"I am pieces of all the places I have been, and the people I have loved. I've been stitched together by song lyrics, book quotes, adventure, late night conversations, moonlight and the smell of coffee"
- Brooke Hampton
- Brooke Hampton
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December 3, 2019
Isn’t funny how a bit will evoke a memory? I ordered this bit in 1986 at the AQHA Youth World Show, then in Tulsa, OK. The maker is Sunburst Bits and I used it on a lot of reiners at that time in my life. It has hung on the wall for a number of years until Ranch Riding became popular in Arabian showing. Every time I use it now I think of the days of the VQHA Pomana Reining Sweepstakes at the LA County Fair, the big AQHA shows at Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara National Horse & Flower Show, and the reining stakes at Santa Anita and Del Mar. That bit competed in all those shows. An era, sadly, gone bye. |
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December 8, 2019
Another bit, another set of memories..... I won the Trail Horse Sweepstake Class at the Region III Arabian Championships one year in Reno, NV. The very dear client that owned the horse took me to one of my favorite tack stores, D Bar M, and bought this bit as a bonus for doing well. Best bonus a horse trainer could ask for! Great owner, great horse, great show, great town and a great bit, I was in heaven. 
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December 12, 2019
Dr. Seuss said “Sometimes you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory”. I won a national championship once in Louisville using this bit made by the late Bill Stewart. As we walked into the the bar at the Executive Inn West to celebrate that night, the band played Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon”. Today is Ole Blue Eyes’ birthday. So I post this picture in honor of memories of that horse, Frank and this bit. I loved all three! 
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December 20, 2019
Someone said once, “The best things in life are the people you loved, the places you’ve seen and the memories you made along the way” I acquired this bit in the mid 1980’s from a dear client that was in her 70’s. She told me she purchased the bit from Felix Guitron Sr 20 years prior when her son rode with Felix Guitron Jr. I later rode a few good Quarter Horse reined cow horses in the bit and have dusted it off as of late to show some Arabian ranch riders. I think it is a classic example of that type of bit and love the Las Crucas mouthpiece. Best of all it reminds me of that sweet lady and the places where she showed with me. I am so grateful she came to visit me several years ago in Del Mar when she was well into her 90’s. She passed away shortly after that. Here is to Ruth, the bit and my friend Murray Griggs who asked me to post another”bit memory” 
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December 31, 2019
Thomas Carlyle said, “Man is a tool-using animal”. This is one of my favorite tools. Made by my favorite bit maker, the late Bill Stewart, the shanks he called “teardrop” and the mouthpiece is called C-port. The teardrop cheeks evolved over the years and there are slight differences in them depending on the year it was made. I guess that is why I own several. In 1996 my wife, Dawn, rode Vals Roubear to National Championships in both Open Trail and Amateur Trail at the Arabian Nationals with this bit. The only time an amateur rider won both the open and the amateur divisions. I rode Magnums Shogun to the Arabian Western Trail National Championship four times with this bit. No other horse has done that. My wish for all our friends tonight is that you may find the kind of good fortune in 2020 that we have found with this bit. HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS! 
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February 3, 2020
Virginia Woolf is credited with writing, “I can only note that the past is beautiful because one never realises an emotion at the time. It expands later, and thus we don't have complete emotions about the present, only about the past.” In 1997 the late bit master craftsman , Bill Stewart, called me and said “I just made a bit that makes me think of you”. I told him to send it and Bill asked what mouthpiece I wanted. He then said, “If you like it send me a check, if you don’t send the bit back”. The shanks are made from a shoer’s rasp and there is a silver casting of a horny toad on each shank. He called that mouthpiece a “c-port” cathedral. I thought better than to inquire why he thought of me when he made the bit and immediately put a check in the mail. I’ve shown a lot of horses in that bit, particularly at the Scottsdale show coming up in 10 days. Years later I think of that phone conversation and all the wins with this bit and grin from ear to ear. I guess Virginia had something there. To celebrate February, I write this post with the fondest regard and wish the best of luck to all our friends going to Arizona. See you there! 
