Wow, has it ever been a whirlwind so far this year. Now that my new website is up and quasi-professional looking, I figured it's time I introduced myself. My name is Julie Pratt, and I'm the owner of Sagebrush Tack. I started this business in spring 2024, but prior to that I worked in animal research. I graduated with my BSc in Animal Health in 2021, and since then, dedicated my time to learning all I could about animal welfare and behaviour. As a lifelong equestrian, understanding the way horses think has always been forefront in my mind.
I've been riding ever since I can remember. I have two horses of my own: Wren, an 10 year old TB cross and Alyra, my 6-year-old OTTB. They live at home with me most of the time, though I boarded for many years in the past. I'm a rather scattered rider: I don't stick to one discipline, though I often fall back to dressage. I was the typical barn rat growing up, falling in love with thoroughbreds from my first job working at the racetrack. With my OTTBs, I've played my hand at mounted archery, jumping, dressage, roping, ranch work, endurance, trick training, and liberty work. My favourite type of horse is a project horse- I like riding the young ones and earning the trust of a "problem horse", seeing if I can change their opinion on people.
So that's me and my horses.
Right now, the weatherman says it's -49 °C outside. If you've never heard of Saskatchewan before, let me tell you it is right chilly. Seriously, today is a day where I have no idea why we live here. While we're not well designed for the cold, Wren sure is. Note the frosty pic I took of her today. Saskatchewan winters sure show you horses and livestock are more cold-tolerant than you'd think!
On to 2026: we have some exciting news planned! Soon we will be releasing DIY kits for our lead ropes, reins, neck ropes, collars, and leashes. These will include all necessary materials to make your own custom tack and canine gear, as well as step-by-step directions! My aim is to make them approachable for all ages. Some of the kits are entering testing stage now- essentially where friends and family get a kit and tell me where they get confused!
This year you can look forward to many new products, cool pics of custom gear, and learning resources for you to make your own tack and canine gear.
Thanks for tuning in!
