top of a regular halter just isn't, well. . .pretty. The Ride-N-Tie™ Trail Bridle solves this problem!™ 

 

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