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Kenna’s Recommended Gear

Products I actually use in the arena, on the ranch, and in the classroom

Everything listed here is something I genuinely use or have used. I don’t list gear just to fill space. Prices and availability may vary — always check Amazon for current listings. All links use my affiliate tag hrpellison-20.

🪢 Tack & Equipment

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Mecate Reins — 5/8" Yacht Braid
The mecate setup is essential for snaffle bit work. I like 5/8" yacht braid — soft in hand, durable, and the lead rope end is genuinely useful. Get the right length for your preference.
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Two-Ear Headstall
Clean, functional, and shows well. I prefer a two-ear headstall for most of my snaffle bit work — less to fidget with, secure, and looks sharp in the pen.
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Snaffle Bit — Smooth Dee or O-Ring
Foundation of all cow horse training. A quality smooth snaffle — dee ring or O-ring depending on your preference — is what you'll use more than anything else in your horse's early development.
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Sport Boots — Front & Hind Set
Protective boots are non-negotiable for training and showing. Splint boots in front, skid boots behind. I use Professional's Choice or SMB — both hold up and protect well.
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Skid Boots — Neoprene
Essential for sliding stops and cow work. The hind end takes a beating in the reining and fence work — protect it. Neoprene wears well and cleans up easy.
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Saddle Pad — Non-Slip Performance
A quality non-slip saddle pad keeps your saddle from shifting during hard stops and spins. I look for thick felt or memory foam backed with a grippy bottom layer.
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Tie-Down / Running Martingale
Useful tool for certain stages of training — teaches the horse to rate pressure without bracing. Always use with guidance from your trainer.
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Grooming Kit — Full Set
Curry comb, stiff brush, soft brush, hoof pick, mane comb. Get a full kit and keep it together. Consistency in grooming builds trust with your horse over time.
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👢 Riding Apparel

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Ariat Fatbaby Heritage Boots
My everyday go-to. Comfortable enough to be in all day, western enough to be appropriate everywhere. The Heritage line holds up to barn and ranch life well.
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Ariat Volant Show Boots
When I need to clean up for the show pen, these are sharp. Tall shaft, polished look, and still comfortable enough for a long show day. Worth the investment.
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Wrangler Q-Baby Jeans
The classic for a reason. Boot-cut, sits right, and durable. I wear these more than anything else. Ranch, school, or show — they work everywhere.
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Resistol Hats — 4X Felt
A good Resistol hat is an investment. The 4X beaver blend is a step up from entry-level and you can tell the difference. Holds its shape and looks right at home in Texas.
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Show Shirt — Pearl Snap Western
A clean fitted western shirt is the show pen standard. I look for something that stays tucked, doesn't wrinkle, and works under a vest or jacket for colder shows.
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Riding Gloves
Optional but helpful during long training sessions. A quality pair of riding gloves protects your hands and improves feel on the reins — especially useful with romal reins or rough mecate.
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🌾 Ranch Essentials

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ShowSheen Hair Polish
The original and still the best. Detangles mane and tail, adds shine, and repels dust. I use it before every show and most training days. A barn staple.
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Electrolytes — Horse Powder
Texas heat is no joke. Keeping horses hydrated during show season means adding electrolytes consistently. I use a powder mixed into feed rather than paste.
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Fly Spray — Endure Sweat-Resistant
Standard fly spray washes off the minute the horse starts sweating. Endure's sweat-resistant formula actually lasts through a training session in West Texas heat.
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Vetericyn Wound Spray
Every barn needs this. Minor cuts, scrapes, and skin irritation — Vetericyn is safe, effective, and doesn't sting. I keep a bottle in my tack room and show kit.
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Corona Ointment
Dry hooves, cracked heels, minor skin conditions — Corona is a multi-purpose ointment that belongs in every tack room. Old school for a reason.
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Tack Trunk / Chest
A good tack trunk keeps your show kit organized and your gear protected. I look for something with a lock, interior tray, and durable exterior that can take a beating in a trailer.
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🎓 College Ag Student Must-Haves

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Backpack — Heavy Duty Campus Pack
Ag students carry textbooks, lab notebooks, and sometimes boots. Get a backpack with a laptop compartment, actual structure, and straps wide enough to not cut into your shoulders.
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Academic Planner — 2025-2026
Between class schedules, show dates, and assignment deadlines — a physical planner is still the most reliable system. I use one that has monthly and weekly views plus note pages.
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Laptop Stand + Portable Mouse
If you're studying in the library or working from your truck between barn sessions, a portable laptop stand and wireless mouse make a real difference in your comfort and productivity.
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Fine-Tip Highlighters — Multi-Pack
Color-coded notes are how I survived Animal Science and Ag Ed methods courses. A good multi-color highlighter set that doesn't bleed through is the low-key essential nobody talks about.
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Insulated Tumbler — 40oz
Early barn mornings require coffee that stays hot through your first two classes. A quality 40oz insulated tumbler is the single most-used item in my truck and bag.
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Phone Mount — Truck & Arena
Between navigation to shows, filming training sessions, and looking up notes between classes — a solid magnetic phone mount for your truck is more useful than you'd think.
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Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

All links on this page use my Amazon Associate tag hrpellison-20. I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability may change — always verify on Amazon. I only list products I genuinely use or recommend. Full disclosure here.