by LaceyKnight | Jun 29, 2025 | Gratitude, Inspiration, Leather goods
As I sat there … in his extensive shop, I could not help but feel like I was sitting with my dad. Tools meticulously arranged along the walls, heavy-duty machinery covered up just waiting to spring into use, and saddles crowding every corner told me I was in the presence of a craftsman.
He began as a silversmith, working on jewelry and all kinds of silver applications. But a chance meeting at a hobby fair would help him find his future in leather. He apprenticed under a pro and was given the gifts of the trade freely.
Larry Royston had a future in leather indeed, as he’s now one of Colorado’s premier saddle and tack repair artists. And he doesn’t just work on the mundane; he’s got a slew of trick saddles and surcingles he’s helping come back to life.
His shop, a zen temple, “I like working with my hands,” he said. I understood. The meditative quality of working with one’s hands is addictive. You start with nothing—scraps. And you wind up with a quiet mind AND a finished product. Who could say no?
The truth is that Larry is drowning in work. He’s too busy to take on many projects and feels bad for having to turn people away.
But Larry didn’t turn me away when I approached him about helping me sew my crystals into browbands. He did me one better: he sat down next to me and taught me how to do it myself without asking anything in return.
I find myself so fortunate to sit at the feet of masters of their trade, and Larry is no different. His affable nature and willingness to work with people make him highly sought after, as it should be.
So I’m not writing this blog to garner more work for Larry; he doesn’t need it. I simply want to point to the angels that flood my path when I open myself to receiving the help I need. Larry Royston is just such an angel.
Thank you, Larry, for your time and attention, and for helping me learn something rather than taking my money to do it yourself. YOU are a true teacher and benefactor of humanity. I am so blessed to know you.
Here’s to a future of bandaids and callouses, and here’s to Royston Saddle & Tack!
P.S. My time with Larry helped me recapture time lost with my dad after his passing. He had an impressive machine shop filled with all sorts of interesting things. As I sat with Larry, even though I’m 20 years older than his daughters, I could not help but feel my dad’s presence. There are no words to express the gratitude I feel.
by LaceyKnight | Jun 26, 2025 | Gratitude, Inspiration
It was time for some new breeches. Of course, the algorithm knew this, and the ads were quickly underway.
Fortunately for me, one of those ads was for the Halter Ego. They were having a breech sale. I am very familiar with the brand and even have a bridle of theirs, so I was excited to expand my collection to some breeches.
I found some pairs that I absolutely loved and made my purchase. A few short hours later, I received a text from probably one of the most lovely human beings I have ever met, Miss Maria Garza.
Maria let me know that one of the breeches I had ordered (Ahem, viper print in black) was not in the warehouse. She had searched high and low to no avail. I was disappointed, but I swapped them out for another pair, and two days later, my package arrived.
About a year ago, I was put on a medication that makes one rapidly gain large amounts of weight, so these breeches were more than just breeches; they were a signal that I am still a horsewoman at my core, and hopefully a stylish one at that. And you know what? The best thing that could have happened, DID. They were too big!
I texted Maria, and she gave me instructions for their return. Back in the mail they all went. The day of their arrival in Agoura Hills, CA, Maria texted me to let me know that in the new size, they DID have the Viper! I was elated to hear this, and was now so excited to get the pair I really wanted in the first place. What a blessing this all was.
Maria processed my return easily and without any hesitation. She really made me feel like my exchange was a seamless experience.
Now, you might not think someone like me would be into another brand with whom I am in competition, but not so. Halter Ego sets the bar for our industry in every way. Each time I get something of theirs, I start thinking about how to make my own products better. For that opportunity to rise along with them, I am grateful.
And to Wendy Latham, the owner, thank you, Ma’am, for having such an outstanding business for me to follow in the footsteps of. I will probably never be as great as you guys are, but your standards fill my heart with hope for my own. Thank you for leading the way.
If you want to experience Maria’s excellent customer service and Wendy’s excellent products, just visit ShopHalterEgo and bring home something magnificent!
If you’d like to shop our halters, bridles, browbands, or dog collars, go here.
by LaceyKnight | Jun 10, 2025 | Bitless, Bridle & Halter Fitting, Bridles, Inspiration
When it comes to equestrian tack, few topics spark as much debate as the choice between bitless bridles and traditional bitted bridles. Riders and trainers everywhere have strong opinions, but the truth lies in understanding both the science and the art behind every tool we use—from rhinestone browbands to the most luxurious bitless bridles.
