STICKS, STRINGS, and SPANKERS

On this page, you will find communication tools and motivators.  Click on the links below to skip to that category or scroll down the page to see rope options and all products.  Prices are listed with the individual items.  Prices are subject to change without notice but should be valid until July 1, 2012.  After that, call for current pricing.

Sticks - regular and ultra light training sticks and my unique Q-stick!

Strings - standard 6' string, catch ropes and get-down ropes

Spankers - hand whips, saddle horn spankers, and romals

Labels - personalize your Stick, String or Spanker

Artcraft Braid Rope

This rope is manufactured in the USA and is designed specifically for the equine industry.  It is excellent rope!  This is the rope I use for trainers' product lines and my own equipment.

1/4" Double Braid Polyester – soft

Solid: Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, Raspberry*

*Raspberry yarn is polypropylene, not polyester

9/32" Double Braid Polyester – soft

Solid: Pink, Navy, 

Neon Green, Neon Orange

Fleck: Hunter Green with Tan, Black with Pink, 

Black with Red

Clearance Rope

The following rope is now on clearance.  There is nothing wrong with the rope - I am simply reducing my stock to simplify my product line.  Artcraft Braid manufactures excellent rope and cord in such a wide variety of types and colors that eventually I will carry only that brand.  Clearance rope is available while supplies last. 

¼" Samson Stable Braid – soft

White with Blue Tracer

¼" RJ Poly/Polyester –soft

Solid: Pink, Purple

¼" CC Double Braid Polyester – soft

Solid: Blue, Red, Bright Green

Artcraft Braid Rope

This rope is manufactured in the USA and is designed specifically for the equine industry.  It is excellent rope!  This is the rope I use for trainer product lines and my own equipment.

3/8" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black only

1/2" Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Solid:  Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple

Pattern:  Violet Combo*, Neon Combo

*Raspberry yarn is polypropylene, not polyester

Rope Handles and Tabs are made only with Artcraft Braid Double Braid Polyester

Clearance Rope

The following rope is now on clearance.  There is nothing wrong with the rope - I am simply reducing my stock to simplify my product line.  Artcraft Braid manufactures excellent rope and cord in such a wide variety of types and colors that eventually I will carry only that brand.  Clearance rope is available while supplies last. 

1/2" Samson Stable Braid

White with Blue Tracer

1/2" RJ Polypropylene/Polyester Double Braid

Solid: Pink, Purple

5/8" Polypropylene/Nylon Double Braid

Solid: Black, Raspberry

Click here for more details About the Rope

 Lace Options for Custom Trim

Kangaroo Leather Lace: 

Black, Natural, Burgundy, Brown

Calf Leather Lace:  

Black, Medium Brown

1/8" Artcraft Lacing Cord:

Black, Tan, Brown, Hunter Green, Burgundy, Blue, Red, Purple, Raspberry, White, Neon Green, 

 Coming soon: Neon Orange, Silver, Navy, Pink 

1/8" Polypropylene Lacing Cord:

black, white, pacific blue, royal blue, red, yellow, kelly green, navy, maroon, gold, hunter green, pink, purple, raspberry, turquoise, lime

Click here for more details About the Custom Trim

A Training Stick is an essential tool for natural horsemanship methods.  It is a communication device, not a whip and is to be used as an extension of your hand.  A 4' stick is especially helpful when working with un-started colts and aggressive horses - you can touch the horse but stay a safe distance away.  Attach a string to have an even greater reach.  A cloth flag or plastic bag can be attached for desensitizing. It is also a great communication tool for giving specific cues in advanced maneuvers and when working at liberty. 

Construction:

• All sticks are made with solid fiberglass rods.  Fiberglass is strong but flexible, light weight and very durable - the perfect combination for an equine tool. The 3/8" diameter rod is the standard size most used in the industry - I refer to products made with this rod as "Regular".  The 5/16" diameter rod is lighter weight and more flexible than the 3/8" rod - a great option for kids and anyone else looking for a lighter weight stick.  I refer to products made with this rod as "Lightweight".

• Rubber golf grip handles are attached using the same materials and methods as golf clubs with an additional small piece of shrink tubing to seal out dirt and protect the rim of the grip.  

