Bruce, Marilyn, Honey and Spud April 2011
Bruce makes Bridle horses. He also helps riders achieve their personal best..helps them "unlearn" some habits, and relearn patterns that serve the horse better. Showing you step by step, riding next to you to encourage, and to help you change your seat just a smidge, or hold your reins just so, he tells you how respectful the relationship between horse and man is..watching him, you begin to understand.
Marilyn, a long time rider, with both dressage and hunter jumpers under her belt, "in a past life"...has been in love with the traditional Vaquero ways for years, her desire to become accomplished and in tune with her horses, bringing along several young horses herself, is an inspiration. When the opportunity arose for her to participate in a coveted one on one session with Bruce...she was on the next plane out. Santa Barbara, here she comes! Toting her saddle all the way from Colorado..she is dedicated to bettering herself, so she can be better for her horses..and she came to the right place. Marilyn was introduced to Spud. Spud is a big buff buckskin, topping out at over 16 hands. He is a bridle horse...Marilyn, in her boots, is pushing 5 feet, and she is a bridle horse rider. The following photos are just a smattering of the day...the morning, really. I was outta there by 3 to beat the traffic, and Bruce believes in "doing", so, they were off for an outside ride. Part of Marilyns day included riding at the big ranch in Goleta, where she could practice her technique..practice them in "real time" then back to the arena for another full day of instruction.
Bruce is an advocate of using the good silver for everyday occasions, and you will see his horses "dressed" in the finest. Bruce Haener, bit maker from Nipomo, Ca, has been working closely with Mr. Sandifer~turning out the finest one of a kind spade bits, I have ever seen. The bits have substance, they feel good, and are delicate of detail, balanced and beautiful.
This collection of bits provides an education in and of themselves, the intricate design dedication to traditions, are made to enhance a horse' natural ability.
Bruce Sandifer is availible for personal instruction. There is always a spot just for you. Give him a call, and experience the traditions, first hand. You and your horse will be so glad you did. As Ray Hunt used to say...."Know when you are well off". I know I am better off just by watching the nuances of the day I learned so much...I invite you to check out Bruces program.
Many traditionalists hang their horses with a big bit, so that they can get the feel of the weight, and find the spot where they can carry it. Bruce likes to be hands on...and Honey was loose in the arena, observing all with her two rein set up. Every now and again, Bruce would touch the reins, or just check in a see how she was doing..all a part of the life he is preparing her for..she is a gorgeous mare.
Dos Haeners. Both Honey and Mooney show their appreciation for these wonderful spade bits, made by Bruce Haener, of Nipomo, Ca. True to traditions, and workmanship, balance and feel beyond belief, it was no surprise to see Honey, and her soft and sleepy eyes content with the balance and feel of this masterpiece bit. made my day.
While Bruce was riding Mooney, and helping Marilyn, Honey decided she would tag along..She went along with Bruce, by choice, staying with him, and finding where she liked her spade bit..was a treat for me to watch her find the sweet spot..and a treat to see how she felt about Bruce, too. Que Bueno.
This is a series of shots to show you how Honey searched for the spot she liked for the bit to be..you can see her tip her nose out, no...that wasn't what she wanted, then flex at the poll, and find a little sweeter spot, and in the end she just relaxed into herself, and was oh so smug with her fancy jewelry..