The Bitless Bridle Debate: Science vs. Sentiment
In the bitless bridle debate, there are valid points on both sides. Studies show that horses wearing bits don’t necessarily experience more distress than those without, yet some argue that bits are archaic and cruel. On the flip side, critics of bitless bridles claim they can exert undue pressure on the horse’s face, cheeks, chin, or nose—pressure that shouldn’t be there.
But here’s the reality: any tool—be it a bit, bridle, halter, chain, spur, or whip—can be gentle or cruel, depending on the hands that use it. If you’re a novice, please seek guidance from an equine professional before using any tack, whether it’s a rhinestone browband or a Brilliance Bitless Bridle. Education and empathy are always your best tools.
Lessons from a Horsewoman: Anna Twinney
I once had the good fortune to clinic with Anna Twinney, a renowned natural horsemanship expert, equine linguist, and animal communicator. Watching Anna ride her horse with a bit—something some people consider cruel—was eye-opening. In her skilled, sensitive hands, the bit wasn’t about control; it was a subtle aid in communication. True horsemanship relies on a symphony of cues: seat, legs, hands, energy, and even thought. No single piece of tack defines kindness or cruelty.
Tools and Intent: Beyond the Browband
Let’s talk about other tools, like the humble lunge whip. I use one to bring my herd in from the Colorado foothills—not to chase or strike, but to communicate over distance and wind.
Sometimes, the mere presence of a tool is enough to signal intent. Mine is not to strike them but to crack it until I get their attention in a meaningful way. Once the ears lock on, I stop cracking it. Then, when the heads come up, I stop again. So they understand the whip will crack aloud until they start moving off the pressure, which is in the direction of me and the barn.
The same goes for your choice of browband or bridle: it’s not the tool, but the intent and skill behind it.
Bitless Bridles: A Closer Look
Any bridle, bitless or not, can be used improperly. Over-tightened nosebands, poorly adjusted throat latches, ill-fitting browbands, and bridles lacking anatomical features can all cause discomfort. The lesson? Once we know better, we do better.
Bitless bridles, including our Brilliance Bitless Bridle, offer a gentle alternative for horses who don’t thrive with a bit. I have a horse who tossed his head with every bitted bridle, no matter how softly I rode. After switching to the Brilliance Bitless Bridle, he became quiet and content. Sometimes, it’s about finding what works for the individual horse.
Why Choose the Brilliance Bitless Bridle?
Our Brilliance Bitless Bridle is more than just a pretty face, though its rhinestone browband and crystal accents certainly make a statement in the ring and on the trail. Crafted with soft, ergonomic padding and a reverse cutback caveson, this bridle ensures comfort without impeding your horse’s respiration or pressing on sensitive nasal bones.
The pressure-release system is designed for gentle, diplomatic communication. A light touch on the reins invites your horse to yield, while the anatomical fit and luxury materials provide both beauty and function. If you appreciate the artistry of a rhinestone browband and the practicality of a bitless bridle, the Brilliance Bitless Bridle offers the best of both worlds.
Caution: Skill and Timing Matter
A bitless bridle is not a shortcut to kindness. If your hands are heavy or your timing is off, even the softest bridle can cause confusion or discomfort. We recommend working with an equine professional to develop the feel and timing needed for pressure-release communication, whether you’re using a bit, a bitless bridle, or any other tool.
Never tie, trailer, or leave your horse unattended in a bitless bridle. And if your horse tends to pull or you’re still developing soft, independent hands, it’s wise to wait until you’re ready.
Conclusion: Kindness Is in the Hands That Hold the Reins
In the end, no tack is inherently cruel or kind, whether it’s a martingale, a crystal-studded rhinestone browband, a traditional bit, or a luxury bitless bridle like our Brilliance Bitless Bridle. The difference lies in education, empathy, and the intention behind every action. Tools are just that: tools. Used thoughtfully, they can enhance communication and create beauty and comfort for both horse and rider. Used carelessly, even the most beautiful bridle can cause harm.