• Rope handles and rope tabs / loops are made with Artcraft Braid double braid polyester rope and are permanently attached so they won't fly off during use.  Knots are braided with polyester lacing cord.  You can choose the color for tabs, loops, knots and handles. (Some of the clearance rope can also be used for handles, tabs, etc.)

My unique rope tabs and loops are maintenance free - no more cracked, dry leather to keep oiled.  Clean them with water as you would your lead rope or reins.  

The rope tab is made of 1/2" rope which is spliced and then "sleeved" over the stick.  It is very strong and durable but does add some weight to the end of the stick.  The rope loop is made of 1/4" rope and may not be as durable as the 1/2" tab but it is much lighter weight.  Both are permanently secured to the stick and have braided knots covering the attachment point.  The tab and loop are soft and flexible for rubbing and the braided knot, which is hardened with rope sealant, can provide a little extra motivation if needed.  

Color choices for 3/8" sticks - black, white, gray

Color choices for 5/16" sticks - black, neon

click here for information about labels on sticks

4' Training Stick with 1/2" Rope Tab - Regular or Lightweight

Features: 

• 1/4" Rope Loop

• 4' Regular Stick (3/8" rod) or Lightweight Stick (5/16" rod)

• Golf Grip Handle

Stick with 1/2" Rope Tab:  $24.00

Stick and 6' String Set:  $35.00

4' Training Stick with 1/4" Rope Loop - Regular or Lightweight  

Features: 

• 1/4" Rope Loop

• 4' Regular Stick (3/8" rod) or Lightweight Stick (5/16" rod)

• Golf Grip Handle

Stick with 1/4" Rope Loop:  $20.00

Stick and 6' String Set:  $31.00

Ultra Light 4' Training Stick

Made with the Lightweight 5/16" rod, 1/4" Rope Loop, and a Rope Handle instead of the golf grip.  I also add a detachable hang loop with sliding knot to snug up to your wrist, horn, etc.  A great option for those looking for a very light weight stick.

Features: 

• 1/4" Rope Loop

• 4' Lightweight Stick (5/16" rod)

• Rope Handle with Hang Loop

Ultra Light Stick:  $27.50 

Ultra Light Stick & 6' String Set:  $38.50

3' Q-Stick  

This is my creation for those who want a shorter, light weight stick for more refined communication.  Similar construction to the Ultra Light Stick described above except shorter and no rope loop - just a knot to cover the tip. Great for close-up ground work or under saddle to transition cues from the ground. A perfect tool for liberty or bridle-less riding.

Features: 

• Braided Knot Tip

• 3' Lightweight Stick (5/16" rod)

• Rope Handle with Hang Loop

Q-Stick:  $23.00

Strings

A 6' string is a handy item to have around.  They are thin and light weight but very strong, and have a million-and-one uses.  Aside from the obvious uses like attaching to a stick, they are a good item to keep in your saddle bag - great for emergencies on the trail, or anywhere.  I always carry one with me on the job as a trail guide - I have used it as an emergency rein when a guest allowed a horse to eat and she stepped on her leather reins and broke one of the water straps.  One customer said she used her string to tie a barn door shut in a storm.  Another uses hers as a dog leash.  The possibilities are endless. 

Catch ropes and get-down ropes can be more convenient to use than a traditional lead rope.  Carry the string in your pocket then pull it out and make a quick halter/lead rope to "catch" your horse and bring him in.  Get-down ropes are much lighter than lead ropes and are great when you "get down" and need to keep your horse with you but don't want to use the reins.

Construction:

• All strings are constructed with 1/4" or 9/32" double braid rope - the same rope as I use to make halters, etc.

• A loop is spliced in one end - this is normally about 3" but I can make it any size you want.  (All eye splices are lock stitched.)

• A popper is attached at the other end using the same method as my lead ropes - through an eye loop so it can be replaced if damaged.

The standard length to pair up with a stick or to tie around your horse's neck as a drive line marker is 6'.  Catch ropes and get-down ropes are usually 12 - 15'.  I have listed a couple common lengths below but I can make your string any length you want. 