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March 1, 2020 It is March 1st and with that I thought appropriate for a new bit memory. This bit was made by my favorite bit maker, Bill Stewart, and originally owned by Gil Chavez. I thought it was stunning with engraving a little different than most Stewarts. The gold portions are real gold. Gil sold the bit to the client that owned the horse he showed in it and I lost track of this treasure. Some time later I saw Brett Becker win a regional with the bit. Then a year later the owner of the bit saw me at a show in Burbank, CA. She said it didn’t work on her newest horse and she was going to sell it. I loved that bit and saw two of the best horsemen I’ve ever known win with that piece of tack. I promptly wrote her a check for the most expensive bit I ever bought. This bit turned out to be, for me, MFA Maverick’s bit. Maverick was a once in a lifetime horse. He really got along in that bit and the three of us (trainer, horse, bit) made a lot of great history together for over a decade. There is a proverb that says, “The dragonfly brings dreams to reality and is the messenger of wisdom and enlightenment from other realms...”. As for myself, those profound words are golden, like the dragonfly on the bit. 
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March 26, 2020
I must confess this is not my bit, but I have been its guardian for decades. Our mother purchased this bit with a synthetic ruby in the middle of the concho when we were teenagers in the 70’s. It was for my brother’s horse and we found it at G.J. Jedlicka’s Saddlery in Santa Barbara. Jedlicka’s was once one of the premier tack stores. It is marked EG/SF which was one of the marks used by El Gato Bit & Spur. The company made a lot of beautiful bits in those days and I believe this bit sparked my lifelong appreciation for horse bits and bridles. When Chris went to college this bit didn’t get much use. A few years later I put my shingle out as a public horse trainer and this bit hung in a number of horses’ mouths. It was part of some of my early successes and early failures. In the last 20 years it has been appreciated much more than used. In these worrisome times I thought I’d post a bit memory that represents times of discovery, fortitude, resilience and survival. This bit fueled my passion for fine tack and good horsemanship and was with me during a number of trials and tribulations in my career. There is a Chinese proverb, “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” That ruby polished up today and we will be stronger when this international crisis is over. But, not without some considerable friction. Finally, I hope when my brother sees this post he doesn’t want his bit back. That will also cause some real friction! |
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May 2, 2020 In the mid 90’s calvary shanks were becoming very popular (they still are!) and I had quite a few reiners in the barn. I asked my friend, Bill Stewart, to make me a new reining bit with the type of shank his friend, Greg Darnell, was making. I further told Bill that I wanted it to remind me of our baby daughter, Shelbee. Several months later I got this bit in the mail, a one of a kind correctional with a silver image of a bee on each shank. The bit went to Nationals a month later and I was third in a deep Half Arabian Reining class. This bit is to this day one of my go-to bits. It is said ,”The flower doesn’t dream of the bee. It blossoms and the bee comes”. We don’t dream of horse show prizes and just win them. A good bit helps a horse blossom and then the prizes come as evidence of our successes. To me, this bit is a success in itself. |
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June 1, 2020
Here is a bit I’ve never won on, I’ve never even used it in a show, but the story behind it is unforgettable to me. I was at a horse show outside of Chicago last year and was attending an exhibitor party. A trainer I knew in passing approached me and said,”I have a bit you might be interested in”. She then pulled out of a Crown Royal bag this classic Bill Stewart teardrop with his iconic c-port mouthpiece. Somehow she new I was a fancier of his bits (maybe from these posts, you think?) and somehow she knew I knew the original owners. We shared a couple stories about that sweet couple and then she asked me what I would give for the bit. Trying to be a tough cowboy I made a ridiculously low offer and expected to be told to eat bovine feces. Instead her eyes got a little sparkle in them and she got a pixie like smile. She put the bit back in the bag and handed to me and said,”Okay, just pay me when you can”. I chatted a little longer with her and then we went back to our horses and there was no further dialogue other than I paid her and said a mere, “Thank you”. I thought to myself often, that lady had to know what that bit was worth! 9 months later I heard that she passed away from cancer. Then the light came on! That lady didn’t care what she got for it. She wanted someone to get the bit that she knew would honor and appreciate it. The only smart one in our exchange was HER. Pema Chodron said, “ Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know”. Thank you, Kriss, for the lesson. Two vaqueros I know are fighting similar battles and they are both bit hoarders like me. Jeff Lee and Mike McDaniel this post is made with you in mind, praying that 20 years from now we will still be on this earth swapping bit stories. |
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July 2, 2020
