The Challenge There are 15.8 million registered horses in North America. At one time or another every horse will wear a halter. Unfortunately, the design and functionality of todays halters has changed very little over the centuries and this is no comfort to the modern horse owner. Its inherent problems; issues of safety, durability, comfort and versatility have never been adequately resolved. Owners still complain of unsightly hair loss and rub marks caused by rough or ill fitting halters and lost or broken leather or nylon halters are a constant annoyance. But of paramount importance are the injuries and deaths attributed to halters which failed to "let go" in an emergency. Consequently, many owners are now unwilling to leave horse halters on unattended animals even though circumstances and/or liability issues often necessitate it. At Okeden Bay Equine Products Inc., the need to bring the horse halter into the 21st century was the challenge. Knowledge and years of experience were combined with extensive research and the traditional horse halter evolved, resulting at last, in the Okeden Bay Twenty-Four/Seven Safety Halter.
Joan Pretty, CEO & Founder Joan has been in the equine industry for over 30 years. She has been involved in all facets including breeding, training, showing, coaching, and judging. Throughout her years of service, Joan saw many tragedies resulting from halter accidents, including but not limited too strangulation, nerve damage, and death. As a result, she made it her mission to create a halter that was both safe for horse and handler. Joan holds the following Certifications: Level II International Dressage Level II Rider Equestrian Federation Canada Level II International Western Level II International Recreational Riding Level VIII Retired Test Administrator for Classical Dressage USA & Canada Level II Retired Test Administrator for American Riding Instructors Assoc. USA & Canada   Recently Joan was awarded the International Instructor of the Year Award for 2007 from the American Riding Instructors Association in Naples, Florida.
Michelle Beauchamp Michelle brings with her nearly a decade of Administrative, Sales, and Technical Support, not to mention a great love for horses. Raised on a farm in a small rural community in Canada, Michelle is an avid supporter of the western way of life. She is big on family values and hard work, and she learned these traits from watching her family run their business 'Rounding Sulkys'. She fondly remembers the love and care that her grandparents, and family members put into every sulky and carriage that they built. She now tries to carry on their legacy by putting that same energy into all that she does. Michelle is excited to be part of the Okeden Bay team and she hopes to hear from you soon!