For custom lengths:  

± $.40/ft for /1/4" and 9/32" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope

± $.30/ft for other 1/4" clearance rope

Click here for feather weight driving reins made with 1/4" rope

Click here for information on my Quick Snap Get-down Rope

Click here for information about labels on strings

Standard 6' String

3" eye loop and popper

any 1/4" or 9/32" double braid rope

6' String:  $12.50

(see prices above for set discount)

12' Catch Rope or Get-Down Rope

3" eye loop and popper

any 1/4" or 9/32" double braid rope

12' String:  $15.50

Spankers (also called Quirts)

Sometimes we all need a little motivation.  These products are communication tools that you can use to tell your horse to get going .... now!  Reinforce your voice or leg cues with a spank if your horse is not responding to you.  

My spankers are all made differently so scroll down the page for descriptions and prices of each style.  As with most of my tack, you can customize your spanker with braided knots and trim or have it made to a specific length.

click here for information about labels on spankers

click here to see trim options for custom spankers

Custom Hand Bat

A short piece of fiberglass rod gives this bat it's structure.  It is covered with polyester rope like the handles on some of my sticks.  The large turkshead knot (or substitute a pineapple knot) makes a great hand-hold; the ring knot on the other end secures the popper loop.  The oversized popper provides the motivation.  Use the hang loop with slider knot to attach the bat to your saddle horn or wrist - handy!

12" stick length 

overall length including popper (but not hang loop) 

        is about 24 "

choose any color 1/2" Artcraft Braid rope for handle

choose any color lacing cord for knots and hang loop

Custom Hand Bat:  $ 18.00

Pineapple Knot Hand Bat:  $ 31.50

(with lg Pineapple Knot instead of Turkshead Knot)

Custom Hand Whip

This style is made with any 1/4" or 9/32" rope and is more flexible than the bat.  An extra long cowboy knot provides a hand grip and creates some structure.  A sliding ring knot will snug the loop up to your wrist or saddle horn.  The oversized popper provides the motivation.

overall length including popper and hand loop is about 24" 

choose any color 1/4"  or 9/32" rope

choose any color lacing cord for knots 

Custom Hand Whip:  $ 22.00

Regular Saddle Horn Spanker

The most basic type of spanker - this style is made with 3/8" or 1/2" double braid rope (5/8" poly/nylon also).  A large eye spliced loop will fit over your saddle horn and the leather popper, attached through an eye spliced loop on the other end, will give your horse a smack. (it is basically, a very short lead rope.)

Due to splicing requirements, the minimum length (not including the popper) is about 3' for spankers made with 3/8" rope; about 4' for spankers made with 1/2" rope.  4' -4 1/2' is a good length to reach the hindquarters when attached to the horn, but you may need to take an extra loop around the horn or pommel so it won't hang down too far. To snug up around the horn, feed the popper end through the eye loop (like attaching a snap to an eye loop lead rope).  To shorten your spanker, tie 1 or 2 overhand knots in the rope until you get the length you want. (Be aware that these knots may become permanent.)

4' Spanker, 3/8" rope:  $ 17.50

4' Spanker, 1/2" rope:  $ 19.50

(the popper will add about 8" to the length)

For custom lengths:  

± $1.00/ft for 1/2" Artcraft Braid and Samson Rope

± $.75/ft for 3/8" Artcraft Braid rope  

± $.75/ft for all other clearance rope

Custom Saddle Horn Spanker

This style is made with 1/4" or 9/32" rope and since there is no splicing involved, there is no minimum length.  The construction is similar to the Custom Hand Whip - a cowboy knot provides a hand grip and covers/secures the juncture area of the rope loop; a sliding ring knot will snug the loop up to your saddle horn; a popper provides the motivation.  Additional ring knots are needed along the length to keep the 2 strands of rope together.  It can be made any length and can easily be customized with different knots to create a unique piece of equipment.

standard length is  3' - popper will add about 10" 

choose any color 1/4"  or 9/32" rope

choose any color lacing cord for knots 

Custom Saddle Horn Spanker:  

$ 29.00

includes standard 3' length rope loop with 4-part Cowboy Knot, 5 small ring knots, regular popper

Scroll down a bit for custom options

Call or email for pricing on custom lengths 

Custom Romal

A romal is a spanker attached to your loop reins. The origin of romal reins goes back to the Spanish vaqueros.  They were normally made of braided leather and usually very ornate.  Well, mine are made of rope but they can still be very ornate!  These are similar to the custom saddle horn spanker but instead of a large loop for your saddle horn, a connector with a button and sliding ring knot attaches the romal to your loop reins.  These can be made any length and customized with any combination of knots.

