Ask Sharon — Equipment

Dear Sharon, I was at a barrel race last weekend and saw a gal with a "brain chain" that was high quality rolled leather and not the heavy, ugly metal chain that is wrapped in the vetwrap that came with my new gelding. My horse is naturally high-headed and really needs, and uses, his nose, so this sort of tie-down works well for him, but I want the nicer quality leather one that was identified as a Sharon Camarillo product. I can't find it anywhere. Please help! Dear Susi, The rolled leather "Browband" tiedown is Reinsman's style #7661. Visit our store...

Dear Sharon, I have read your book and I have a quick question for you. I am riding my four year-old in an O-ring Snaffle but I would like to move him to a different bit. At this stage of training what would you recommend I try on him? Dear Sherry, Before you transition your horse into a shank bridle, I would suggest you spend some time in the Cowboy German Martingale, outlined in my book, and the Reinsman #744 Six Bit. The Six Bit will introduce curb pressure while the martingale will help eliminate the escape routes some horses...

Dear Sharon, I have a horse that is about six years old. He has been worked on cows, but I want to start training him for barrels. He is very easy on the mouth, but he is not good about bending. What kind of bit should I use? Dear Robyn, Thank you for writing. I am not sure I have enough information to answer your question specifically. What I can share with you are some guidelines about selecting a bit for a horse that needs help with bending.  Bits with solid shanks and mouthpieces are generally described to produce a...

Dear Sharon, I would like to know how to adjust the Reinsman short and long shank bits in your collection, #722 and #723.  I have been told two ways to use the bit. The first suggestion was to tie up the noseband as it hangs low on the horse's nose; the second was to let it hang low on the nose. I feel the bit works best hanging on the nose with the bit pulled up in the mouth and the chain curb a little looser. I used the bit recently with this adjustment and it paid for itself 10...

Dear Sharon, I have a strong horse and I can’t figure out what bit is right for him. I have tried the Tender Touch, but it cut into his mouth and the Combo is too strong for him. I was thinking of a Beetle, but I am not sure. I have had him since February 2007. I am trying to train him on my own and he has made progress, but I can’t run barrels with a bit that he is running through. I’m about to break down because I have no idea what to do. Please help! Dear Kaitlyn,...