One of the questions that I get the most is:  What is the difference between Kathy’s Congress Cut and Kathy’s Regular Cut?? 

Well, lemme tell ya…Kathy’s regular cut halter has been a standard style for show halters from way back, it has straight leather with silver that goes all the way across the nose and cheek from end to end.  We have changed the design to include the leather pieces between the nose and cheek which we call..1/2 moons..which you may add silver to.  The Congress Cut of course started with Kathy’s when she originally set up at the Quarter Horse Congress…many, many years ago.  It has a wider tapered leather cheek and nose and the silver is shorter and wider.  It also has the 1/2 moons on it so you can add the silver pieces there also.  The regular cut looks great on most all horses and is really sharp for showmanship and any halter class.  You might change to a congress cut, it you want to maybe shorten up your horses face a little, it is sorta like wearing black pants…it makes everybody look better…same with the congress cut. 

You will see most big trainers using the congress cut in halter classes, but we have seen quite an uptick in them using the regular cut over the last 6 months.  What it comes down to is buy what you like and you are happy with and make sure that if fits properly…that is a huge pet peeve of mine.  Any of our halters will look great on your horse if it is adjusted properly.  And like clothes sometimes you have to make some alterations.  That is what we do at Kathy’s…so if you try one of our halters on and it does not fit just right, let us know and get me some pictures and we will make the adjustments for you.  Also, take a look at the video on the web site on with trainers Brian and Dena Raggio on how to fit them properly and how adjustable they are!  Hope that helps… if you have more questions just give me an email or message me on facebook!

All the best!  The Tackgodess

You may see some new changes coming to Kathy’s.  To start we will be updateing some of our styles in our show halters.  We at Kathy’s like to keep things nice and fresh for the show season.  Some of our styles are just too classic to change.  Some we like to have some new current looks.  So keep your eye out.  We will be introducing new products throughout the year.Wow!  Even with the economy saddle sales are really starting to perk up!  If you cannot jump into a new saddle this season, keep your eyes out for some nice used Kathy’s that may be out there.  Just be careful that you are buying a genuine Kathy’ Show Equipment saddle. This goes the same with halters or any other item. Please don’t hesitate to email me and let me take a look at the picture and I will be able to let you know what you are really getting!

For me, and Troy, our rodeo season is ready to start up and we are really looking forward to it!  It is our chance to get out and do something different. If you are on facebook or are thinking of joining, make sure to friend me Stacy Dial (California) and also become a fan of Kathy’s.  I will be doing some promotions during the year, so keep your eyes out for now.

Please keep us in mind with any questions you might have!

Talk to you soon!
Stacy Dial, Kathy's Show Equipment

As we start into the 2010 horse show season with a crazy amount of snow, rain, wind, tornados and who knows what else mother nature can throw at us, it gives us a little down time.  Now is a great time to think about what you all need to get done for the upcoming year. As we are all wallowing in mud and snow, lets start with what I know best, which is your show tack!  Time to get out the show halter, bridle or saddle  and see if it needs some repairs or maybe its time to purchase a new one!  Not only do we want our show equipment to look clean and nice, but we want to make sure that if is all still fitting properly and performing safely.
I suggest a good cleaning for all your equipment as you sit by the fire! I suggest any good leather conditioner that does not darken the light leather. We at Kathy’s Show Equipment use Bee Natural, it does not darken and has a great smell and conditions nicely.

If you have silver on any of your show tack, it is very imporatant to know what type of silver you have so you can clean it properly.  If you have sterling overlay or sterling silver then you may use any type of good polish.  We at Kathy’s recommend Wenol which is a paste and really gets the jewelers bronze really clean, or the Hagarteys spray polish which is great especially for quick clean ups. If you have a silverplate product, such as Kathy’s Santana Silver, then you DO NOT want to clean it with any abrasive cleaner, you would use a mild soap solution to clean off any dirt or grime then dry with a soft cloth.  If you use any type of abrasive cleaner it will impregnate the coating and will eventually lead to problems down the road.

Even though cleaning your show equipment is a time consuming pain in the you know what…it shows the judges that you care about your polished presentation that you have worked so hard to acheive, whether it is your clothing, hat, tack or your horse it should always look like a winning combination!

Horses bodies change from year to year just like us!  So you will want to make sure that all your show equipment is fitting properly.  There is nothing worse than your halter being too small when you show up at the show!

Finally, make sure your tack is in good repair.  Check all your chicago screws to make sure they are good and tight.  I always suggest using clear fingernail polish in the screws that hold on your bit and headstall buckles, the same will go for the screws that hold on your buckles on your halter.  The polish will hold them securly but not where you can not break it loose if need be.

If repairs need to be done or you need a new halter or headstall, or saddle for that matter, DO NOT WAIT till the last minute.  Plan ahead, proper repairs, remakes or purchasing something new takes time. 

We at Kathy’s hope some of these quick tips will help you out and if you are like me…light a fire under me!  I am a great procrastinator myself!  Let me know how you make out and we at Kathy’s can advise you on any help you might need, whether it is a quick repair, a total remake of a headstall or purchasing a new saddle, we are here to help!
See you around the show pen!
Stacy Dial, Kathy's Show Equipment