I’d been working with Crystal, a four year old Walkaloosa mare, for more than a week.  She was a near-leopard the color of tomato soup with a flaxen mane and tail, built like a tank, and possessed especially large, expressive eyes that showed the white sclera typical of Appaloosa breeding.  Crystal was taught to pull a cart as a long 2 year old, and was worked in the round pen and lightly trail ridden as a three year old.  Though still green, a good foundation had been laid by my assistants, and after a winter’s lay-off I looked forward to developing her as a reliable and responsive riding horse.

It is my habit when schooling horses to end a training session on a positive note.  Sometimes this means backing up to an earlier, easier lesson on days when new material is frustrating the horse.  Crystal, however, seemed determined to challenge my authority, and refused to work cooperatively on lessons she had easily mastered in the past.  I was not only impatient, but her willfulness was creating mistrust.  No longer a youthful, agile rider – and out of shape after a long winter – her attitude made me reluctant to mount up and ride.  After several frustrating sessions in the round pen, I finally decided it was time to give her a real job. As I approached her with the saddle, she cut a disdainful look at me, as if to say, “Yeah, right!”  Ignoring her body language, I tacked up, trying to hide my nervousness from this all-too astute horse.

Right now you can save $10 off the price of the Imus Training and Transition Bit - just in time for early Spring training!  Young horses can be started on the snaffle rings of the ITTB, learning to give, soften, flex, and balance a rider (you can even use it for driving).  Once these elementary skills have been mastered, place a curb strap on the upper rings and the reins on the lower ones and voila', you're now teaching the horse how to work with a mild curb bit, starting the early work of developing collection and improving form. 

The ITTB possesses the same curb ratio and mouthpiece as the ever popular Imus Comfort Bit, so there is no confusion upon progressing to a more sophisticated bit in later training.  Once you've tried any of the Imus bits, you'll never use any other kind!

       Regular Price: $69.95/Now: $59.95

The Imus 4-Beat Saddle Pad is one of the most practical, durable, and economical pads on the market - and now you can save an additional $15 off the regular price!  The bubble neoprene backing allows moisture wicking, and helps keep the saddle in the correct position, while the specially coated, heavy duty denier covering is resistant to dirt and rain, and cleans up easily with just water.  Tough wear leathers protect the wither relief and fender areas.

Available in Desert Tan, Black, Hunter Green, or Wine.

Regular Price $69.95/Now $54.95

It's time for our annual sale on the Imus Ride 'n Tie(tm) trail bridle.  No more risking a loose horse as you take off the halter in preparation for bridling!  No more awkward attempts at trying to snap the bit onto rings at both sides of a halter without bumping the horse's teeth!  Simply install the headstall right over the matching halter, and secure with snaps at the sides of the browband.  A simple, straightforward piece of equipment that is as attractive as it is practical - and now you can save $20 on the purchase price.  It doesn't get any better than this!

Available in brown or black, leather or beta-biothane.   

 Regular Price: $119.95/Now $99.95

Brenda will be presenting at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, WI on April 16-18, 2010, and needs riders who want to work with her there.  Is your horse trotty, or pacey?  Does it rush through the bit, or refuse to maintain its gait?  If it is a mare or gelding over the age of four and well started, Brenda will be happy to help you work out your issues.  Information and a submission form are available at the Midwest Horse Fair's website (click here).  (A video of your horse is appreciated, but if that is not possible, a detailed written description of the horse, and the problems you would like to resolve, are acceptable.)

If you wish to order any of my - or National Bridle Shop's - products, and have questions you would like to ask, Jake is the man to call.  Those customers who have spoken with him on the phone, or corresponded via e-mail, can attest that he is as friendly as he is knowledgeable. 

Do you need advice regarding the correct Imus 4-Beat saddle tree for your horse? Wonder if your horse might benefit from a Have-a-Heart bridge pad?  Use our "Help Fit my Horse" saddle fitting form, and Jake will get right back to you with expert advice - often within the hour.

Got questions?  Want to order an Imus product?  Call Jake at 1-877-884-2328. (Questions regarding the status of an order, or availability of product, should be directed to National Bridle Shop: 1-800-251-3474.)