Martin Black's Traditional Rawhide Gear

In old California, in the days of the vaqueros, the Hackamore, Two-rein and straight up in the Bridle was the procedure.  But in the Great Basin, the snaffle bit was typically used first, followed by the hackamore, two-rein and then straight up in the bridle. The reason was, with the developing of the new land, hundreds of thousands of driving horses and Army Remount horses were needed and were required to be handled in a snaffle-bit.   

People and horses with less experience can usually get the job done better with a snaffle bit.  The ways of the vaqueros took much more experience and skill. We can start our horses in the halter or hackamore to give our horses a better understanding, and at the same time we can get a better understanding because we cant be as forceful and intimidate the horse the way we can with a bit in their mouth.

 “If you want to improve your horse you can try changing the bit you use.  If you want to improve your horsemanship try changing the use of your hands.”  Martin likes to use this traditional gear because he wants to learn how to develop more feel and understanding instead of by passing the opportunity and using the quicker methods as a short cut.  In the end, he believes a better horseman will develop if we try to learn to adjust to the horse instead of the horse having to adjust to us.

Being a horseman and braider Martin has maintained some of the old time traditional design and function of the "jaquima" with shorter nose buttons to give them better balance, blocked heel knots which fit the horses jaw better and do not pinch the end of your hair mecate which allows the wraps to lay better. The nose bands are not raised to allow a better fit to the conture of the horses nose and allow more contact with the inside of the bosal or hackamore.

All of the leather products on this website are made by Custom Saddle makers, and is the same variety as used by Martin Black.

Our braiders are working as fast as they can, but since we are not willing to compromise on quality, some of our rawhide and kangaroo items will have to be special ordered. Therefore please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery of gear. Other gear listed is usually in stock. Please use the PayPal button's provided to make your purchase. Thank you!

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$10 USPS Shipping to within the United States
$25 USPS Shipping to Canada
$40 USPS Other International Shipping
Tradtional Rawhide and Kangaroo Bosals
Handbraided quality bosals for show or daily use.

Bosals left to right: 3/4" all kangaroo, 5/8" rawhide & kangaroo, 1/2" rawhide,
3/8" rawhide & kangaroo, and 5/16" rawhide.
   
All Rawhide
Rawhide & Kangaroo
All Kangaroo
5/16" 12 plait with 16 plait noseband
$145
$175
$225
 
 
 
3/8" 12 plait with 16 plait noseband
$155
$185
$235
 
 
 
1/2" 16 plait with 16 plait noseband
$165
$195
$245
 
 
 
5/8" 16 plait with 16 plait noseband
$175
$205
$255
 
 
 
3/4" 16 plait with 16 plait noseband
$185
$220
$270
 
Hackamore/Bosal Hanger
These are hand braided on your hackamore or bosal by Martin and they each have a slightly unique pattern. You must purchase a bosal in addition to the hanger.
$50
 
 
Rawhide Reins and Romal
Handbraided quality reins and romal for show or daily use


12 plt 7' rawhide reins.
These are the most popular reins we carry,
great for work or show.



16 plt 8' rawhide reins.
Just a little fancier than 12 plt



16 plt 7' Santa Ynez - 16 strands split
into 2 small 8plt reins, this allows
the reins to lay side by side flat in your hand while
holding a rope. They are
very decorative with the Ortega buttons.



12 plt 7' roohide reins-
Very soft and pliable yet as strong as rawhide
and more resistant to moisture.


8 plt 8' reins -
Working reins, not as pliable but sturdy,




16 plt 7' Santa Ynez 16 strands split -
into 4 small 4plt reins, this
allows the reins to lay side by side flat in your
hand while holding a rope. They are
very decorative with the Ortega buttons.

   
   
   
   

 
    All Rawhide All Kangaroo  
8 plait $275
Length
-- not available --  
       
12 plait $350
Length
$475
Length
 
       
16 plait $500
Length
$675
Length
 
         
Santa Ynez $750
Length
$925
Length
 
Leather Rein Connectors (Pair)
For 7’ romal reins
$15
       
       
x

Mane Hair Mecates
All of our 100% Mane hair mecates have a mane hair core from the 3/4 down to the smallest 5/16. We carry 6 strand mecates because they are the most versatile and durable but we can also order 4 strand in any size. Our colors are black, brown, white and grey. Our patterns vary with each shipment so if you would like something specific please describe as solid, barberpole, some spots or calico and the predominant colors you would like or the color of horse you will be using it on, we will send our closest match.

Please specify in an email the color mecate you wish to purchase. Available in any color combination. Colors are black, brown, white and grey, please specify the main colors you desire. Types of color patterns are Barber Pole, Some Spots, Lots of Spots, and Calico. Below are some samples to help you describe what you are looking for.


Mecates left to right: Barber Pole, Some Spots, Lots of Spots, and Calico.
  15' 22' 24'
5/16"
$75
$85
 
     
3/8"
$80
$95
 
     
1/2"
$85
$105
 
     
5/8"
--not available-- $115
$130
     
3/4"
--not available-- $125
$140
 
Rawhide Reatas, Ropes and Hondas
Rawhide Reata -
65ft with Fancy Hondo

$600
50' nylon xxs 3/8” ranch rope
$60
50' nylon xxs 3/8” w/rawhide hondo
$115
Fancy Rawhide Hondo
$65
     
     
     
Bridle Bits
Pictured below are all the bits we have in stock.
HandMade Snaffle Bit
$90
Bridle Bit #1
$350
Bridle Bit #2
$350
Bridle Bit #3
$350
Bridle Bit #4
$350
Bridle Bit #5
$350
Bridle Bit #6
$350

Bridle Bit #7
$350
Bridle Bit #8
$350
Bridle Bit #9
$350
Bridle Bit #10
$350
Bridle Bit #11
$350
Bridle Bit #12
$350
Bridle Bit #13
$350
Bridle Bit #14
$350
Bridle Bit #15
$350
Bridle Bit #16
$350
Bridle Bit #17
$350
 
     
 
Spurs
Silver Inlaid Spurs #1
$350
Silver Inlaid Spurs #2
$350
Silver Inlaid Spurs #3
$350
Silver Inlaid Spurs #4
$350
   
   
Headstalls - All silver is solid sterling, not sterling overlay and is hand engraved by John Hyde.  

Headstall #1
$1000

Headstall #2
$750

Headstall #3
$425

Headstall #4
$325

Headstall #5
SOLD

Headstall #6
$550

Headstall #7
$425

Headstall #8
$775

Headstall #9
$310

Headstall #10
$550

Headstall #11
$800

Headstall #12
$325
   
       
Miscellaneous Leather Goods and Accessories
12" hand-made iron rein chains with swivels
$65
Bridle Chin Strap
$10
 
Hackamore/Bosal Hanger
These are hand braided on your hackamore or bosal by Martin and they each have a slightly unique pattern. You must purchase a bosal in addition to the hanger.
$50
 
Leather Rein Connectors (Pair)
For 7’ romal reins
$15
5/8” Brow-band or Double Split-ear Headstall
With stainless or brass hardware

$75
Style
Small Breast-Collars
Measures 12” on breast plate, fits horses from 600-1100 lbs
$70
       
If the color/size doesn't work for you please send it back and we will work with you to find just the right piece of gear for you. Please use the PayPal button's provided to make your purchase. Thank you!