Balding bits? and need headstall and reins....

Coming from a H/J world to the reining world has been an adjustment......one of the biggest being the cost of the equipment! The trainers I know recommend Balding bits. I am choking on the price. I know there are more expensive, and I know they hold their value, but seriously-are the worth the $$?

I am looking at the Pro Roller Correction, sheridan shanks. # 19, and # 27......naturally I like 19 better....

Tom Balding Bits & Spurs

I know I need a one ear headstall, but am struggling with whether I can use it in trails too, since I do that from time to time. Want a really good quality, but not much bling.....medium color. Where do reining folks get them? PArds has a very limited supply.......

Reins-not sure. I think with that bit I want thinner and less weight. Going by what he is being ridden in now. I also thin thinner is easier to handle and maneuver. Thoughts? Sources? And how should the connect? What is the most accepted among the reiners? I will ask the trainer, but it seems some of them are men of few words, so to speak........lol

If you don't want a Balding, Bob Avila has some knockoffs through Professionals Choice...not sure about the one you wanting though. If you get a Balding and don't want it no longer or would like to sell it later, that wont be a problem either.

A one ear headstall is not an issue in brushy country for us. We are sticklers for riding bridle horses in a split ear. I have never had one come off chasing cattle in tall sage or trees. As far where to get them, not too sure, my husband made some of ours, EBay, and Capriolas. Caps is spendy though.

I wouldn't order reins on line. I like to feel them in my hand. I like a heavier reins for sure. They have a better feel and will get a quicker release off of your bit. I just get the waterloop ends, just personally preference. I like to match my headstall width with rein width, but that is just me...
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Yeah-I think I will probably go with the Balding....I know the horse likes it and it works, as well as the resale. I agree on the reins, the issue is where I am there are NO places that deal in western stuff. Literally. Perhaps I will go with what I have, which are a little thicker and weighted, until I go to a show...it gives me something to shop for, I guess. What are waterloo ends? Sorry-no idea. Remember, I am in "hunt country"...Va.....lol

Thanks for the hints on the headstalls......I look at Ebay every day, hoping to find a nice vintage one, since some of them are really nice. Will check out the Caps too.

Reiners are using bits like that? Wow, I didn't know. So many have a spade-like appearance. Most are pretty darn harsh.

They are only harsh if you actually need to use them. I can say all I do is lift the reins. Never really need to "engage" the bit. But, with the hinging, it allows (I only know because I watch the trainer) correction of one shoulder dropped, etc.......it seems like it is really fine tuned. I am certainly no expert, but that is what I am seeing from how my guy reacts to it.

*choke* I thought Myler Bits were expensive! LoL.

Yeah. My trainer gets them at a discount, but still. My horse DOES have a really sensitive mouth......so maybe it is worth it....as long as the hubby does;t get word of it......lol

Franknbeans, you are right, a real spade is a signal bit not a leverage bit. The horse reacts to the movement of the reins, that is why rein weight is important. If you engage the curb strap on a spade your pulling too hard.

Water loop ends are like the little peices of leather that tie on to connect them to the bit rather than chicago screws.
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Ahh-thanks-got it. That is the kind I am used to. Just have to get used to the thought of using this whole set up to ride trails...... Remember, I am used to having 2 hands on the reins, and a very heavy draft leaning on me. This is a totally new concept I am VERY much looking forward to....as are my neck, shoulders and back!

Oh yeah, It is hard getting used to a new discipline I am sure! I can't imgine if I had to go out and buy english riding gear...lol! I haven't the slightest!
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