FAQs about SIDE PULLS
Important to note:
1) This information is about the Side Pulls we offer only, not necessarily all Side Pulls in general.
2) The answers to the questions below come from my own personal opinions and experiences with our Side Pulls.
3) The brown words are links to the page it is referring to. Click the word and the page will open in a new tab.
Important to note:
1) This information is about the Side Pulls we offer only, not necessarily all Side Pulls in general.
2) The answers to the questions below come from my own personal opinions and experiences with our Side Pulls.
3) The brown words are links to the page it is referring to. Click the word and the page will open in a new tab.
What's the difference between the 3 options?
The AB Side Pull
> It may look a little different from others that are out there but it works very well. It is our own unique design that my business partner designed many years ago. You can only find it here.
> The AB Side Pull has an adjustable chin strap so you can have less or more pressure under the chin when the reins are engaged. Loosen it right off for horses that are sensitive or need very little rein cues. Make it a bit more snug for horses that are learning or need more guidance from the reins.
> It comes plain but there are lots of braided accents that can be added depending on the budget available. (See the Braided Items page.) The braiding is really just decorative and all priced separately so as much or as little as you'd like can be added.
> It needs to fit well to work well and is very stable on the horse's head.
> In my opinion, this option would offer the most control, if that is a concern.
> Matching Rope Reins or Braided Reins can be added for an additional charge.
The AB Side Pull
> It may look a little different from others that are out there but it works very well. It is our own unique design that my business partner designed many years ago. You can only find it here.
> The AB Side Pull has an adjustable chin strap so you can have less or more pressure under the chin when the reins are engaged. Loosen it right off for horses that are sensitive or need very little rein cues. Make it a bit more snug for horses that are learning or need more guidance from the reins.
> It comes plain but there are lots of braided accents that can be added depending on the budget available. (See the Braided Items page.) The braiding is really just decorative and all priced separately so as much or as little as you'd like can be added.
> It needs to fit well to work well and is very stable on the horse's head.
> In my opinion, this option would offer the most control, if that is a concern.
> Matching Rope Reins or Braided Reins can be added for an additional charge.
Headstall with the optional Nose Band Side Pull
> This is sold as two separate pieces. The Headstall can be used with a bit or, for a bitless option, can be paired with the Nose Band Side Pull for a great matching set.
> Designed after a traditional western headstall.
> The basic model of the headstall is adjustable for length in the cheek on one side with the option to be adjustable on both sides for an additional charge.
> An optional brow band and/or throat latch can be added if desired for an additional charge.
> The chin strap on the Nose Band Side Pull is slightly adjustable to put more or less pressure under the chin when the reins are engaged.
> This style tends to move around on the horse's head more -- which seems to happen with Side Pulls of any kind since there is no bit to keep it from sliding. If your horse responds well then that shouldn't be much of a concern. If your horse is just learning or needs extra guidance from the reins, then choose the AB Side Pull.
> Matching Rope Reins or Braided Reins can be added for an additional charge.
> This is sold as two separate pieces. The Headstall can be used with a bit or, for a bitless option, can be paired with the Nose Band Side Pull for a great matching set.
> Designed after a traditional western headstall.
> The basic model of the headstall is adjustable for length in the cheek on one side with the option to be adjustable on both sides for an additional charge.
> An optional brow band and/or throat latch can be added if desired for an additional charge.
> The chin strap on the Nose Band Side Pull is slightly adjustable to put more or less pressure under the chin when the reins are engaged.
> This style tends to move around on the horse's head more -- which seems to happen with Side Pulls of any kind since there is no bit to keep it from sliding. If your horse responds well then that shouldn't be much of a concern. If your horse is just learning or needs extra guidance from the reins, then choose the AB Side Pull.
> Matching Rope Reins or Braided Reins can be added for an additional charge.
Nose Band Side Pull
> If you have a headstall that you like to use then the Nose Band Side Pull could be used with it, BUT, and this is important, the cheek pieces on your headstall need to be able to be shortened enough so the nose band sits just below the cheek bones on the sides of the horse's face. Not all headstalls can be shortened enough easily so you'd need to check yours to be sure.
> Due to the way the Nose Band Side Pull is made, it needs to have a braided nose band and the design options are more limited than with the options available for the AB Side Pull.
> The Nose Band Side Pull has two chin strap options. A Plain Chin Strap or a Chin Strap with Rings. The chin straps are adjustable so you can have less or more pressure under the chin when the reins are engaged. The Chin Strap with Rings is more adjustable than the Plain Chin Strap. See the Nose Band Side Pull page for details.
