For best results use a cloth tape measure and reference the red line on the picture above. Wrap the tape around the knuckles while making a loose fist. Example: 7, 7 1/2, 8, 8 1/2, 9, 9 1/2. Please contact us if you need help or if you require a custom size.

**Please note the B-BAR-B Wedge Bull Riding gloves size smaller than most standard gloves by a 1/2 to Full Size. Example: You measure around equaling 8", you will require a size 8 1/2 or 9 based on how you like them to fit.

FYI* We will gladly exchange any unused glove for a correct size.

Cheyenne Frontier Days
Originally uploaded by arpeefoto.

Time for a Steer Wrestling Vest? Seems to be the trend...

A while back Mike Sansone over at Converstations posted on taking his Blog mobile using FEED M8. At the time I found it interesting, however difficult to relate based on my mobile phone (2 or 3 years pre-rotary cell phone).

Well, as it turns out my contract on my mobile phone had expired and I needed to make some changes any way. Sooooooo what better excuse to upgrade and go mobile! Although I had once considered the iPhone,,,just couldn't pull the trigger.

So, now I have a new MOGUL and from what I can see I just advanced two technology generations in about a day. I have revisited the concept of Mobile Feeds allowing you the opportunity to view our blog in a much more friendly way when you are on the road.

Still in the early stages, however so far it looks pretty good to me. If you are interested and have any comments on how it appears on your phone....I'd love to hear how to make it better!

Check it out here on your phone...

I just got off the phone with someone just getting started out over in Illinois and he reminded me exactly how hard it is to find some of the vast information buried within our site.

So, in case your having a hard time finding it this is the link to the videos related to bull riding that includes our top equipment picks, how to tie a bull rope and several other helpful videos for those just getting started out.

In the meantime, we'll get back to making the site better and upload a ton more videos.

Spur' It Up!

The TIPPERARY SPORTAGE HELMET has been selected by HORSE JOURNAL MAGAZINE as one of their 2006 PRODUCTS of THE YEAR.

At the end of each year Horse Journal Magazine looks back on products they have tested and reviewed. Horse Journal then selects from these products the ones that have served the horse community the best. Considerations include the safety provided by the product, the product's functional and efficient design, and it's economical price point. Products were selected that made the biggest difference in the barn and continue to solve problems on a day-to-day basis.

www.horse-journal.com

It is never fun to think about getting injured, however..."it's not when...it's how bad"....ya, ya we've all heard the story. Fortunately there are people who care enough to fix us when it happens!

Well over the years we've had many requests from EMT's, EMS workers, Fair Boards, Stock Contractors and even contestants looking for a special bag to fit all of the require medical supplies to take care of you "when" it does happen.

We are excited to launch a new partnership with SportMedic, Inc based near Minneapolis, MN. Today we added their entire line of premium medical bags to our roster of rodeo supplies.

Over the coming weeks we plan to include all of the supplies that you need to stock a first aid response to just about anything you can imagine.

We are thrilled to partner with a company that understands how important quality is. Together we provide a product lifetime guarantee. So rest assured you are simply getting the best medical bags on the market, at extremely competitive prices.

So if you happen to be in the market for a specialized top quality medical bag, you just found the best source around.

For more information click here to see the bags on-line. Additional medical bags will be added soon.

Spur' It Up!!!

PS: Custom colors and embroidery are also available.

Download 4800-info.pdf

Just got off the phone with a customer who called to say how much he liked loved his new set of Gator Rowels.

Sweeeett!

I really enjoy hearing from you guys...so please...tell us the good, the bad and the ugly!

If you haven't yet check them out...

GATOR WHEEL BULL RIDING ROWELS

Tired of playing the guessing game when it comes to high quality leather horse tack?

Well, I have to be honest.

Saddle Barn makes some of the best horse tack such as harness leather headstalls, breast collars, tie downs, nose bands and reins. Working Cowboy Tack. Working Cowboy Chaps.

We have been working with them for over 6 years and each year keeps growing.

Why?

Quality, Service and Guarantee

Seems simple enough.

Everything else is expensive enough...so why not trust the fact that every item that we sell comes with a complete money back guarantee.

All of our saddles, horse tack, blankets...you name it.

BEST PART?

MADE IN THE USA!!!

Spur' It Up!

So you are considering a new pair of Bull Riding or Rodeo Chaps?

Tired of the same ol' same?

Can't afford a pair of Sterling Lambs chaps?

We wanted to share with you that our website displays many of the "standard  options", however when it comes to rodeo chaps we can build you almost anything.

Hair on Hide, Double Fringe, Extra Long Fringe, Tooled Yokes & Billets, 1 Color, 2 Color, 3 Color or even 4 Colors. Cut in fringe. Christian Crosses on the lower leg or cross billets. Add your initials on the leg or even tooled into the top yokes.

