SteedBeads™

Besides looking downright gorgeous on your horse, SteedBeads™ have several potentially useful functions. The bells’ soothing jingle may: 

• 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’re 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. 

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 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 by Nevada artist and life-long horse owner, Kristi Lyn Glass.

Size and Fit: The standard 48"-50" length of SteedBeads can be easily adjusted to fit most common horse sizes by using the optional adjustment clip. Other sizes are available by custom order. 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. You can measure the circumference of this part of your horse's neck to determine whether the standard 48" size will fit your horse.  

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 SpeedBeads. 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 SpeedBeads 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?

• One size fits most due to a unique adjustment device.
• Unique construction and breakaway device helps prevent loss of necklace and individual beads.
• SteedBeads withstand repeated washings without need for oiling or special care.
• Beautiful and durable pendants enhance the design and keep themselves centered without tangling with your tack.
• A variety of color-coordinated bell styles and tones are offered.
• SteedBeads are created by a horseperson with an artistic eye for beautiful and functional jewelry design.

Click here to see what bells are available.

Click here to see a bead color chart.

Click here to see what pendants are in stock. (Others available as special orders.)

Click here to see the SteedBeads Gallery for examples, pricing, and in-stock offerings.

Click here for info about BuddyBells, the SteedBeads equivalent for pets.

© Kristi Lyn Glass 2006-2008. SteedBeads and BuddyBells are trademarks of Kristi Lyn Glass.