>>> The lady who has the Icey in my area is named Kathleen. Is that Kathleen Douglas, by any chance? She checks into this list occasionally - I really enjoy her posts.
>>> Do you have a preference for any particular one? I like the wider, flat noseband on Kaaren's design better than any one I've tried. The jowl strap is placed well too - I never have a problem with it pulling up into the horses' eyes. >> And do either you or Karen ride in just the sidepull, or do you use a bit after starting a young horse in a sidepull? Ideally I'd like to just use the sidepull and forgo the bit altogether. I try to get my horses to the point they can be ridden in either a bit or with just a sidepull, so I switch back and forth. Depending on what I'm doing at the moment, there are some things I think I can do better with a bit - one of those being sending light cues to signal a slight touch of my little finger on the reins. I use that cue with a verbal praise to help teach the subtle differences in gait - maybe to tell a horse that saddle rack is good, but step pace isn't ideal, for instance. I don't like to depend on a bit for brakes. And, even when I ride with a bit, I try to remember to drop my reins and ride just with my seat and legs for a portion of each ride. Remember, though, I have a lot of young horses, and I have to realize that I probably won't own my horses all their lives, so I want them prepared for whatever life may throw at them. Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED]
