The Story
Diana began riding from a very young age. She travelled widely to follow her love for horses, art, livestock and the land. Her pursuits as a horsewoman and adventurer are too numerous to list here and span a lifetime. The following is a snapshot of how dbbraiding began.
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In the early ‘90s Diana was fortunate to spend time living on a working cattle ranch in California, USA. The events that led to this began by following her love and passion for horses.
In Australia Diana was a partner in an equestrian service and saddle company. This business conducted colt starting and horsemanship clinics around QLD and the Top End of Australia. It provided hand crafted saddles, mecate reins and related gear to assist riders in their horsemanship journey. The companies philosophy was based on the knowledge of the “horse’s friend” Tom Dorrance.
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To cut a long story short, Diana travelled to the United States to meet the man who had influenced her horsemanship journey in Australia. Once in the USA she found herself living at the Mount Toro ranch owned by Toms brother Bill Dorrance and son Steve and his family.
NB: I would like to acknowledge and thank my friend and mentor the late Bill Dorrance for his kindness and for taking the time to share with me his knowledge and passion for life, braiding, rawhide and roping. I extend my love and appreciation to the wider Dorrance clan for their friendship and continued support over the years.
I have been privileged to ride and rope alongside some of the finest horsemen and women of our time. Many of whom use and have my braided gear in their tack rooms. It's a pleasure to extend these experiences and knowledge making the same gear for YOU.
Thank you
Diana ~ dbbraiding
More About db braiding
I offer decades of experience braiding quality gear for horse and rider. My horse gear is attractive to the eye and practical to use. There are many options and styles for custom orders. Please contact me to discuss your requirements. The 'soft feel and life' in my reins is something I have successfully achieved from my experience as a maker and horsewoman. My reins, mecates, tie ropes and leads have been utilised by myself and other horsemen and women for decades. In fact I still have the first mecate I ever made for myself which is still in fabulous condition albeit faded.
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My knowledge and experience of horsemanship comes from a lifelong passion with the horse. This has always been my journey and includes spending time with other horsemen and women that have influenced and changed my life.
The desire to learn more about horses has also taken me to many corners of Australia and the world. During the 80's and 90's I worked on cattle stations in the vast Kimberley of WA and other outback properties in QLD and the Top End of this amazing country. I have travelled to Europe and the USA, mostly riding clients' colts and then helping them to gain confidence in their young horses.