This bit memory is of a snaffle that bears my initials, or does it? I acquired this bit about 14 months ago from a gentleman that markets high quality tack at some of the big shows on the west coast. As I was browsing through his tack trailer my eyes locked on this handsome snaffle adorned with my initials. The merchant told me it was a piece from the estate of Mike Drennan who was at the time in an assisted living facility. I knew Mike as I had judged with him several times at both AQHA shows and NRHA shows in years past. I remember showing to him in my early training career and I had judged Mike in Arizona a number of times. He showed some very nice halter horses and some outstanding rope horses to me multiple times. He was a pleasure to watch as an exhibitor and a pleasure to work with or show to as a judge. He was a horseman and to me that is the greatest compliment you can give someone. I handed my credit card to the tack store owner and didn’t even ask the price. Not long after I bought the bit, Mike passed away. I have shown several junior horses in this snaffle knowing I’m just the next caretaker in its life. Mike, the snaffle looks just as stunning on an Arabian as it did your Quarter Horses and I feel very fortunate we shared the same initials. There was a divine intervention that brought this tool to me and I am proud to use it. The maker mark on this bit is “CL” which stands Chuck Letchworth, a master bitmaker. Mr. Letchworth is the favorite bitmaker of my friend Tim Kimura. So, Tim, this post is for you. |
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August 5, 2020
We live in a time like none of us have ever experienced. I know of no one person that has not been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and other world events. It is a trying time we exist in. Despair can make us lose hope. This bit always reminds me that bad times will turn around sooner or later. We just need to hang in there. In 2001 I made the Open Half Arab Trail finals at the Arabian Nationals on Diamonds R Awesome+//. He had felt so ready the last few weeks before we left for Albuquerque, NM. Although we made the finals at a time when only 10 advanced, I felt we did not have the ride we were capable of. On finals evening the weather was terrible. The course design could not have been worse for that particular horse’s strengths. When I was the next rider up, we had to wait in an alleyway that led right to the in gate. While the horse before us was on course “Pumba”, his barn name, stood straight up on his hind legs as tall as he could and then turned around 180 degrees. I pulled his head around, got facing the correct way and the paddock master said, “You’re up” and the gate opened. I must of said a certain word that starts with an F fifty times in my head. We entered the arena and one of my favorite country songs started to play. We had one of the greatest rides in my career. The scores were announced 78 1/2 - 78 - 78 1/2 and the crowd was really into it. That horse was unanimous national champion that night and he was carrying that bit. To this day, I have no idea why those dreadful circumstances turned around so dramatically, but they did. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn”. May the memory I just shared with you of this bit with a casting of an acorn serve to plant the seeds of hope and resilience for thousands of us. One of my favorite philosophers, Pema Chodron, said, “We can make ourselves miserable or we can make ourselves strong. The amount of effort is the same.” Think about that and God Bless! |
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Vals Roubear
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August 30, 2020
We live in a time where all of us have been negatively impacted. It is the first time we have endured a pandemic and there is much we will never forget from these pages in our lives. Fortunately, this bit reminds me of a page that makes me smile 25 years later. I purchased this bit in the 80’s from a man at an AQHA show that was selling some bits made by a man in Canada. He called it a “baby cathedral”. It soon became one of my favorites. No wonder I hung it on our horse, Vals Roubear, when I showed for the first time at the Arabian Nationals in 1995. That week was the first time I’d ever been to Albuquerque, NM; the first time I showed a horse to a National Championship; the first time I won unanimously and the first time I ever heard a horse show announcer say, “The National Championship trophy is going home to Ojai, CA”. I remember calling my wife, Dawn, to tell her we won. She was home as she had given birth to our first born a few weeks before. So when you turn on the news and see some sad events you will see for the first time,remember horses can still give you some wonderful first time moments. I have enjoyed calls this week from friends showing at the Saddlebred World Championships, the NRCHA Stallion Stakes and the National Reining Breeders Classic, all for the first time. Henry Kissinger said, “A diamond is a chunk of coal that did well under pressure”. Thanks to Frank Principe for making that bit. God Bless everyone. |
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October 4, 2020
Early October always stirs thoughts of the Arabian Nationals in Tulsa, OK for me. But well before I started showing Arabians this time of year meant gearing up for another show, The Cow Palace. The Cow Palace was a show like no other. Located in South San Francisco, it was a world class horse show, rodeo, and livestock show all rolled up in one event. In the “moat” around the arena walked some of the most iconic horsemen and cowboys of the times. One of those horsemen was famed cow horse trainer and equine judge, Tony Amaral. He was the mentor of many great horsemen. Unfortunately, I was not one of them but we had made a friendship after having judging together . Tony would hold court in the moat and in the Stockyards Club after the show. He told me one night in the moat I needed to get a bit from his favorite bit maker and friend, Gary Avila and he pressed the issue later in the Stockyards Club. Being a young trainer and judge, I did not want to disappoint the revered horseman and bought a bit. After all, the Greek philosopher, Theophrastus said, “ An orator without judgement is a horse without a bridle” and Tony had too much success to not have good judgement. The bit and the advice has never been a disappointment! 