> This style tends to move around on the horse's head more -- which seems to happen with Side Pulls of any kind since there is no bit to keep it from sliding. If your horse responds well then that shouldn't be much of a concern. If your horse is just learning or needs extra guidance from the reins, then choose the AB Side Pull.
> Matching Rope Reins or Braided Reins can be added for an additional charge.
> If you have a headstall that you like to use then the Nose Band Side Pull could be used with it, BUT, and this is important, the cheek pieces on your headstall need to be able to be shortened enough so the nose band sits just below the cheek bones on the sides of the horse's face. Not all headstalls can be shortened enough easily so you'd need to check yours to be sure.
> Due to the way the Nose Band Side Pull is made, it needs to have a braided nose band and the design options are more limited than with the options available for the AB Side Pull.
> The Nose Band Side Pull has two chin strap options. A Plain Chin Strap or a Chin Strap with Rings. The chin straps are adjustable so you can have less or more pressure under the chin when the reins are engaged. The Chin Strap with Rings is more adjustable than the Plain Chin Strap. See the Nose Band Side Pull page for details.
> This style tends to move around on the horse's head more -- which seems to happen with Side Pulls of any kind since there is no bit to keep it from sliding. If your horse responds well then that shouldn't be much of a concern. If your horse is just learning or needs extra guidance from the reins, then choose the AB Side Pull.
> Matching Rope Reins or Braided Reins can be added for an additional charge.
How do I know which one to choose?
I am no expert and don't know you and your horse so this is not really a question I can answer. What I have found over the years and what makes sense to me is, if a horse goes well when ridden in a halter then the horse should be fine in a Side Pull and any of the models should work. If control is a concern for you, then choose the AB Side Pull. If you are not sure which would be the best option, choose the AB Side Pull.
The feedback I've received from customers who have tried the Side Pulls is that their horses seem much more relaxed and able to focus without a bit in their mouth. Read some of the testimonials about the AB Side Pull here.
Whatever option you end up choosing, I'd bet that your horse will be happy to be bit free!
I am no expert and don't know you and your horse so this is not really a question I can answer. What I have found over the years and what makes sense to me is, if a horse goes well when ridden in a halter then the horse should be fine in a Side Pull and any of the models should work. If control is a concern for you, then choose the AB Side Pull. If you are not sure which would be the best option, choose the AB Side Pull.
The feedback I've received from customers who have tried the Side Pulls is that their horses seem much more relaxed and able to focus without a bit in their mouth. Read some of the testimonials about the AB Side Pull here.
Whatever option you end up choosing, I'd bet that your horse will be happy to be bit free!
Won't my horse run away with me if there is no bit for control?
There is no possible way I could know the answer to this question. And if any tack sales person says they know the answer to this question, then leave without hesitation. No one knows you and your horse better than you do.
This is how I see it: There seems to be a huge misconception that the bit controls the horse. In my opinion, it's not a bit that offers control. How many times have you heard a story of someone who says the horse just grabbed the bit and ran? We've all heard those stories many times. So, is the bit offering control??? Doesn't seem like it. I believe it is the training and relationship between the horse and rider that offers the control, not a piece of metal in it's mouth. I hear lots of stories of how the horse seems more relaxed and able to focus without the bit. And that's a win for both the horse and rider! Also, and this is a big one, if you have that little feeling that you maybe shouldn't ride that day, then don't ride! God put that little feeling there for a reason and you better listen to it.
There is no possible way I could know the answer to this question. And if any tack sales person says they know the answer to this question, then leave without hesitation. No one knows you and your horse better than you do.
This is how I see it: There seems to be a huge misconception that the bit controls the horse. In my opinion, it's not a bit that offers control. How many times have you heard a story of someone who says the horse just grabbed the bit and ran? We've all heard those stories many times. So, is the bit offering control??? Doesn't seem like it. I believe it is the training and relationship between the horse and rider that offers the control, not a piece of metal in it's mouth. I hear lots of stories of how the horse seems more relaxed and able to focus without the bit. And that's a win for both the horse and rider! Also, and this is a big one, if you have that little feeling that you maybe shouldn't ride that day, then don't ride! God put that little feeling there for a reason and you better listen to it.
I've never ridden bitless. How do I ride my horse without a bit?
I'm always a little confused by this question. Your horse wasn't born with a bit in it's mouth. He went just perfectly without a bit for the first years of his life. Then one day a human came along and decided to shove a piece of metal in there. It may be a foreign concept to you to not have a bit, but it isn't to your horse. Many horses are started without a bit and go just fine.
Again, I'm no expert and can only give you suggestions from my own experiences. You may need to adjust for your particular horse. But what I suggest to try if someone asks is this...