So, before choosing sides in the bitless vs. bitted debate, remember: seek guidance, learn from professionals, and always put your horse’s well-being first. At Envisioned Equestrian, we’re passionate about creating handcrafted tack that’s as unique and vibrant as your partnership with your horse, because true luxury is the art of mindful horsemanship.
To watch our video on the Brilliance Bitless Bridle, fit and function, go here.
by LaceyKnight | Jan 27, 2025 | Browband, Gratitude, Horses, Inspiration, Leather goods, Uncategorized
It all started with jewelry. I was crafting sparkly accessories to pair with some new dresses I absolutely adored. One afternoon in September 2024, while my husband and I were driving somewhere, I mused aloud, “I wish I could make browbands.” Dave, ever the optimist, simply replied, “Why can’t you?”
That was the spark. That moment grew into an office overflowing with tack, walls lined with crystals, and endless hours spent researching materials, manufacturers, and trends in the luxury tack industry. It was a journey I hadn’t anticipated but embraced wholeheartedly.
Dancing Like Nobody’s Watching
Someone recently asked me why I’m doing this. The best answer I could give was that it feels like dancing like nobody’s watching. There’s freedom in artistic expression—in pouring your heart into something and putting it out into the world. It might succeed, or it might not. You might face embarrassment, or you might not. But at the heart of it, your contribution adds a touch of beauty to the world, something someone else might need. And for me, that beauty takes the form of rhinestone bridles and browbands.
An Affinity for Rhinestone Bridles
When I was younger, every time a new horse entered my life, my favorite ritual was finding the perfect bridle. I’d spend hours flipping through catalogs, evaluating styles, and imagining how they’d look on the horse. This was long before the internet, so catalogs like Dover, Stateline Tack, and Dressage Extensions were my treasure troves. I had them memorized, page by page.
Despite the variety, most bridles back then lacked character. Crystals and rhinestones had yet to make their way into mainstream tack. Clinchers and chains were the extent of “bling,” and even those were more common in eventing than dressage. For dressage riders, bridles were—quite literally—black and white.
The first rhinestone bridle I remember seeing was an Otto Schumacher. It featured sleek black patent leather, plush white padding, and a delicate browband with dazzling white crystals. It was a revelation, a beacon of elegance in an otherwise stark world. That memory stayed with me.
The Return to Bling
For a time, I stepped away from tack. I worked with a natural horsewoman whose training methods emphasized the pure connection between horse and rider, unadorned by anything flashy. I learned invaluable lessons about reading and understanding horses, but eventually, the rhinestones called me back.
One of Einstein’s quotes hangs near my dad’s workshop: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” My dad often added, “Why not both?” Tack-making embodies that sentiment. It requires knowledge—of materials, sizing, equine physiology, and design—but the creative possibilities are endless. That’s what excites me about this work.
Discovering Halter Ego
A month into making browbands, I discovered Halter Ego. Their products were stunning. I thought, “This is what I want to create,” but at a more accessible price point—perhaps half, or even a quarter of their cost.
Finding a great manufacturer is no small feat, but I was fortunate to connect with one early on. We’ve spent countless hours collaborating, and their support has been invaluable. Still, Halter Ego’s designs continued to inspire me. I asked myself: Would people prefer two or three rhinestone browbands for the price of one? I imagined riders swapping out browbands to match their pads and wraps, creating a cohesive, polished look. That’s where my vision took root.
The Birth of a Brand
When my first shipment of browbands and halters arrived, I scrutinized every stitch. To my surprise, the quality rivaled that of Halter Ego. I was thrilled. My little experiment was working, and my brand was officially born.
The bit in my brand comes from my soul horse’s hunter bridle. Envisioned was his name, and that KK D-ring Snaffle was the berries. So, why not use it since all of this is really about things I would have wanted for him?
Expanding to Rhinestone Bridles
Transitioning from browbands and halters to full bridles was a natural progression but required careful planning. Every detail—from stitching to crystal placement—had to contribute to a cohesive design.
As a child, I loved drawing horse portraits, and I still do on occasion. When I see a horse in one of my bridles, my mind immediately envisions a portrait—a celebration of their natural beauty, enhanced by the sparkle of rhinestones. Designing rhinestone bridles feels like an honor, a way to highlight the grace and elegance of these incredible animals.
