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FREE Online Videos PDF Print E-mail

Saddle Dynamics Liberty Equitation [Part 1 Video] [Part 2 Video]

Understanding The Imus Comfort Bit [View Video Part 1] [View Video, Part 2]

Q&A Session [View Video]

 

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a video must be worth 10,000 words.  Did you know you can access an enormously informative video for free, either here on the Gaits of Gold website, or on National Bridle Shop's Brenda Imus products home page?  This video gives a detailed description of all the unique features of the Imus 4-Beat saddle, and clearly shows the numerous benefits of the saddle for both horse and rider.  It also shows how the rider's equitation habits positively and negatively affect the horse's manner of going and ability to gait properly.  Why not take a few moments to see if you're helping, or hindering, your horse's ability to perform well under saddle?  We think you'll be amazed at how clearly the video demonstrates these lessons, and you will come away with a much better understanding of the dynamics of riding a gaited horse!  


People are always amazed at how soft and responsive their horse becomes after they begin using the Imus Comfort Bit, and want to know why.  I've had my webmaster post a video that explains the mechanics of the bit, and will help take the mystery (but not the magic) out of how it works.  Check out "What's the Secret to the Imus Comfort Bit" video here.

 
"Fit MY Horse" Services PDF Print E-mail

We highly encourage those of you who are considering the purchase of an  Imus 4-Beat™ Saddle to take advantage of our unique "Help Fit My Horse" service.  Many owners believe that if their horse has a large barrel, it requires a wide tree - but this is not the primary consideration when determining correct saddle tree configuration.  Some horses that may appear 'standard' to the average eye actually require a tree with angles for a wider topline.  Jake and I know how to tell the difference, and can save you a lot of wasted time and effort - and it takes you only a few minutes to avail yourself of this service.  We will look at photos of your horse and ask a few key questions and you can be sure of your saddle choice in no time! Here is how it works: Answer a few questions, upload a few photos, and we'll get back to you - usually within the day!

 

Read more... [Fit MY Horse" Services]
 
Horse-pirational(tm): Maintaining Positive Expectations PDF Print E-mail

Crystal

 I’d been working with Crystal, a four year old Walkaloosa mare, for more than a week.  She was a near-leopard the color of tomato soup with a flaxen mane and tail, built like a tank, and possessed especially large, expressive eyes that showed the white sclera typical of Appaloosa breeding.  Crystal was taught to pull a cart as a long 2 year old, and was worked in the round pen and lightly trail ridden as a three year old.  Though still green, a good foundation had been laid by my assistants, and after a winter’s lay-off I looked forward to developing her as a reliable and responsive riding horse.

It is my habit when schooling horses to end a training session on a positive note.  Sometimes this means backing up to an earlier, easier lesson on days when new material is frustrating the horse.  Crystal, however, seemed determined to challenge my authority, and refused to work cooperatively on lessons she had easily mastered in the past.  I was not only impatient, but her willfulness was creating mistrust.  No longer a youthful, agile rider – and out of shape after a long winter – her attitude made me reluctant to mount up and ride.  After several frustrating sessions in the round pen, I finally decided it was time to give her a real job. As I approached her with the saddle, she cut a disdainful look at me, as if to say, “Yeah, right!”  Ignoring her body language, I tacked up, trying to hide my nervousness from this all-too astute horse.

Read more... [Horse-pirational(tm): Maintaining Positive Expectations]
 
Call or E-mail Jake - the "Answer Man!" PDF Print E-mail

Jake & Boomer



If you wish to order any of my - or National Bridle Shop's - products, and have questions you would like to ask, Jake is the man to call.  Those customers who have spoken with him on the phone, or corresponded via e-mail, can attest that he is as friendly as he is knowledgeable. 

Do you need advice regarding the correct Imus 4-Beat saddle tree for your horse? Wonder if your horse might benefit from a Have-a-Heart bridge pad?  Use our "Help Fit my Horse" saddle fitting form, and Jake will get right back to you with expert advice - often within the hour.

Got questions?  Want to order an Imus product?  Call Jake at 1-877-884-2328. (Questions regarding the status of an order, or availability of product, should be directed to National Bridle Shop: 1-800-251-3474.)

 
What are Customers Saying about the Imus 4-Beat(tm) saddle? PDF Print E-mail

No more long wait!  National Bridle Shop has worked hard over the past several months to build their inventory of Imus 4-Beat saddles - if you order today, you can be riding in your new saddle within the week!   Still wondering if it's the right saddle for you and your horse?   Well. . .there's always our 'No Questions Asked" 2 week saddle fit guarantee.  Want to see how this saddle is built, and why it helps bring out the best in your horse?  Watch our free Saddle Dynamics and Liberty Equitation Video at the foot of this page.  You can also avail yourself of expert pre-sale advice through our "Help Fit My Horse" photo evaluation service. We make doing the right thing easy!

 

Read a few unsolicited testimonials from customers who are happy with their 4-Beat™ Saddle. (We have so many of these that the list could go on for miles!)

 

 

Join in on our Saddle Discussion Forum - Real Customers Like YOU talking about their 4-Beat™ Saddle!

 

"I just wanted to tell you that I have had my saddle for 2 weeks, and that I am thrilled with it! I have owned horses and trail ridden for over 42 years now, and have tried just about every type of saddle there is, and have never really been satisfied with any of them. If someone would have told me that I would find an off the shelf saddle of this quality, along with the fact that it would fit my two horses who have very different builds, I would have been skeptical to say the least!

