I have the "horse gene" in my veins. I have "lived and breathed" horses since before I was 5 years old when I got my first pony.  Although I have not always had horses during all stages of my life, they have always been in my heart.  As our family has grown I have been able to return to the horse world. (Our son graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in May 2009 and is currently in pilot training; our daughter is now attending the U.S. Air Force Academy and will graduate in 2014.)  Over the past 10 years, I have worked at a park district as a trail guide and riding instructor and on a "Dude Ranch" here in Illinois as a trail guide/wrangler – full time for a while, now part time.  I have also spent many hours training and schooling some of the ranch horses and a friend's three horses.  

And now I am training my own horse, Brandy!  She is a registered paint.  She was a "green-broke" 6 year old when I purchased her in June 2010, but she had not been ridden for 2 years.  So we went back to the basics and did a lot of groundwork.  She is doing great and is becoming a very good, reliable trail horse.  I really enjoy spending time with her, teaching her new things and building our partnership.  It is wonderful to have my own horse again!  Here is a picture of Brandy and me at White Pines Ranch. (It was really windy that day!)

I am not a professional trainer but I have studied and used the natural horsemanship methods of several of today’s top trainers – Parelli, Anderson, Lyons and Cox to name a few – and appreciate the value of high quality training equipment.  In fact, that’s why I started this business – I was looking for the "good stuff" for my own use, but the local stores didn’t carry it and the equipment offered by the professional trainers was too expensive for my budget.  So I decided to make it myself . . . thus the conception of Y Knot Rope Tack!

 Hey . . . Y Knot?

Along with the horse gene I mentioned before, I also have a "craft gene" and a "perfectionist gene".  These three are a great combination for a rope tack business.  With my horse experience, I know what will work and why.  My craft talent enables me to make basic equipment with the correct techniques and also to create unique items with intricate knots and fancy braiding.  The perfectionist in me ensures that all my products meet the highest standards (mine!) and the quality of my workmanship is something I am proud of.

I started Y Knot Rope Tack in the spring of 2007 and have had to quit one of my part time jobs (church secretary) because my business has been growing steadily.  I have a workshop at my home and while I do not have  "store hours", you can call and set up a time to stop by when I am not working at the ranch.  I sell my products at Conover Square and  at various horse fairs and events in the region.   I also display and sell my products on my website.  

I specialize in custom orders so you can get exactly what you want.  I try to describe my products as accurately as possible so you know exactly what you are getting.  I set my prices as low as I can so even those on a limited budget can afford high quality training equipment.  I enjoy making and using these products and I am glad to be able to make a piece of equipment for someone who will appreciate it and enjoy using it for many years.

Thanks for your interest in my business.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.