Subject: [RC] Looking for rope
trail/endurance headstall and bridle combo - any ideas?
Dear all,
I figured with all the experiences out there, someone might have an idea
for me.
The horse I have competed on the past 4 years (all CTRs) is one that gets
rather aggravated having things on his head. He will tolerate everything, but
it's not uncommon for him to rub his head intensely on whatever is nearby -
his legs, a tree, his buddy... This becomes especially true when he is in his
trail/endurance headstall and bridle combo that I compete him in. It is a
Zilco headstall, and it just seems to drive him nuts - not to mention whenever
he starts to work up a bit of a sweat underneath it! (FYI, fit does not appear
to be an issue - it is just snug enough to keep everything laying where it
should but loose enough to easily run a hand underneath).
However, he is much more content in his rope halter - I'm guessing
partially because there is less material touching his face, and the material
itself is of much softer (and less heat/moisture trapping) quality than the
Zilco. In fact, in speaking with the individual who actually bred this horse,
I found out that his dad was similarly annoyed by having stuff on his face,
and she had remedied the issue by moving to a 100% rope halter/bridle combo.
So, that I what I would like to try. However, I have done some internet
searches and have not been successful in finding what I am looking for. I am
aware of the "add-on" bridles out there that are made to go on over a rope
halter, but those that I have seen are in biothane, which would likely have
the same effect as the Zilco. In addition, I would like a trail/endurance
headstall and bridle combo ( i.e. with the bit either clipping on or running
over the pole, like my current Zilco setup), but made entirely out of
rope.
Does anyone out there know of where I might be able to find one of these?
If so, I'd love to hear where!
If you want to e-mail me privately, feel free to do so at "KiraNSunny13
AT gmail DOT com"