Cowhorse Tack Talk with Joel Gleason

by Allison Trimble

The correct equipment can be just as important as the horse you are riding. I have had a lot of reader interest in tack and equipment, and I knew the perfect person to answer these questions. Avila’s Pro Shop and Joel and Lynn Gleason are a presence at all major cow horse and many reining events. They are well known in the industry for their high quality tack and personal service. Joel was kind enough to take time out at a busy horse show and answer some of your questions.

Is there a difference in a saddle used for working cow and reining?
There is a difference between a cow horse saddle and a reining saddle. The cow horse saddle will be built on either a Buster Welch or Diana Special tree. The reiner is usually built on a modified Bowman tree. The cow horse will usually have a taller, narrower horn--not as tall as a cutter, but taller and leaner than a reiner. The cow horse saddle will have a flatter seat than a reiner. The fenders are nearly the same shape, but the reiner fenders will be set slightly forward of center.

What things should you look for in a good used working cow saddle?
When you are looking for a good used cow horse saddle, a reiner, or any saddle for that matter, look at the condition of the leather first. Make sure it is not dried out and cracked. Lift up the rear housing and the seat jockey to make sure the rawhide on the tree is not rotting and the screws and nails are not corroding. Make sure the saddle is comfortable to you.

What should you look for in rawhide tack such as romels and bosals?
When you are looking for rawhide tack, know the quality of the tack. By this I mean check for beveled edges on each strand of rawhide, tightness of the braid, and the consistency of diameter from start to finish. On a bosal, the nose shouldn't be over 7" and the ring knots that hold the headstall in place should be placed so it won't hit your horse in the eye. The cheeks should be extremely flat-braided and well beveled.

What kinds of things should you look for in a well made bit?
Bits can be made with any one of several thousand combinations. A good bit should always have the bars made of "sweet iron" (cold rolled steel). Some will have copper inlaid in the mouthpiece to encourage saliva. A wet-mouthed horse will accept training easier than a dry-mouthed horse. A good bit will be made of good grade steel. The type of bit you use will depend on the horse you are using it on and what you want to achieve on this horse. Remember, a bit is a tool in your tool box. Certain tools are used for a certain purpose, so be sure you know what you want to do before you pick the tool.

What kind of saddle pads are best for performance horses?
My personal preference for saddle blankets is wool. There are some good rubber pads that are okay as long as you don't leave your horse saddled too long, as it will generate heat. There are some good wool felt pads, but for my money, wool is the best.

Can you describe the importance of protective boots?
Protective boots come in all shapes and sizes. For convenience, rubber protective boots are easy to put on, take off and wash, but they are rubber and if left on too long will generate heat and cause sore legs. Leather is good, but again you must keep them clean. Polo wraps are my favorite. They are soft, absorbent, and with regular washing stay clean.

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Exceptional horsemen have always sought the very finest equipment they can afford. This practice has been passed along from generation to generation with one constant factor...it requires the best leather to produce the finest equipment. This is still true today.

About Joel Gleason and Avila Pro Shop
Bob Avila and Joel Gleason have assembled the finest equipment to be found anywhere for the horse trainer or exhibitor, and they are always searching for new items. You can see their phenomenal selection at www.avilaproshop.com.