<should I get my mare an i-pod or Rhythm Beads??> My boys love the Rhythm Beads & seem to really get into making their own rhythms. I make some that clip into the mane so that if I get annoyed by the sound on a long ride I can just pocket them for a while. As Vicka said, they are great for warning wildlife/hunters/walkers of your approach.
I also ride with a custom Snugpax waist pouch that has a compartment for my first aid homeopathics as well as one that can hold a small cassette play with built in speakers. Sometimes we ride to the sounds of Loreena McKennitt or other Celtic sounds. They really get into the music with lots of energy. I believe Dressage Extensions catalogue has a product called " Kur Tunes"which is in essence a portable stereo whose speakers go into any small saddle bag with a smaller unit around your waist for the actual player. Mine works fine for much less $$$. Kaaren