Where It All Leads
Today, I’m surrounded by bridles, sticky notes, and sparkly creations, typing about my favorite subject: rhinestone bridles and browbands. Who would have thought a few dresses from Sundance would inspire this passion project?
To those who share my love of equestrian bling: I want to hear from you. What designs have you dreamed of but haven’t seen in the world? Let’s collaborate and bring those visions to life—for the horses.
by LaceyKnight | Dec 30, 2024 | Gratitude, Horses, Inspiration
Dilgo Khyentse once wrote, “The stronger our devotion, the greater the blessing. But to have no devotion is like hiding oneself in a house with all the doors and shutters closed. The sunlight will never get in.”
The Difference between Devotion and Resolution
In the new year, I want to focus a little less on the resolution and more on the devotion behind the resolution. I’m not saying to be resolute is unworthy of my time, but to be devoted means there is something higher than ourselves calling us to become greater than we already are.
When I think of a resolution, I think of bettering oneself. Diets, ridding ourselves of addictions, and new gym memberships are all common targets at the beginning of a new year.
However, when I think of devotion, I think of service; I think of bettering someone else’s condition or circumstance or being so devoted to a cause that is bigger than we are that many other people benefit from our work.
Most of us who own horses have no problem with the devotion piece. You will not find more caring, adoring, and loving guardians than you will in the horse industry. That said, not all of us in the industry fit this bill.
For so many, the horse is just the means to an end: the object that jumps, races, turns barrels, or passages its way to our next blue ribbon, sash, cup, or belt buckle.
The Challenge
In this new year, I want to challenge everyone to focus on their devotion to their horses. No, I do not mean you need to purchase more pads or more cookies to achieve this. None of that is required.
Instead, listen to his or her likes and dislikes. Pay attention when you brush to where they are telling you something is off or bothering them that day.
In the tack, listen to that lameness that urges, please, not today with all the trot work.
Listen to the horse who “says,” I don’t entirely trust you…yet.
If devotion is the manner of being devoted to another, why do we so often overlook how our horse feels or what they think or want?
Dressing our horses up in all manner of beautifully color-coordinated luxury equestrian tack does not buy us a relationship with them. Believe me, I have made that mistake.
With horses, time takes time. Earning their trust takes time. And earning their devotion in return takes…you guessed it…time.
For 2025…
So, for 2025, I want to be more mindful about my own level of devotion to my horses. I am certainly not a perfect guardian, owner, or pet parent, but when I try, when I stop and focus, when I slow down and get right there in the moment with my horses, I know how to listen to what they are saying. I’ll bet you do, too.
Here’s to a fabulous and healthy New Year! 2025; here we come!
by LaceyKnight | Dec 23, 2024 | Gratitude, Inspiration
The Essence of Art
I’ve always been extremely curious about artists who take a medium and make it their own. They creatively utilize things at hand to fashion unique artistic expressions the world has never seen before.
Browbands and horse tack with rhinestones is nothing novel. In fact, in my early adult years, I was unable to afford so many of the brands I lusted after, like Browbands By Design. They had the most exquisite and charming designs, ones that really exalted the look of the horse.
When I had the opportunity to design my own creations, I wanted them to be reflective of and inspired by the things that influence me personally—My own personal expression of my life experience, passions, loves, and things I find intriguing and beautiful.
The rhinestones and fabrics may not be new, but hopefully, the inspiration I bring to the table is.
A Dream Come True
On that note, this holiday season, I realized that I am that girl, the one who somehow sits in the middle of a dream come true.
This brand represents all the things I wanted to see available for horses as a little girl, but I hadn’t yet seen them in the marketplace.
In that way, each piece is a bit of a Christmas gift to myself.
Am I sad I don’t get to keep them all? No. No, I’m not.
I would rather see a thousand people with the
browband or halter I want for my horse because they deserve to feel special and look unique.
They deserve to celebrate their horses in a way I couldn’t while growing up, so that is my mission.
Thank You ALL
To all my friends and family who have supported me as I begin this unexpected journey, thank you for all the gifts you have bestowed upon me.
For all those people out there who want to look at their perfect equine partners and see them shine, thank YOU for the gifts you’ve already given me.
Without you, there would be no need for my artwork.
Thank you ALL for being a part of what I get to do.
Merry Christmas,
Lacey Knight
Founder, Envisioned Equestrian
