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How conformation and tack can affect your horse’s performance "When purchasing a horse, it’s fair to say that most buyers want to purchase a horse breed to do the event of their choice. For example if you are interested in horse racing then you would tend to purchase a Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse (that’s specifically “race bred”) or if you are into cattle events then you may purchase a horse that has bloodlines from award winning cutting horses.  How a horse is built can affect how well the horse can perform its job at hand.  If you are interested in cutting then choosing a tall, lanky horse like a Thoroughbred may not be the wisest decision.  That’s not to say other breeds cannot excel or perform in events they were not bred for but one should take into account the physical demand of the event. How much strain physically placed on a horse’s limbs, joints, soft tissue, long and short bones will depend on the demands of the event.  Performance is often compromised when horses experience pain associated with their job.  A study in Germany demonstrated that dressage horses with a more horizontal shoulder and vertical pelvis showed the greatest...

Blog To Blog We thought you might enjoy a blog from a fellow blogger. Sarah called in and spoke to Tom and created her blog entry. She is an freelance journalist specialising in equestrian and country lifestyle topics in the UK. We really enjoyed working with her and hope you enjoy her blog post below. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Spurred on to greater success - an interview with Tom Balding "Ever wondered how those beautiful, extravagant bits and spurs used in Western riding are made? I caught up with Tom Balding, America's premier manufacturer of high-quality bits and spurs, for some inside information. With his soft, drawling accent and laconic delivery, Tom Balding, eponymous proprietor of Tom Balding Bits and Spurs, sounds to my British ears as though he's just stepped off the set of a Western movie. It comes as a surprise, therefore, to learn he's actually from Southern California, and has a background in precision manufacturing. "I had my own manufacturing business," he explains, "and in 1980 I decided to quit and try my hand as a cowboy. I moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, bought and trained a young horse and worked on ranches, hauling hay and doing anything else you can think...

 TOM'S VIDEO INTERVIEW Have you every wanted to hear Tom's story straight from Tom? Here is a video interview from reiningonline.com. VIDEO INTERVIEW  If you are having trouble viewing the video you may have to download this to play it: http://www.longtailvideo.com/players/jw-flv-player

Bits and Their Functions Responsiveness is important in show horses and working horses alike. The choice in which bit used is fundamental to a horse’s performance. Desired results of bit performance are quicker, more precise movements and enhanced responsiveness to the rider’s cues. Examples of this increased control include: quicker stops, sharper turns, controlled stride length, jumping height, and sudden direction changes. Tom Balding offers a large variety of bit combinations.  A snaffle bit is an unobtrusive beginning in training younger horse’s responsiveness to cues. Tom offers a full range of snaffle bits to accommodate any horse and rider. The various three piece snaffle combinations provide softer cues for a responsive horse, while the twisted Wire™ and twisted Witch™ mouthpieces, available in a variety of sizes provide quicker cues to the bars of this mouth. Once general cues are followed with ease, a transition bit like the popular Double Cross™ can provide a bridge between the snaffle and a ported or solid mouthpiece. Tom Balding offers a variety of bits designed for the finished horse which aid in promoting head and body collection. Each mouthpiece design is carefully contemplated and executed; from the angle it’s welded on the shank to...

WHATS IN YOUR HORSES MOUTH? A Happy Horse starts with a Happy Mouth: Horse pacifiers – rollers, copper, & rust Finding the right bit for your horse is a huge key to how successful you are in getting the most out of your horse’s performance.  A happy horse starts by being happy with what’s in its mouth.  There are many options for bits and not all horses like the same mouthpiece in their bit. Granted, some times it’s not the bit, but whose hands the bit is in, that can ultimately determine if the horse is responsive or accepting.  Generally, good signs that a horse has accepted, or actually approves of, its bit are the way the horse will carry his head and neck as well as relaxing in its jaw. A horse that is “soft”, or accepting of the bit, is flexing at the poll and throat latch, relaxed at the jaw, as well as not mouthing the bit; meaning constantly chewing on the bit or tossing and slinging its head.  If one sees their horse displaying such behavior, it’s always a good idea to have your horse’s teeth checked as well as consider your horse’s equipment such as...

What can your mind create? Do you have a vision of the prefect belt buckle? Sketch it out or work with Kelli and Desirae to get a mock up of your vision. Then bring it to reality through our comprehensive ordering process. Be instrumental in the material and finish detail selection.  Check out this beautiful creation just completed. Phase one: Detailed drawing from our customer.   Phase two: Select font and finishing details.       Phase three: Receive your buckle!     It really is that simple and personalized. We want you to treasure your creation for many years. Here are some other beautiful examples to get your creativity flowing. If you would like a quote. Please email us your thoughts or draft.   We can't wait to see what you come up with! ~*~ Your friendly staff at Tom Balding Bits & Spurs ~*~

Patriotic Bucking Horse Stickers THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED! We received your feed back on this post. Thank you! However we still need you to email us your mailing address so we can send stickers your way. Thank you Jessica for  email. Your stickers are on their way!   Be one of the first 10 people within the US to send a comment below to receive a pack of 10 stickers to pass out to friends and family. Once you have commented below please email us your mailing address at sales@tombalding.com. Please title the email "sticker address". A little history on the Wyoming Bucking Horse taken from the Wyoming Executive Department Cheyenne: This first know use of the bucking horse as an insignia was worn by members of the Wyoming Nation Guard in France and Germany during WWI. The original design was created by ISG George N. Ostrom of the E Battery, 3rd Battalion, 148th Field Artillery Regiment, & AEF. The insignia was officially adopted by the US Army and was used as a means of identification on gun trails, trucks, helmets, and other equipment. It has been extensively used by Wyoming units during out of Stat and overseas...