Hands don't work--bridling & haltering probs

[system]

I have both sensory and motor deficits in both hands that make fastening buckles, working snaps, and getting the crown piece over the ears very difficult. I’m sure the RA folks face some of the same challenges–different disease.

I’ve combed this site for ideas and have ordered the deeply discounted and sadly, discontinued Okanegan Bay velcro halters:
http://www.applesaddlery.com/c-62-clearance.aspx?SearchTerm=halter

Has anyone seen or experimented with Velcro for bridle parts (buckles, etc.) I’m so slow with fasteners–the horse is patient but I’d like to find tack or make adjustments to existing gear to help me do the mundane chores.

Suggestions? Worked? Didn’t work?

Many thanks,

SEC

[draftdriver]

I have some problems with buckles and snaps, although not as severe as your problems sound. Snaps are the worst! I can’t push the tongue of the snaps far enough to get them undone. I find that wearing light deer skin riding gloves helps a bit with this.

I have also found that straps made of ‘granite’ or ‘beta’ leather look-alike tend to be easier to work with than leather. They stay softer in cold weather, and are easier to keep clean. I’ve had the snap ends on my driving lines replaced with a ‘granite’ ends and buckles.

I wouldn’t want to use either of the named products for a halter for outside use, unless it has a built-in break-away feature.

[system]

Thanks for the tips, Draftdriver. The Okeden Bay halters are four-way breakaway halters. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czFvy5Hdyk0
I ordered three, because if they are still difficult for me to get on and off, I can just leave them on–they are also deer skin lined.

I’ll try your suggestion of substituting more thinner and flexible material–it might work for some applications.

Sharon

[Hawleyite]

I second using the biothane. Try to find a company that will custom make some pieces for you. Possibly one of the endurance sites would be able to make something that is user friendly and safe.

[cadriver]

For lead ropes you could try these types of spring snaps
http://www.amazon.com/Cooper-Group-Campbell-T7645036-Spring/dp/B0045LMEIG/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1311783400&sr=1-4

Also for bridles, some of the dressage bridles have bigger buckles on them so it makes them easier to adjust.

I would think for a throat latch and noseband though you could have velcro sewn on to make it easier to put a bridle on and off.

Diane