Custom Sponsor logos embroidered or made from leather...you name it we can do it.

Best part?

More stocked metallic and top grain leather colors than any other supplier and you don't have to wait like most other places. We generally average about 100 pairs in production at all times and can kick them out in about 3 to 4 weeks.

Quality?

Second to none! Premium leathers...hand crafted in the good ol' US of A.

Spur' It Up!

Have you ever wondered what it takes to braid a bull riding rope?

Well, we have sold hundreds, if not more over the years and always talked about learning it first hand.

Guess what?

We have been fortunate enough to have Bill Croft in-house braiding for us and has been teaching Nathan first hand.

Almost done with his very first bull rope from start to finish.

Takes quite a bit of time (hours/days) depending on how many other things you have goin' on. Can't wait to see this one done...should be sweet!

If you happen to be interested in learning how to braid your own bull rope, we now offer Bill Croft's instructional DVD.

In-stock ready to ship out.

For that matter, give us a ring and ask him any questions you might run into. We'll also be adding a complete braiding kit with all of the materials and tools required.

We are also planning to offer several "How to Braid Bull Ropes" schools this spring...so stay tuned for more details.

Spur' It Up!

PS: Rumor has it Terry Don West is back riding.

Ask me how I know that?

Hmmmm...let's just say Bill Croft is braiding a new bullrope for him and we'll soon be offering a Terry Don West Signature Series of Bull Ropes and Pads.

Wanted to pass along that we have added another new item to our Bull Riding Equipment line up.

These are a standard straight shank (no tear drop or twist) 30 degree off-set steel bullriding spurs. Perfect if you find your having trouble turning your toes out.

They come with a basic rowel included, however most will more than likely want to upgrade to something like a Gator or Paddle Wheel Rowel. For those looking for something a bit less aggressive you might want to try the AUSI OX-Grabber or the RANK1.

Spur' It Up!

Made it home, safe and sound. We pulled an all night road trip straight through from Roswell, New Mexico and just literally walked in the door.

We left Saddle Barn around 4 p.m. yesterday and it is now 11:06 am CST here in Iowa...soooo do the math. Next trip we'll fly....not sure I've ran into any Airborne State Patrol before?

I think if you MapQuest the trip it showed 980 something miles, around 15+ hours. Well that worked great on the way out...next time we'll make sure we print out reverse directions for the return. Somehow we managed to cruise around Amarillo, Texas for the better part of an hour trying to get back on the right Interstate...."Took a wrong turn at Albuquerque"

For now all I can say is THANK YOU to Marc Andrus, the owner of Saddle Barn, as well as his entire crew for their kindness in welcoming us in and allowing us total free rein of the factory showing us the entire operation.

Some very, very exciting developments that we'll be sharing with you in the coming days and weeks.

SADDLE BARN Pro Rodeo Equipment - ROCKS!

Spur' It Up.....(right after a short nap)

PS: We were almost blown off the road in the deserts of New Mexico, sucked up in a tornado in Kansas, run over by a semi in Oklahoma, bored to tears in a traffic jam in Kansas City and now faced with an ice storm/blizzard back home in the great state of Iowa.

So how are we doin' today? The weather here in Iowa reminds me more of Antarctica than Iowa...but I guess after all it is Winter and we've been rather spoiled up till now. Just seems Winter shifted a month later this year. Normally right around Valentines Day the snow is melting and we are starting to think about Spring Turkey Hunting trips....it won't be long, however I never enjoy turkey hunting when there is still snow on the ground. (Open invitation if any of you are interested in coming to Iowa to go turkey hunting ~ just holler and we'll get the details worked out so you can join in the fun).

Tomorrow is my oldest son's 5th Birthday. Man, it sure has gone fast. He is getting excited to be going to Kindergarten....and on Wednesday is my youngest son's 2nd Birthday....hmmmm...not all that odd I guess. My birthday is August 9th and Nathan's is 5 years in between and land on August 10th. Soooo we weren't the only couple with similar mating seasons.

Any~WHO!@!!#

I wanted to pass along to everyone that we are excited to have a guest working in house with us. Bill Croft, legendary master braider (don't say that out loud three times or I promise you'll get some strange looks ~ I did at the hardware store and they called me on it). Bill has been braiding bull ropes for over 20 years and can share a lot of knowledge about why things work the way they do when it comes to braiding bullropes. If you happen to be in the area, please give us a call and make plans to come in and shadow first hand with him....it really is a blast watching them come together and see how excited guys are to play a part in building their own bull rope.