standard length is  3' - popper will add about 8" 

choose any color 1/4"  or 9/32" rope

choose any color lacing cord for knots 

Custom Romal:  $29.00

includes standard 3' length; button and loop connector, 3 small ring knots, regular popper

Scroll down a bit for custom options

Call or email for pricing on custom lengths 

Custom Trim Options for Spankers

While some knots are part of the construction of the spanker and cannot be eliminated, you may be able to substitute a different knot.  You can also add more knots and/or trim work for a truly unique item.  Knots and braided trim options that are available for spankers are described below.  Prices are for additional knots.  Call or email for pricing if you want to substitute different knots.

click here to go to the About the Custom Trim page for more information about knots and braided trim

Small Ring Knot (Spanish Ring Knot)

Choose 1 color per knot

$3.00 Lacing Cord

$6.00 Kangaroo Lace

$5.50 Calf Leather Lace

Medium Ring Knot (Headhunter Knot)

Choose 1 color per knot

$4.00 Lacing Cord

$6.00 Kangaroo Lace

$5.50 Calf Leather Lace

Doubled Turk's Head Knot (5p/4b)

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$5.00 Lacing Cord

Hearringbone Knot  

Choose 2 colors per knot

$6.00 Lacing Cord

Small 2-bite Cowboy Knot (2p2b) 

about 1 1/2" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$5.00 Lacing Cord

Double weave Braid with core

Double weave Braid without core

Medium 2-bite Cowboy Knot (4p2b) 

about 3" long when closely braided

a more open braid is about 4" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$8.00 Lacing Cord

Long 2-bite Cowboy Knot  (6p2b)

about 4 1/2" long when tightly braided

a more open braid is about 6" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$12.50 Lacing Cord

Extra Long 2-bite Cowboy Knot (8p2b) 

about 6" long when tightly braided

a more open braid is about 8" long

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$18.00 Lacing Cord

example of a more open braid - rope color will show through

Small 3-bite Cowboy Knot  

about 2" long (a little less for leather lace)

Double weave or Interweave Braid

Choose 1 or 2 colors per knot

$ 9.00   Lacing Cord

$14.00  Kangaroo Lace

$11.50  Calf Leather Lace

Double weave Braid in Lacing Cord

Interweave Braid in Kangaroo Lace

Medium Pineapple Knot (5 parts):

Choose 2 colors per knot

$13.50 Lacing Cord

$18.50 Kangaroo Lace

$16.00 Calf Leather Lace

Large Pineapple Knot (7 parts):

Choose 2 colors per knot

$22.50 Lacing Cord

$28.00 Kangaroo Lace

$26.00 Calf Leather Lace

(This size is ideal for knots made with kangaroo or calf leather lace.  The knot is larger when made with lacing cord and is generally used with tassels but can be braided onto spankers where a longer/larger knot is desired.)

Shrink Tube Labels can be added to these products as they are made.  I cannot add a label after they are finished so you must order the product with a label.  Great for personalization, security purposes or for tagging a product line.  

1 - 3 lines of text on labels up to 1 1/2" long - additional cost for Logos and longer lengths.  

Color:  white tubing with black text

Labels for Sticks  

Labels will fit on 3/8" or 5/16" sticks. 

Normal placement is at the handle end - let me know if you want it elsewhere. 

1 or 2 lines are best for 5/16" size.

Price: $1.50 each

Labels for Strings  

Since strings are so flexible and tend to get a lot of abuse, I do not guarantee that the label will stay "shrunk" to the rope.

Let me know your preference on placement.

1 or 2 lines are best for strings.

Price: $1.50 each

Labels for Spankers  

Labels fit on 1/4", 9/32" and 3/8" rope only. 

Labels are not available for 1/2" or 5/8" rope. 

1 or 2 lines are best for spankers made with 1/4" or 9/32" rope.

As with strings, spankers are flexible so I do not guarantee that the label will stay "shrunk" to the rope.

Let me know your preference on placement.

Price: $1.50 each

picture coming as soon as someone orders a spanker with a label