New Bridle and Reins

We're finally going to be getting a new bridle and reins set. The headstall and reins we have were a gift from a friend, but no matter how I try adjusting the sides, the ear piece doesn't seem comfortable, and the left side is a little bit too close to Nocona's eye. 

I want to keep the costs of tack as low as possible but still reasonable quality. This is what I decided on. It's a heavy duty nylon set with throatlatch (current headstall does not have a throatlatch), matching headstall and reins. 

The earnings from Swagbucks will pay for the set. I have requested four $5 Amazon Gift Cards, which should be available in a few days.

We'll continue to use the Tom Thumb bit for now and maybe try a different type next Spring. Slow changes! 

Reading about the Tom Thumb bit, now, it seems like it may be too harsh a bit, especially for a novice rider. Nocona may respond more positively with a gentler, kinder bit.... I feel so awkward, feeling like I should know all of this.

The more I am reading and watching on YouTube, the more I see that I am using an incorrect bit. We'll be changing that sooner than I had thought!! In fact, I won't ride again until a new bit is 

I am so grateful he is a sweet natured horse, so patient.

Welcome To Old Horse, New Tricks!

Welcome! First post are always a little bit difficult for me. 

A bit of background about me, then some background on Nocona.

I have grown up, for the most part, around horses. Starting at about the age of two. Throughout the many years, many moves, many life changes, horses and ponies have come and gone.

At 18, I left my mare (my Mother's mare) to follow my sweetheart to Arizona. I had never boarded a horse and didn't really feel that was fair. It's fine for any who like the boarding setup. I wasn't accustomed to that idea.

So, I was without an equine friend for 19 years! We moved from the Phoenix area to The White Mountains of Arizona, and have purchased two acres.

I've had Nocona for about 12 years now. He is a Mustang/Arab/QH cross gelding that came off the Apache Indian Reservation. When I bought him, he was a dappled rose grey with black mane, tail and legs. Now, we are both a little more chubby and lot more grey.

Over the past few years, Nocona has been treated more as a pet than a horse. Again, totally not fair to him. Over this Summer I have begun reclaiming my riding buddy, slowly increasing our distances.

So, join this chubby middleaged crafter and her chubby senior horse on our adventure to learn new tricks and learn to become a great team together!