Rusty Dare is a renowned professional horseman with a career spanning decades, marked by significant achievements in various equestrian disciplines and the development of innovative training tools. His journey began on a 68-acre farm in Quinton, NJ, where he and his brothers, Rocky and Randy, started their show and training careers. Rusty’s early success came as a youth competitor in AQHA, where he accumulated numerous all-around championship titles at major events like the AQHA Congress.
His passion for reining led him to train with the prominent reining horse trainer Bill Horn for two and a half years before launching his own career. After moving to Hilliard, Ohio, Rusty established his own training facility, shifting his focus to Western Pleasure. During this period, he excelled in the show pen, earning titles such as NSBA Rider of the Year. Despite his success in pleasure horses, his heart remained with reining.
Rusty Dare’s expertise is further recognized by his accreditation as an NRHA and AQHA Reining Judge. He served as a judge until 2017, when he stepped down due to potential conflicts of interest arising from his son and brother competing at the highest NRHA levels. This decision limited his judging opportunities to smaller or non-professional events.
In 2009, Rusty relocated to Gainesville, TX, to be closer to his son, Trevor Dare, who was then a horse trainer. This move also allowed Rusty to fully dedicate himself to training reining horses. His return to reining was met with immediate success in 2010 when he won the Honor Roll title for High Point Reining Horse of the Year with Leitachic, accumulating over 100 AQHA points with limited shows.
Currently, Rusty operates his own facility in Gainesville, TX, where he continues to train and show reining and Ranch Horse riding. He also occasionally trains pleasure horses.
Notable Accomplishments:
- Former NRHA Judge
- Former AQHA Judge
- NRHA Futurity Judge (USA & Italy)
- All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion
- AQHA All Around High Point Rider
- NRHA Futurity Finalist
- AQHA World Championship Show Open Reining Finalist (3rd)
- AQHA Congress Reining Champion
- NSBA High Point Rider 1985
- NSBA World Show 2017 Ranch Rail Bronze Champion
- AQHA World Championship Show 2017 Open Jr L3 Ranch Riding Bronze Champion
- AQHA World Championship Show 2017 Open Jr L2 Reining Finalist
- APHA 2018 Open Ranch Reining World Champion
- APHA 2018 Open Ranch Riding Reserve World Champion
The DARE® Cribbing Control Collar
Beyond his competitive career, Rusty Dare is also an inventor, having developed the DARE® Cribbing Collar. The primary goal behind this innovative design is to effectively prevent horses from cribbing (also known as windsucking) while minimizing discomfort and reducing hair loss or rubbing associated with traditional methods.
The collar features a leather-encased, arched-top, rectangular block designed to fit between the jaw bones, parallel to the esophagus and larynx. This strategically placed block makes it difficult for the horse to arch its neck into a cribbing position and applies upward pressure, making the act of windsucking uncomfortable. This targeted pressure addresses the issue directly without causing undue stress on the horse’s poll or brow.
The crown strap is constructed from wide, quality leather to ensure rigidity and distribute pressure evenly across the neck and poll, thereby alleviating pressure points and enhancing the collar’s comfort for the horse. The strap is positioned behind the ears, typically several inches behind where a halter would sit, and there is no strap across the horse’s brow. The DARE® Cribbing Control Collar is equipped with stainless steel roller buckles on both sides, allowing for easy fastening from either side, maximum size adjustment for a one-size-fits-all approach, and eliminating a long tail hanging from a buckle. Additional holes can be made for a precise fit.
When using the collar, it is crucial to exercise care and common sense. The collar may loosen when the horse lowers its head to eat or drink. Initially, the collar might be stiff but will conform to the horse over time with use. Regular checks and adjustments are recommended.
To ensure optimal fit, it may be necessary to gently bend the strap, especially for horses with a wider throatlatch area, so the throat piece fits snugly into the throat area. The front of the block should rest between the jaw bones, and the rear against the neck. Fasten the collar comfortably snug when the horse’s neck is level or raised. Start with light contact and gradually tighten as needed until effective. If the collar can be easily turned out of position, it needs to be tightened further to prevent rubbing and keep the collar in place. The collar’s fit may need re-adjustment as it breaks in and conforms to the horse. The required tightness can vary significantly between horses due to individual cribbing determination, conformation, and personality.
Oiling the Dare® Cribbing Control Collar is generally not recommended, particularly the throat piece, as it could soften the leather corners and reduce the effectiveness of the anti-cribbing block. If softening the leather is deemed necessary, oil only the crown strap. The collar should be maintained with a quality saddle soap or leather cleaner.
The Dare Cribbing Control Collar is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.
The DARE® Soft-Hands Training Reins
Rusty Dare has also collaborated with Schutz Brothers, Inc., a renowned maker of working, training, and show tack since 1946, to develop the DARE® Soft-Hands Training Reins. Rusty emphasizes that these reins are designed to help riders achieve the “hands of top trainers.”
The reins incorporate an adjustable elastic component that assists the horse in gaining confidence in the bit. This design allows the bit to function as intended and teaches the horse to respond to the bit rather than resorting to submission. The DARE® Soft-Hands Training Reins are beneficial for both professionals working with challenging horses and amateurs seeking to develop a soft, responsive hand. They are available in three styles: Split, Roping, and Romal, and can be purchased through www.schutzbrothers.com and at tack shops worldwide. A video demonstrating the reins and Rusty’s insights is available at https://youtu.be/ccw_2l_Gaog.
