2026 YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE – DJB SETAREH BANOO (AERC – H31071, AHR*489127) BARN NAME: SET
2026 Year of the Fire Horse#9 DJB Setareh Banoo (AERC – H31071, AHR*489127)
Barn name: Set
Mare power continues to be a theme in my writing. Set was a mare I was able to guide trails with at Cypress Trails, LLC the summer of 2000. My memory says she was a 4 year old at the time. She was to be developed along the same path of her full brother DJB Raad Bey (H28168). He was prime for an AERC National Championship that fall.
Set went on to began her endurance career after I left and continued through 2013 logging 3240 AERC endurance miles.
Set and Raad were both grandkids of Bey Shah. (They both became National Champions) They had inherent beauty that just made you stop and look. They both had terrific AERC careers. I do not have a picture of me on either of them. I enjoyed my rides on both.
In the days of disposable cameras and film development, we missed out on a lot of amazing photos. But we will always have the MEMORIES!
The notable experience I had with Set that summer was continuing to train even after she ended up with a puncture wound near her ears/poll. She would not be able to wear a headstall or a halter for weeks. Of course that was not an obstacle for Darolyn. Darolyn grabbed a smooth para-cord type rope and taught me how to tie a war-bridle. This is a special loop secured around the lower jaw. Combine this with penicillin twice a day, Set and I became quite close.
Going out on trail with a smooth rope thoughtfully tied around the lower jaw really was not much of a change. Riding without contact was an important part of endurance riding. Horses needed a loose rein so they could move their head and neck as needed. Horses were allowed to eat and drink under saddle. We allowed horses to tell us what they needed in terms of balancing themselves, stretching, etc.
Getting in the way of the horses choice of balance was dangerous on trail. It could be a matter of life and death depending upon the terrain. At the very least it could be the matter of health or injury. We rode in primarily S-hack type set ups, rope halters, an occasional bosal, but rarely a bit. I believe the only bit I ever saw used at Darolyn’s was the Linda Tellington-Jones bridle. That bit was only used for re-education purposes. I know that entire summer I personally never rode in a bit.
I was thinking about providing you written instruction on the knot we used to tie the war-bridle. But it turns out that describing knots is more of a writing challenge than I am interested in today.
The best instruction I could find for folks that are interested was the Hanson Loop Knot. “The Hanson Loop is considered a secure and reliable knot. It holds well under tension and is easy to untie, even after bearing a load, making it useful for a variety of outdoor and utility applications.” https://knots3d.com/en/hanson-
This of course is not the only knot. But if you are choosing a knot, please beware not to choose a knot that will not have a slip effect or noose effect. We want to protect the delicate features of the mouth and tongue, ensuring the loop will be stable. You also want to make sure that before removing the war bridle from the mouth that the knot can be opened and loosened again.
You do not need to tie your own war bridle anymore. There are dozens of folks on ETSY marketing these set ups. I suggest being cautious. Some of them appear to have a slip or noose effect. That is very concerning to me. I have also observed very rigid materials such as lariat rope used. Just because something is for sale, doesn’t mean it is a good idea.
I will probably suit myself with a purchase of the FRA Tabal bit. It is a modern take on the war-bridle. It has features with appropriate function, comfort, security, and safety. I like the leather mouthpiece. The manner in which it secures under the chin makes it easier than fussing with knots. I will know more after personal experience. The only critique that I have at this point is that different horses might want different diameters of leather mouthpiece. More to come… https://www.facebook.com/
If you have a horse with an injury or an unsolvable issue with the ears or the poll, you may want to consider this piece of horsemanship for yourself. Darolyn taught me there is no reason to stop or quit with a silly little obstacle. There are options for communication that do not require a headstall.
I admire riders such as Jeremy Reynolds who won the Tevis with a neck rope, reminding all of us that less is more. Google that today for a bit of inspiration.