The economy of the past few years has created challenges for businesses of all types, and the equestrian market is no exception. A number of previously viable "Mom and Pop" tack stores have succumbed, and even larger businesses have had to reorganize and streamline their operations in order to survive. My business is no exception. Originally it was organized as a sole proprietorship, but as the market for my products grew I was advised to incorporate.

When the horse market softened, and I struggled with supplier issues, I had to rethink the entire question of how best to serve all of you. I realized that my strengths lay in working with horses and people, and in communications - and that operating a retail sales business was not my desire - nor necessarily my forte'.  For those reasons, I decided to turn all manufacturing and retail business operations over to the very experienced and capable hands of Bobby Beech, owner of National Bridle Shop.

The term "Gaits of Gold" was originally the title for my second gaited horse book, and was coined to describe the pure, natural gaits obtained by using the training methods introduced in that work. When the retail business incorporated, it seemed a logical step to call it by the name that had become so closely associated with me, and with the products I had developed. Now that I am no longer directly involved with retail sales, however, it has become unnecessary to operate under the auspices of a corporation. Some of you are aware that Gaits of Gold, Inc. is no longer a legal entity. . .and there has been some conjecture that my services and products will therefore no longer be available. Let me set the record straight: not only are my gaited horse products still available, but the relationship between myself and National Bridle Shop - as well as with Big Horn Saddle Company - means that orders ship faster, and that you now have two teams of people working to ensure that customer service is twice as good as it ever was! I have the ability to focus on what I do best, and can be utterly at peace knowing that when you place an order - either via this website, or directly through National Bridle Shop, where all orders are  processed, and now the exclusive retail distributor of the products I developed and endorse - you will receive the best possible customer service, and efficient order fulfillment.

I trust that I will be serving this industry for many years to come, and hope that you all have many, many years of riding horses with "Gaits of Gold!"

Imus 4-Beat saddle production is totally up to par!  Bobby Beech, owner of National Bridle Shop, tells me there are now more than 20 saddles in stock, ready to ship upon order. Another 40 saddles are being built and will be in stock in the next couple of weeks. (To find out what is in stock, call NBS at 1-800-251-3474 - first come, first sold). I'm told that saddles that are not currently in stock are being built and shipped, at maximum, within six weeks of order.    

Here's another recent public Message Board comment from one of many happy customers:

Brenda, I have to thank you for making such wonderful products.

I bought my first horse (a 10 yo TWH) in February. His previous owner sent me with his Tom Thumb bit and I was riding him in a hand-me-down western saddle. He hated to be bridled (nose up in the air) and would get all "goosey" and barn sour during our rides. (We live in the country and have to road ride back and forth past our home, so he'd always want to come in every time we passed the driveway).

I bought an ICB [Imus Comfort Bit} right away and noticed significant improvement - now he will put his head down to be bridled! He doesn't fuss with the bit, either, when we are practicing our halts (he really prefers to keep moving - so we're doing alot of 5-10 second halts on our rides).

I also bought a 4-Beat saddle. . .It's amazing the difference that the saddle made! He hasn't been rushing to get home and he is responding much better to my seat and hands - even though he is voice trained to whoa, he will stop now with seat/slight rein cues!

Even my husband, who was VERY skeptical that a new bit and saddle would make such a big difference, believes that it was all worth it.

It's so nice to go out on a ride and enjoy it, and know that my horse is happy, too.

Again, I just wanted to say thanks,

Jen

Rush Creek Farms, IL

I love the feedback on the two new products I recently introduced: the Imus 4-Beat Saddle Pad, and the new Breathe Easy Cinch.

I got to try my new 4-Beat pad and new Cinch out.  Unbelieveable!  No kidding, the pad did great, not too thick, never slid back, seems to dry out pretty good.  Then the girth, it stayed in place and I didn't have to keep tightening it up.  I have had a problem with my saddle slipping back.  My pad must of not been right and it was suggested that I try a shorter girth.  I had been using a 32"  *** with a roller buckle.  On my last two long rides I kept tighting the girth trying to prevent the saddle sliding back and after the rides, there were knots swollen on both sides of my horse where the buckle was.  I felt bad, but  last night after riding with my new 4-Beat equipment, there was no swelling. . .Thank You Brenda for such great products and thanks to everyone relating their  stories and suggestions.

Pam, GOG Message Board Member

Just wanted to let everyone know my new cinch came in and boy this one was so worth the wait. Brenda ,this maybe my favorite product for my horse yet. (The Ride 'n Tie bridle and 4-Beat saddle help with my comfort too.) No guilt when I cinched him up tonight. I could even feel him relax instead of blowing out. It just feels nice. Maybe my imagination but I even think he was more relaxed under saddle, more sensitive to my leg etc. My Imus saddle was sitting where it was suppose to be after we rode and it seems to me that the cinch had not slipped either.

R.S. Moody

Chesapeake, VA

I bought my first Spotted Saddle Horse last spring.  I had a very difficult year with him last year, and I was getting pretty discouraged; especially, when I attended a private clinic last December and my horse was classified as dangerous for me.  However, I DO NOT give up that easily!  I knew I had to learn to understand this horse and really figure out what I needed to do...long story short...along with other problems, I was having extreme difficulty in finding a saddle that would fit him and me.  I saw and ad in the Trail Riding Magazine about the Imus 4-Beat Saddle, and got online and read Brenda's articles.  Low and Behold, the problems described in her article about Saddle Fitting Problems were exactly what I was experiencing....and I had tried 4 different Saddles.  Also, my horse was refusing to gait anymore...he would only Trot....I was constantly being thrown forward and it was a Miserable ride.

After reading about the Imus 4-Beat Saddle and the Imus Comfort Bit, I ordered the entire outfit...Western Saddle with matching Breast Collar/Saddle Pad and the Imus Comfort Bit.  I just want to tell you, how excited and truly thrilled I am with Everything.  My horse loves it........I absolutely love it....total Comfort for us both, and with the Bit he is Gaiting like the horse I dreamed about.  Brenda, I cannot Thank You enough!  I am finally, totally enjoying my new equine partner.  It is truly Amazing.

Sincerely,

Kathy from Ohio

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. 

Note: Originally the center roller of this bit was made of copper. The design recently changed to a Stainless Steel roller. This is because some mature geldings love to 'play' with the copper roller. . .which is harmless, but distracting to some riders. I believe the stainless steel offers less temptation in this regard - but the bit still boasts copper inlay strips on the bottom of the mouthpiece, to encourage a soft, wet mouth.  

Price: $69.95