Put the Side Pull on your horse and, standing to the side about where you would be if you were sitting on the horse, put a little pressure on the rein to ask him to bring his head around. Since the pressure is coming from a different place than what he might be used to, it may take a few times for him to get the hang of it. Just keep working at it for as long as it takes, be it minutes or maybe minutes over a few sessions, whatever your horse needs to be successful. Be gentle, be patient and just keep gently asking and make sure to release with the slightest movement in the right direction. And praise him so he knows he's doing what you'd like. Do this from both sides until he understands it well in both directions. I also put my arm over his back so I can hold the reins with both hands and gently ask for a back up.
Once he gets the hang of it, get on and try it from the saddle just standing still. Make sure you can turn both ways and back up. If all goes well, try it at the walk, then the trot and work your way up from there. If, for some reason, he seems to lose his confidence somewhere along the way, just stop and go back to what he knows and try again. No need to rush through it.
A lot of horses get this right away and have no problems transitioning from bit to bitless but don't be discouraged if your horse takes a little longer. It'll be well worth it in the end!
I'm always a little confused by this question. Your horse wasn't born with a bit in it's mouth. He went just perfectly without a bit for the first years of his life. Then one day a human came along and decided to shove a piece of metal in there. It may be a foreign concept to you to not have a bit, but it isn't to your horse. Many horses are started without a bit and go just fine.
Again, I'm no expert and can only give you suggestions from my own experiences. You may need to adjust for your particular horse. But what I suggest to try if someone asks is this...
Put the Side Pull on your horse and, standing to the side about where you would be if you were sitting on the horse, put a little pressure on the rein to ask him to bring his head around. Since the pressure is coming from a different place than what he might be used to, it may take a few times for him to get the hang of it. Just keep working at it for as long as it takes, be it minutes or maybe minutes over a few sessions, whatever your horse needs to be successful. Be gentle, be patient and just keep gently asking and make sure to release with the slightest movement in the right direction. And praise him so he knows he's doing what you'd like. Do this from both sides until he understands it well in both directions. I also put my arm over his back so I can hold the reins with both hands and gently ask for a back up.
Once he gets the hang of it, get on and try it from the saddle just standing still. Make sure you can turn both ways and back up. If all goes well, try it at the walk, then the trot and work your way up from there. If, for some reason, he seems to lose his confidence somewhere along the way, just stop and go back to what he knows and try again. No need to rush through it.
A lot of horses get this right away and have no problems transitioning from bit to bitless but don't be discouraged if your horse takes a little longer. It'll be well worth it in the end!
How much is it?
I get asked this all the time and, with all the options to choose from, it's not really a simple question to answer. Keep in mind that everything is custom, hand-made from high quality materials and made for each individual customer. How much might you expect to pay for a quality set in the tack store? I choked a little when I paid $89.95 (Canadian funds, plus tax!) for a very plain, but nice quality, western one ear leather headstall. No reins, no side pull, no silver, just a plain ol' headstall. Silly thing is I hardly ever use it. I always reach for my rope one instead.
The price largely depends on your budget constraints. If you have a tighter budget, you can get a Side Pull that will work very well, need minimal maintenance, and last a very long time under normal riding conditions. But it isn't going to be fancy. If your budget is more flexible then you can get a really nice, unique set that is custom made just for you and your horse. And, of course, there are lots of options in between these two extremes!
There are a lot of options for braided details which affect the price. All the braided details are priced separately so you can add as many or as few details as you'd like. All the pricing details are on the website. Take the price of the basic item and, if you'd like some braided details, add the price of the braiding to the price of the basic item. Keep in mind that all prices are shown in Canadian funds and there is no tax to add, just shipping to get the product to you.
I get asked this all the time and, with all the options to choose from, it's not really a simple question to answer. Keep in mind that everything is custom, hand-made from high quality materials and made for each individual customer. How much might you expect to pay for a quality set in the tack store? I choked a little when I paid $89.95 (Canadian funds, plus tax!) for a very plain, but nice quality, western one ear leather headstall. No reins, no side pull, no silver, just a plain ol' headstall. Silly thing is I hardly ever use it. I always reach for my rope one instead.
The price largely depends on your budget constraints. If you have a tighter budget, you can get a Side Pull that will work very well, need minimal maintenance, and last a very long time under normal riding conditions. But it isn't going to be fancy. If your budget is more flexible then you can get a really nice, unique set that is custom made just for you and your horse. And, of course, there are lots of options in between these two extremes!