If for any reason you simply can't make it, we now offer Bill's complete instructional DVD about "How to Braid a Bull Rope". I've had the opportunity to watch it several times and I promise you it is the best one of it's kind anywhere.

Our industry is exploding with more and more bull riders so it is inevitable that more high end custom bull rope braider's will be in demand for a long time to come.....so regardless what industry your in...you might just think about learning how to supplement your income.....never know...might just become a full time gig.

Other than that...

Nathan is on the road today heading down to the benefit for Nathan Shaver in Missouri. Sounds like they have a ton of exciting events planned for tonight to help raise money for Nathans family following his freak hunting accident.....good news is he is starting to recover and gain sight...and no more surgery!

Until tomorrow....Spur' It Up!!!

Over the last six years we have had the opportunity to work with some of the best bull riders in the United States and beyond. Each one has certainly had their own unique set of beliefs and established rules that they follow as it relates to how they conquer the beast.

Some guys refuse to wear certain colors, only haul by themselves, only use a certain type glove or use a type of rosin blend.

One common question seems to be what can I do to keep my feet better? I use such n' such type of spurs and rowels, however it seems like I always blow my feet. Now granted, some guys swear they don't use them (their feet) or they don't rely on that cause by the time you loose your feet the game was already over...it's really about where your upper body is and doing than about your feet. But at times they sure can help get you back up there.

I know that the introduction of the Gator Wheel Rowels and the Paddle Wheel Rowels (The Big One's) have helped change a lot of guys riding percentage. Some guys have been scared off and refused to make the change. However, an increasing number seem to be making the change and the results are showing.

So for those who ask me, I first ask what are you using today? What degree offset do you have now? Do you turn your toes out? I first recommend going to either the 10-88 Super Grip Spurs with a Tear Drop Drop Shank and teeth which is the 22 degree offset (guys that turn their toes out well) and start with Gator Rowels (smaller bit less aggressive). And for the guys that don't turn their toes out I usually start them with the 10-95 - 30 degree offset.

I've got to be honest. If your serious about riding bulls and you've had a few under your belt and you can generally tell where your feet are at when you are riding....and you are not using the Paddle Wheel Rowels....it's time to upgrade. At first you will definitely feel it in your groins and calves....but you will absolutely get better control over your feet.

What about getting hung up in the flank or my rope and getting dragged around?

I've heard that more than once and have even seen it happen. Sure it is a risk....they are the biggest rowels on the planet. You definitely don't want to bury these in your knots....but ask around...they work.

A couple years back we went through this same exercise with Nate. We started him out with the 10-88 (22 degree offsets) and a set of 10-29 rowels. We saw instant results and he was a ridin' fool.

As things progressed we eventually upgraded to the 10-95 (30 degree offsets) and a set of Gator rowels. He really liked them, however ended up needing to cut the shanks on the 30 degrees and adjust them a bit more to his liking. Then he moved up to the Paddle Wheel Rowels and all but fell in love with them. Since then I think the only real change he has made was to extend the length of his shanks by adding about a 1/2"...big tall guy...more control.

Some times you have to just keep trying things out till you find what you like best. It's more art than science...to each their own.

Click here to see some pictures of the Paddle and Gators setup in spurs.

Hollar if we can help!

Spur' It Up!

PS: "To each there own"...I just asked Nate what he was going to use tonight for his set up and he said "Not sure"..."think I might actually use a gator on my right foot and a paddle on my left". Soooo....guess it just goes to show....

PSS: See you'all tonight in Des Moines at Vet's for the PCB Tour Stop. We'll be there handing out catalogs and helping riders.

You asked...we listened. We have been trying to get our hands on some type of preview to the new JW Hart bull riding training DVD for a while now. As it turns out we were able to talk to James Phillips and Anopolis Productions and obtained rights to ..."Hey Guys...do what you need to do" "if it helps your customers we are cool with it".

So special thanks to JW Hart, James Phillips (Rodeo's #1 Fan) and Anopolis Productions for allowing us to do this.

Nothing too fancy...but it will give you an idea...and get you so excited that you will have to have it. I've personally viewed this (as well as several others) and think it is an excellent DVD worth the money. If you are like me, anything and everything I can get my hands on always helps...even if you only take one thing from it...Isn't it worth it?

Click here to watch a preview

We have sold a ton of these...so please chime in if you have seen it with your review!

Wanted to pass along a few images from our visit with Phoenix Performance Products at the WESA Convention in Denver, Co over this past week. We are excited to be planning a trip up to Canada to discuss expanding our relationship working together selling their products. Over the last year we have seen a dramatic increase in interest in their line and really enjoy sharing our experiences with our customers as to why we think they make the best protective rodeo vests on the market.

Stay tuned as it appears we'll be adding their equestrian line of vests as well as their jockey vests and helmets.