Activated Cowgirl & Co.

10/14/2025

👏🏻 These gals make nice cinches.

I ride with mohair cinch with a metal buckle and never had an issue. Use the correct length for your horse. If you’re still having an issue, check your saddle fit and rigging. If your rigging is loose, or not symmetrical, how do you think that will affect your cinch and horse’s comfort? Lots of variables can come into play here. Reach out if you have questions or would like to schedule an individual saddle fit or saddle fit and saddle quality educational clinic.

Maybe this is a rant? Not sure, you decide 😂

No, we don’t use buckle covers on our cinches. No, we don’t think they are inherently ‘bad’ or unnecessary for all horses, either. (And right now, there is only one kind we can recommend in good conscience, which is made by U-Braid-It Braiding Supply Co. LLC )

There’s been a lot of information going around lately about ‘how bad a metal buckle right against the skin is’ on Mohair cinches, and some of the information just isn’t factual- honestly, in half the photos I’ve been seeing they are rusty old buckles with a cord cotton cinch that is being MISTAKEN for Mohair.

We are the first to say ‘do what’s best for your horse!’ and we truly believe that, our main concern is people not understanding the full context of what makes a fit good or bad, the purpose of buckle covers in general, and how ANY improperly adjusted or fit cinch can create issues (even those with buckle covers- yes, I’ve sored a horse with a leather buckle cover 😳.)

If you’re interested in a live or a video where we go more in depth, please comment below and I’ll try to make a couple options available. We are happy to share what we know and what we’ve learned over time, which continues to evolve as we make more gear and chat with more people.

By now we’ve made well over 7000 cinches- what we share isn’t just going to be an observation of a single horse with a single cinch shared out of context on social media, rather collective feedback and communication we’ve had with hundreds and hundreds of customers. I don’t say that because I think it makes us experts, I say that because we actually do make cinches (we are not saddle makers and don’t claim to be experts in making a saddle, which is another big piece of the ‘fit puzzle’), we continually chat with other cinch makers to problem solve and share ideas and observations, and we are fully committed to making comfortable gear so our horses can do their jobs.

So again, if you’re interested in hearing more, I will work on picking some times to make a live happen :)

10/12/2025

I’m very honored to receive the NDVTA Veterinary Technician of the Year award for 2025. It is especially sweet after returning to vet med last year after 10 years in the medical laboratory profession.

Not being in vet med just wasn’t the same. Did I question if I could still do it, if my skills were still there. Absolutely.

I became involved with NDVTA a couple years ago when I wanted to get back in the field, was craving that connection, and wanted to learn more about what was happening with the LVT profession in ND.

What I discovered was a network of peers, other individuals that were passionate about advocating for the LVT profession, and skills that were a little rusty but definitely still there. I found that some things haven’t changed, some things have, but there are still others fighting for this profession.

So if this relates to you at all, if you’re passionate about vet med, even if you’re not currently working in it, there’s still a place for you here. There are many avenues available to pursue in vet med. I am proof. Pursue what fulfills you. Have confidence in your skills, negotiate your pay, take care of your own health, and never stop learning.

Liz Bouta, LVT, MLT(ASCP)cm

10/07/2025

Haul in saddle fit appointments available as long as the weather is decent!

Now booking clinics or individual fittings over the winter if you have an indoor arena available.

Western Saddle fit
BEMER therapy
Holistic horse care consults

10/05/2025

Oiling your leather and why you shouldn’t use so much. Clinton Langerud Saddlery riding

10/02/2025

As a LVT, BEMER is the most versatile device you can purchase for your horse. It’s one of a kind and can give you the most bang for your buck. There’s no other device on the market with BEMER’s signal and the residual benefits.

I’ve been a veterinary professional for over 20 years and a BEMER partner for 5 years. Want more information or have specific questions about how BEMER can help your horse? Send me your email for info or contact me to schedule a call!

09/03/2025

🌟 Are you passionate about your horse's well-being? Our saddle fit clinics are designed just for you! 🐎 Learn essential tips on saddle fitting and optimize your horse's comfort. Limited spots available, so register today! 👉 https://wix.to/GTx6fFj

09/01/2025

🐴 Did you know that proper saddle fitting is crucial for your horse's health and performance? An ill-fitting saddle can lead to discomfort and even long-term issues. As a Licensed Veterinary Technician, I’m here to help you ensure your horse is happy and performing at their best! 🌟 Join me at one of my upcoming educational saddle fit clinics where we'll cover topics from signs of pain and discomfort to identifying a quality saddle. Limited spots available. Get registered now! https://wix.to/luhCyLN

08/31/2025

🔍 Are you ready to improve your saddle fit? Join us for our upcoming Western Saddle Fit Clinics! Gain expert insights and ensure your equine partner is comfortable and performing at their best. Register now at https://wix.to/XDZJLGY 💼🐴