There are a lot of options for braided details which affect the price. All the braided details are priced separately so you can add as many or as few details as you'd like. All the pricing details are on the website. Take the price of the basic item and, if you'd like some braided details, add the price of the braiding to the price of the basic item. Keep in mind that all prices are shown in Canadian funds and there is no tax to add, just shipping to get the product to you.
How do I know what size I need?
FOR THE AB SIDE PULL
The AB Side Pull sizes are similar to common halter sizes found in the tack stores. What size of nylon halter do you buy for your horse? And does it fit well? That is very important! If it is too big or too small in areas or if it isn't sitting properly on the horse's head then that size in the AB Side Pull might not work. If the standard halter sizes don't seem to fit your horse then we can custom make one for you. But we will need some good measurements from you. You can find all the information you need to take measurements on THIS page of the website. (Click the "this" link and the page will open in a separate window.) Scroll to the very bottom until you find the heading "Measuring for a Custom Fit Halter or AB Side Pull" and follow the directions carefully.
Our Adult size fits like a Full or Horse sized nylon halter. It fits average sized adult horses.
Our Arab size fits like a Cob sized nylon halter and is suitable for smaller adult horses and horses with a smaller head.
Our Large Adult size fits larger adult horses such as warmbloods and draft crosses.
Our Draft size is quite big and fits true draft horses. If your draft seems to have an extra large head then it's best to take measurements and get a custom sized one.
FOR THE HEADSTALL WITH OPTIONAL NOSE BAND SIDE PULL
Since the headstall is adjustable for length on one side, and the chin strap on the Nose Band Side Pull is adjustable, it should fit most smaller and average sized adult horses. If your horse is bigger or smaller, or has a larger or smaller nose area than what seems normal, let us know and we can adjust it accordingly. We'll most likely ask for a measurement or two from you.
FOR THE NOSE BAND SIDE PULL
Since the chin strap on the Nose Band Side Pull is adjustable, it should fit most smaller and average sized adult horses. if your horse seems to have a smaller or larger than average nose area, let us know and we can adjust it accordingly. We'll most likely ask for a measurement or two from you.
I found this cool rope. Can you make a Side Pull out of it for me?
(Or Lead or Halter, etc.)
I'm sorry but no, I'm afraid not. We work closely with the mill that makes the rope we use so we know it'll hold up to the rigors that horses and farm life put it through. Don't be fooled. Not all rope is created equal. There is a huge difference in rope quality and breaking points. Not all rope knots the same, or even holds a knot the same, so it can be tricky making halters or other tack out of different types of rope.
FOR THE AB SIDE PULL
The AB Side Pull sizes are similar to common halter sizes found in the tack stores. What size of nylon halter do you buy for your horse? And does it fit well? That is very important! If it is too big or too small in areas or if it isn't sitting properly on the horse's head then that size in the AB Side Pull might not work. If the standard halter sizes don't seem to fit your horse then we can custom make one for you. But we will need some good measurements from you. You can find all the information you need to take measurements on THIS page of the website. (Click the "this" link and the page will open in a separate window.) Scroll to the very bottom until you find the heading "Measuring for a Custom Fit Halter or AB Side Pull" and follow the directions carefully.
Our Adult size fits like a Full or Horse sized nylon halter. It fits average sized adult horses.
Our Arab size fits like a Cob sized nylon halter and is suitable for smaller adult horses and horses with a smaller head.
Our Large Adult size fits larger adult horses such as warmbloods and draft crosses.
Our Draft size is quite big and fits true draft horses. If your draft seems to have an extra large head then it's best to take measurements and get a custom sized one.
FOR THE HEADSTALL WITH OPTIONAL NOSE BAND SIDE PULL
Since the headstall is adjustable for length on one side, and the chin strap on the Nose Band Side Pull is adjustable, it should fit most smaller and average sized adult horses. If your horse is bigger or smaller, or has a larger or smaller nose area than what seems normal, let us know and we can adjust it accordingly. We'll most likely ask for a measurement or two from you.
FOR THE NOSE BAND SIDE PULL
Since the chin strap on the Nose Band Side Pull is adjustable, it should fit most smaller and average sized adult horses. if your horse seems to have a smaller or larger than average nose area, let us know and we can adjust it accordingly. We'll most likely ask for a measurement or two from you.
I found this cool rope. Can you make a Side Pull out of it for me?
(Or Lead or Halter, etc.)
I'm sorry but no, I'm afraid not. We work closely with the mill that makes the rope we use so we know it'll hold up to the rigors that horses and farm life put it through. Don't be fooled. Not all rope is created equal. There is a huge difference in rope quality and breaking points. Not all rope knots the same, or even holds a knot the same, so it can be tricky making halters or other tack out of different types of rope.