What are Rhythm Beads

'Equine Rhythm Beads', also known as speed beads, bear bells, horse necklaces, cadence beads or horse beads, not only enhance the natural beauty of your horse, they create an auditory learning experience and are a valuable training aid used to improve performance, and are quickly gaining recognition & wholehearted support from jumpers, gaited horse riders, endurance riders, dressage riders, trail riders, barrel racers & horse trainers of all breeds & disciplines around the world.

Rhythm Beads encourage your horse to follow a rhythm or cadence, much like a musician to a metronome through timed beats. The soft jingle of the brass bells accentuates the rhythm of horse's gaits, which is useful for adjusting the tempo/rhythm of the horse's movements. The bells help the rider pick up the correct diagonal and detect whether they are cantering/loping on the correct lead.

Rhythm beads are an excellent resource for all riding disciplines, including training and desensitizing young horses. On the trail, the bells are useful for alerting both wildlife and other riders that you are approaching. The subtle and soothing jingle of the bells create a 'white noise' effectively blocking distractions in the arena or on the trail.

Also known as 'Speed Beads', rhythm beads have been used to encourage a faster and harder pace for speed events.

 

Rhythm Beads are not new to the horse scene. The Native Americans would adorn their horses with beads, shells, feathers, etc. It was believed that these adornments held great powers that would keep a horse and his rider safe during times of danger as well as assisting them in 'moving as one'.

The beads were not only functional; they each served a specific purpose; the more common ones were to protect both horse and rider from danger in battle, to bring good luck, help ward off evil spirits, and show the status, and achievements, of both horse and rider.

Although, for many centuries - ever since we domesticated the horse - cultures all over the world have decorated and celebrated their horses, choosing to dress their equine partners for various purposes...physical protection, spirit protection, proclamation of wealth, harmonious communication, healing, etc.