 As a rider, I first became aware of Rhythm Beads as I heard jingling coming down the trail toward me while riding. My horse and I were about to start climbing up a rather steep, narrow one-track trail with very little room to pass, and the jingling sound made me pause. I had never encountered a horse wearing bells before, but that was certainly what it sounded like!
Sure enough, another horse and rider came into view a few seconds later around a tight turn that blocked the upper trail from view. Once they had safely reached the bottom and assured me that no riders were following them, my horse and I started our ascent. The trail turned out to be even narrower and steeper than I had thought, and I was doubly glad the horse's bells had alerted me before we started up the trail.
Since then I have been continuously amazed at the usefulness of horse bells. Such bells go by a variety of names: rhythm beads, rhythm bells, cadence beads, speed beads, bear bells, etc. Whatever their name, their usefulness is wide and varied. As noted above, Rhythm Beads can help alert other riders and wildlife to your presence on the trail. They have also been used to help calm spooky horses by providing a kind of soothing "white noise," aid riders and horses improve their natural rhythm, recognize different gaits and correct leads.
As a trail rider, I use them primarily to be sure others on the trail--joggers, hikers, cyclists, other equestrians, and yes, the occasional bobcat, mountain lion, or bear--are alerted to my presence.
Whatever your reason, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
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