Steed Beads Rhythm Beads--Custom Made to Your Specs!

• Help your horse relax and be less spooky on the trail.
• Encourage your horse to run faster on speed events, such as barrel racing.
• Warn wild animals (and hunters) that you'e coming so they may get out of your way (and not shoot you).
• Help you and your horse achieve and maintain a steady pace at whatever gait you choose.
• Help young horses and riders develop confidence.

The use of SteedBeads (sometimes called rhythm beads or speed beads) is fast gaining popularity and enthusiastic endorsement from endurance, dressage, trail, and barrel racing riders and horse trainers. Whether you ride English or Western, or use traditional or natural horsemanship or resistance-free horse training methods, SteedBeads can enhance your riding and/or training experience. Riders in speed events, such as barrel racing, claim their use takes a second or two off their times!  

How They Work: SteedBeads are equipped with a clip to fasten to your horse's mane so the beads will stay in place. They also have a unique breakaway device designed to avoid injury to the horse or the bead strand, should it catch on something while in use. As long as the SteedBeads are secured with the breakaway device as part of the loop, the broken necklace may dangle from its clip or fall to the ground, but the beads should stay strung on their cord. Two extra breakaway "fuses" are included. Replacement breakaway device material may be purchased at most hardware stores.

What They're Made Of: In the interest of durability and your horse's safety, plastic and metal beads are used. Each SteedBead necklace features a beautiful pendant that is typically made of durable pewter, sometimes incorporating colored enamel in the design. The pendant may be chosen to enhance your horse's character, provide protection or power, or suit your personal fancy. Several different types and colors of bells are available, including aluminum jingle bells (softest tone), brass temple bells (soft tone),  enameled brass bells (mid-range tone), enameled cloisonne bells (loud tone), and aluminum tinkle bells (loudest tone). The cloisonne bells have not proven as durable as other bells offered when subjected to heavy trail use, but they are still lovely, have a wonderful tone, and would be suitable for uses where they would be less subject to damage, such as ring work. Each SteedBead necklace is designed and hand made by Nevada artist and life-long horse owner, Kristi Lyn Glass.

Size and Fit: SteedBeads' length can be easily adjusted smaller than the specified length by using the optional adjustment clip. For a perfect fit, the necklace should lay smoothly from just in front of your horse’s withers down the slopes of the shoulders to the center of where the neck joins the chest. It should neither be so loose that it flops around nor so tight that it restricts movement or blood flow. Measure the circumference of this part of your horse's neck to determine what size to order. Remember, you can always adjust the size smaller, but it cannot easily be made larger, so be generous rather than skimpy when specifying the size you want. 

Use and Care: SteedBeads should not be left on an unattended horse, and the creator is not responsible for any injuries that may result from their use. As good horse sense suggests, introduce SteedBeads sensibly to your horse, and do not ask your horse to wear them when riding through heavy brush. As you know, horses get dirty, and so will your SteedBeads. In most cases, you can just rinse them with water and hang them to dry thoroughly. For stubborn dirt and fly spray buildup, scrub your SteedBeads gently with a soft toothbrush and mild detergent, then rinse them with clear water and hang them to dry. Although SteedBead components are chosen for their long-term durability, SteedBeads won't last forever. Attention to their care and cleaning will enhance their beauty and prolong their useful life.

Why Are SteedBeads Better Than Competitors' Products?

• Length, bead types/colors, bell type/colors, and pendant type/colors may be customized to meet your specific needs and tastes, or you may buy a ready-made set.
• One size fits most due to a unique adjustment device.
• Unique construction and replaceable breakaway device helps prevent injury to your horse and loss of necklace and individual beads if the SteedBeads should accidentally catch on something.
• Strong, synthetic stringing cord is not an animal product; it will not twist, stretch, and tangle, like fishing line, or dry out, crack, or break easily, like leather.
• Sturdy clip keeps SteedBeads centered and in position, rather than falling off or sliding to the horse's ears when the neck is lowered, where the horse could chew or step on them.
• Clip may keep SteedBeads attached to the horse's mane if the breakaway device is triggered by the SteedBeads catching on something.
• SteedBeads may be easily put on or removed without sliding them over the horse's head or possibly having them enter the horse's mouth.
• Components are sturdy and non-glass to help prevent breakage or injury to the horse if bitten or broken during use.
• SteedBeads withstand repeated washings without need for oiling or special care.
• Beautiful and durable pendants enhance the design and help keep the SteedBeads centered without tangling with your tack.
• A variety of unique and relatively expensive, color-coordinated bell styles and tones are offered; the number and locations of bells may be specified.
• SteedBeads are created by a life-long horseperson with an artistic eye for beautiful and highly functional jewelry design.  

© Kristi Lyn Glass 2008

SteedBeads is a trademark of Kristi Lyn Glass.