Rhythm Beads
Friday August 18, 2006
In a recent comment a reader mentioned the use of rhythm beads. I had never heard of them before. I did a bit of research and found several web pages about them. Legend of the Rhythm Beads and Equine Rhythm Beads give descriptions of the beads and their uses.
Perhaps they can have a calming effect while schooling your horse--rather like having music going in your arena to block out distracting noises. I'm curious about how they might help a beginner rider by making the rhythm of the horse's gaits more distinguishable. I wouldn't expect any one item to solve all problems or make training your horse quick and easy. But as long as they are made with safety in mind and introduced sensibly to the horse they may help, probably won't do any harm and certainly look fun and colorful.
Comments
I’ve been using rhythm beads for the last week…I feel that they have helped my horse be calmer on trail rides…I think having a a noise that is familiar to the horse helps him stay calm…he used to spook at birds flying out of the side of the trail and at the end of logs…he doesn’t do that anymore - he still looks at them, but he doesn’t spook at them and I’m not afraid to ride out by myself now…before, I had to have another calmer horse to be around him, now, he’s the calmer horse and he’ll go pass things that the other horses won’t pass. It’s just amazing what these beads have done…if you think about it, they use sleigh bells for the same reason…to give the horse a familiar sound to help keep him focused and calm. I would recommend them to everyone…my horse never paid any attention to them hanging around his neck when I first put them on, if your horse has worn a breast strap, he’ll be fine with these.
You can design your own rhythm beads to match your other tack, barn colors or just your horse’s personality at ElatedEquine.com.