Be-Nice Halter 

The Be-Nice Halter is a rope halter that has smooth metal studs affixed to the straps that go over the horse's poll. Like a choke-collar for a dog, the Be-Nice Halter uses rings under the horse's jowels so that it tightens when it's pulled by the halter rope -- which then tightens the studs on the top and puts pressure on the horse's poll.

This halter is great for horses that are sluggish on the halter and need extra incentive to respect the pressure of the halter -- whether Leading or Longing. It's not as intense as using a chain under the horse's chin, so most horses accept this halter without much struggle.

Be careful when using this halter, however. The straps that hang down under the horses jowels and attach to the halter rope are long -- depending on the halter's fit -- and swing around. So I advise taking off this halter before bridling -- I wouldn't ride a horse with it on. Also be careful when Longing in it -- don't let the horse lower his head and step on those straps. 

Be careful when tying a horse in this halter -- for the same reason, so he doesn't step on the straps. Also, horses not used to this halter should not be tied in it, as they may fight the halter when they feel the pressure intensifying on the poll as they step or pull back.

When first using this halter on your horse, be careful and don't pull very hard for very long. If the horse resists the poll-pressure as the halter tightens, give-in to him as much as possible and try to use only a small amount of pressure at a time. As the horse becomes accustomed to the halter pressure, he will become desensitized to it and accept it calmly. 

This is a great halter if used correctly, but it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. So use common sense, transition the horse into it gradually, and replace the Be-Nice Halter with a regular halter when riding and tying -- at least until you and your horse are familiar with it.

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Saddle Pads

Closed-Cell Foam Saddle Pad

Saddle Fit

Cotton-Rope Longe Line 

I love the Cotton-Rope type Longe-Line that is 20-30 feet long. It doesn't get easily tangled and knotted, and it's soft enough that it doesn't burn your hand badly when a horse pulls the line.

It's also heavy enough to swing the end in circles to get the horse moving, so you don't have to use a whip. I hate using a whip when Longing a horse because it's one more thing to hold onto. The horse also quickly learns when you have a whip and when you don't -- and responds accordingly. With a rope Longe-Line, you can swing the end the get the horse to move, and it then becomes an extension of your arm. The horse then respects you, not the whip.

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Closed-Cell Foam Saddle Pad 

My favorite is the Equi-guard Closed-Cell Foam Pad. It's probably 3 inches thick, and is coated on the outside so that it can be used without another saddle blanket. I've seen it advertised for around $70 - $100, both in tack stores and catalogues. This Pad is worth the money, and it works GREAT for saddles that are too narrow for a horse. It's also very durable, and comes in versions for both Western and English saddles.

The only downside I've seen is that the Western Version is big and WHITE, which scares some horses until they get used to it. So be careful introducing it to your horse for the first several times.

Not all Closed-Cell Foam Pads are equal!I have tried other Closed-Cell Foam Pads that were cheaper, and they did not work very well. They helped -- but didn't do 1/2 as good a job as the Equiguard Pad does. I don't know if it's because they are only 1/2 the thickness of the Equiguard Pad or what -- but they didn't work nearly as well. What else can I say? I personally stay away from Gel Pads, and about every other kind of 'theraputic' pad on the market. (Unless I have a specific need for one, such as needing a certain pad to lift either the front or back of a saddle.)

I have used them before, but have not found Gel Pads at all helpful or seen any benefit to using one. I don't feel the gel has enough 'give' to it, and seems like a rather hard type of material to have pressing down on a horse's back. The pressure of the Gel is kind of similar to the feeling of water when you do a belly-flop, or smacking you hand flatly down on a pool of water -- it's hard.

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How To Check The Saddle-Fit Without Measuring: 

Saddle your horse, then Ride or Longe him until he sweats. Take the saddle off. If there are any dry spots, your saddle does not fit your horse. If the saddle fits properly, the sweat will be evenly distributed over the horse's back, without any dry spots.Common areas of an ill-fitting saddle include: dry spots on both sides of the withers, and/or down the middle of the back. Dry spots in these areas usually indicate a saddle that is too narrow for your horse's back. A saddle that slides to the side when you mount can indicate a saddle that is either too narrow or too wide for your horse. (Of course, anyone can pull a saddle to the side if they have trouble mounting and lean too heavily on the stirrup.)If the saddle slides around while you are riding, it's probably too wide. (This is assuming your horse has good enough withers to hold a saddle.)If the saddle is too narrow for your horse, try using a Closed-Cell Foam Pad either under, on top of, or without your saddle blanket. (Check the Pad's directions to see what the manufacturer recommends.) If the Pad works, those dry spots will disappear, and the horse's sweat will be evenly distributed over his back.

If the saddle is too wide for your horse, the Pad may or may not help. It will provide extra bulk to help fill up some of extra room under the saddle, but if the saddle is just too wide, the Pad probably won't stop it from moving around, either. Get a narrower saddle.

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