When I first got the saddle, I was impressed with the high quality of workmanship, along with the attractive design. After calling Jamie, who by the way was very good in getting back to me (a rarity in today’s busy world) I figured out how to properly place the saddle on the horse. Although I was not used to riding so far forward in a saddle, I have always liked to ride bareback for that very reason, being right up on the horse's center of gravity. To my surprise the saddle is very stable, extremely comfortable, lightweight, and fun to ride. When I pulled the thin navaho blanket off, my horse's back was smooth and damp, with no dry spots anywhere! Even better, he moved freely down those steep hills, and had more energy than ever before. As an experiment, I put the saddle on my other horse, and lo and behold, it fit him too! Needless to say, I am sold on your saddle, and can't wait to ride some more. Thank you Gaits of Gold!"

Sincerely,

Eve L

Olalla, WA


"Ninja and I really gave the saddle a workout yesterday. We did 15 miles in the North Georgia Mountains. I went out today and he is not at all sore.

 

I saw a huge difference in his desire to gait down hill. He was flying in his gait. My friend said, I never thought I'd see you ask to go fast downhill. But I felt that he was perfectly balanced and he was loving it. Thanks again, glad I had enough sense to buy it."
 
Linda L.
Read more... [What are Customers Saying about the Imus 4-Beat(tm) saddle?]
 

Free Training Articles!

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Gaits Of A Horse In A Nutshell

Every saddle gait falls somewhere on the gait spectrum. At one end of the spectrum is the totally... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 08:22

Determine Which Gait Your Horse is Performing

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the gait spectrum, (you have, haven’t you?), it’s time to... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 08:43

Mining for Gold: Discover your Horse's best Innate Gait

I’m often asked if my books or video contain information about training a Missouri Fox Trotter,... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 08:46

When You're Not Hot to Trot: How to Work with Trotty Horses

It can sometimes be more of a challenge to 'smooth out' the gaits of a horse with a strong trot... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 08:53

Gaited Horse Saddle Fit

If you were going on a long hike, carrying a heavy backpack, what would you prefer to wear on your... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 08:56

Conformation as it Relates to Gait

This part of the site will feature conformational analysis of gaited horses. I've prepared these in... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 08:59

Ten Tips for Finding and Keeping the Gait

1.) Don’t expect your young, or new, horse to gait very well right “out of the box.” Young horses... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:01

Is your Horse's Manner of Gaiting Destroying His Body?

A while ago I was talking with a fellow who owns a gaited horse breeding and showing facility. He... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:03

You Can Collect That Gaited Horse

For the past couple of years there has been a growing controversy in the gaited horse world... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:06

Types and Talents of Various Gaited Horses

I frequently remind people that a horse’s saddle gait is more dependent upon conformation than upon... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:12

Spring Training for the Gaited Horse

While a horse may seem especially frisky and energetic in the spring, be aware that all that energy... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:14

Bits For The Gaited Horse

There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding the best bit to use when starting a young gaited... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:17

Developing Impulsion (Part I)

The most common problem I discover when dealing with gaited horses is their lack of forward... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:20

Developing Impulsion (Part II)

Last month I discussed the importance of developing your horse’s fast walk with impulsion from... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:21

Establishing Authority

    The horse who is disrespectful is usually one who has not learned to trust its handler with its... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:23

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part I)

The poor form in which gaited horses are commonly ridden predestines a high percentage of them to... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:29

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part II)

Beginning Exercises for the Hollow Backed HorseMy last aticle outlined steps that can be taken when... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:33

Gaining Control of the Horse that Rushes

    One of the most common problems presented to me at a clinic or expo demonstration is that of... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:36

Messageboard Member Post

Dear Gaits of Gold Friends, Following are two message board posts that appeared on our web site ... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:37

Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse: Part I

A common physical affliction among gaited horses is upward fixation of the patella, otherwise known... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:40

Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse Part II

In my last article, “Locking Stifle Syndrome in the Gaited Horse,” I described the causes and... Read more
Friday, 03 November 2006 09:47

A Weighty Subject - by Brenda Imus

 I’ve had some folks e-mail to tell me that they’ve gone to a trainer or clinician who used light... Read more
Tuesday, 28 November 2006 08:16

Re-form your Gaited Horse's Hollow Back (Part III)

Now that you’ve learned how to do exercises from the ground for your hollow backed horse, and have... Read more
Tuesday, 28 November 2006 09:21

Ten Common Bit Myths

Myth #1: There is no such thing as a harsh bit, but only harsh hands.Myth #2: Any bit can be severe... Read more
Tuesday, 20 March 2007 05:40

Back to Basics (or: Basics of Backs)

  The greatest frustration for those owners of gaited horses that are ‘clued in’ to their... Read more
Monday, 05 May 2008 09:59

How, and When, Should I Canter (or Trot) My Gaited Horse?

  One of the most common questions I hear from gaited horse owners is whether it is all right to ... Read more
Monday, 21 July 2008 09:35

How (and Why) to Retrain that Pacey Horse

    Many gaited horses – indeed, it seems the the majority of them  – will perform a pace or... Read more
Tuesday, 18 November 2008 14:14

How to Determine Saddle Seat Size

       The Imus 4-Beat(tm) saddle seats measure smaller from cantle to pommel than they actually... Read more
Tuesday, 10 February 2009 16:04

Does your Saddle Fit your Horse?

Does your gaited horse spook a lot?  Do you have a problem with rushing, or is the horse herd... Read more
Sunday, 02 August 2009 16:49

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