Re: one more lesson learned....comments.....

[Connie DeJong <cdejong@cisco.com>]

Barbara,
I feel the same way you do, I just don't like putting a bit in without the headstall.
So, I still buy the separate headstall / halter rigs.  The headstall  has only the bit attachment and a crown piece, it fits over the halter and attaches with a loop/clip just under the ears to the halter making it secure. 

It takes about the same amount of time to slip off the head stall as it does to 
detach the bit from a snap on bridal/halter. I buy these from Redfield Halters.
Extremely nice people.

She makes these in biothane or nylon, but I still like the nylon, it is softer and more pliable, just can't get used to the hard plastic stuff.  The nylon rinses out just as easy, may need a scub now and again, but stays soft for years. I throw it in the washer when I'm too lazy to rinse, but make sure you don't have any Velcro in since that always sticks and pulls the fibres. I have two sets that we purchased 8 years ago with reins, still in almost new condition color only a little faded.  Bought another color two years ago, still in excellent condition.  

Connie 

At 12:16 PM 1/29/99 -0500, you wrote:
>In a message dated 1/29/99 8:42:25 AM Pacific Standard Time,
>Teddy@runningbear.com writes:
>
><< Say, Isn't this one of the major reasons trail bridles (brible/halters,
>endurance
> bridles, etc.) were made?  Put on horse at HOME, trailer in it, have the
>horse
> LIVE in it.  Just add the bit when you ride.
>  >>
>
>Yes, that is the logic behind the halter-bridles, but for some reason, I am
>reluctant to put on a bit without the mechanical advantage of being able to
>put my right hand over the top of the poll, holding the top of the bridle and
>gently easing the bit into the mouth with the left.  I've watched people
>trying to put the bit into the mouth without using the "hand on the poll"
>technique, and so often the bit ends up jamming the horse in the teeth because
>you are pushing upwards rather than lifting from the top while guiding the bit
>in.  Am I missing some simple trick that enables me to slip the bit in from
>below without hurting the horse?  I'm willing to learn.
>
>Barbara
> 
Connie DeJong
Villa Montagne Equestrian B&B
28495 Big Basin Way
Boulder Creek, CA 95006
(831) 338-2174 (voice & fax)

The best kept secret located in the Redwood Forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains
on the Skyline to the Sea trail.