News from The Western Vault

One piece of the saddle that is critical for comfortable, correct riding is the stirrup. Some 20 plus years ago, cutting horse trainer Ronnie Nettles searched for such a stirrup to assist him while riding, but he was unable to find one. Rather than give up, the NCHA Hall of Famer retreated to his workshop. There, relying on knowledge from 30 years in the saddle, as well as experience from his vast championships, he meticulously designed a stirrup to do more than just hold his foot.

Today, Nettles Stirrups are recognized as the premier stirrup in the industry. Using only the best materials, highly skilled craftsmen custom-make 11 Nettles styles now available in four sizes. Laminated for extra strength, these remarkable stirrups won't warp or bow- two problems that move the foot off-center and hamper good riding.

Nettles Stirrups will integrate "feel" into your ride- something only a Master Horseman could conceive. In fact, Nettles Stirrups solve numerous problems such as shin pressure, foot fatigue, and achy knees. Their unique structure sets the rider's foot and aids with balance in the saddle. Comfortable, yet beautiful, functional and cowboy-tough- their reputation for excellence is untouchable.

Ronnie Nettles still trains horses on his Texas ranch. These days, however, only a stone's throw away from that arena is the manufacturing home of the famous Nettles Stirrups. Order yours today or drop by and try out a pair in that arena. You'll be glad you did!

Nettles Country

Madisonville, Texas

(936) 348-6541

To wrap up this issue on all aspects of horse ownership, I talked to AQHA Judge Randy Snodgress of Snodgress Equipment about showing horses from a judge's perspective. Here's what he had to say:

"As a judge, one of my biggest pet peeves is whining exhibitors. I'm qualified to talk about this because, as an exhibitor, I was one of the biggest whiners!

If every exhibitor truly wanted to better themselves, they would find a way to view the show from the judge's perspective. Everything looks completely different from the inside of the arena or from the judge's stand. Most of the time, exhibitors watch their own horse or maybe another, but not the whole class. Ninety percent of the time, the judge simply wants to find the best horses in the class. As exhibitors, we always assume the best horse is ours.

The best thing I ever did for myself when I was showing was buy a video camera and video the entire class- not just my own horse. This way, I could have a fair comparison. 99% of the time, I agreed with the judge after I watched the video. Just sayin'... until later."

Snodgress Equipment