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November 17, 2020
It is November and we look to Thanksgiving Day. The story of this bit with its several chapters always makes me feel thankful. This bit was made, as many of my favorite bits, by the late Bill Stewart. My wife, Dawn, ordered a bit from Bill for my Christmas gift. Bill made this bit with a one of kind Santa Barbara cheek in appreciation for me finding the fabled bit maker that inspired his career and connecting the two of them. As a result, this bit is instilled with good karma. Wyatt Earp+// won 4 national championships and three reserves with that bit. TR Despret For Achic+// won 3 National Championships with that bit. I’ve won regional championships on PS Poison+//, Pardonn My French+++//, Alada Lady TJP+// and others using this bit. More than just a horseman’s tool, for me this bit is a symbol of thanks and gratitude. Self-help author, Melody Beattie, wrote, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness in life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend”. Thank you to Dawn for this gift, thank you to Bill for a work of art, thank you Dave for your time conversating with Bill, thank you to the owners of those horses I rode with this bit and thank you to the horses that wore the bit and packed my butt to success. To the rest of you, HAPPY THANKSGIVING and GOD BLESS! 
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December 11, 2020
In the late 80’s I started judging some nice Arabian shows. There was a trainer in the Midwest that always impressed me with his western horses. They always looked broke, moved off a leg, and his amateurs could ride those horses. In 1991 I found an opportunity to introduce myself to Ray Gardner and enjoyed a number of conversations with him over the years. One day I asked him why many of his horses wore bits that the upper halves were silver and the lower halves were black. He called them “stealth” bridles and explained that the black shank made “bumping” or “pulling” less perceptible from a distance. It made sense to me. Georgia O’Keefe said, “There’s something about black. You feel hidden away in it.” I think those words apply to the stealth bits too. A few years after Ray passed away I had the opportunity to acquire one of those “stealth” bits. I have shown a lot of horses with that bit and it has been a great tool. I always appreciate the knowledge I accrue from conversations with good horsemen. There is something noble about knowledge gained from reflection. Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote, “Good conversation is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.” Finally, if you are reading this bit story, I hope you know this is probably the closest thing to a Christmas gift you are going to get from me. Happy Holidays!!!! 
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December 31, 2020
We are at the eve of a new year with a lot of hope and optimism and the close of a past year that held a lot of despair and disappointment. This insidious virus that consumed 2020 did not have a discriminatory bone in its body. We have all suffered! I wanted to post a bit on this New Year’s Eve that would be an omen of better times. Here is one that has brought me a number of better times. In 2015 I stuck this bit in the mouth of Yellowstoan+// for the first time the morning of the Half Arabian finals in western trail. We walked out of that class draped in roses. Magnums Shogun+//, WH Macnificent, Bey Musketeer+/, all won western pleasure regionals after a change to this bridle. I’ll bet I have put this bit in more different horses’ mouthes than any other bit I own. This bit has won trail, western pleasure, western horsemanship, western riding, and even ranch classes. The shanks of this beauty are engraved aluminum. I find that a very fitting attribute for this story as 75% of all the aluminum in the world since 1886 is still in use. Aluminum has stood the trials of hard times, like pandemics. The cathedral port leans forward and with sympathetic hands maintains a soft contact on the mouth of a horse that needs guidance and reassurance. This appearance of this bit is questionable to the uneducated eye, but its use symbolizes;like the tower in Pisa, Italy; the human ability to almost defy nature. Like aluminum, we survivors have been resilient by withstanding a viral demon. With guidance and reassurance we have also defied Mother Nature and maintained hope, charity, and faith. To all the horsemen we lost this year, you have my respect, fondness and thanks for your time here. To all the horsemen still here tonight I wish you a very Happy New Year and pray better times are soon. ευτυχισμένο το νέο έτος. God Bless! |
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February 24, 2021
I am home from the Scottsdale Arabian Show and have had time to reflect. When Ranch Riding got popular I got a hankering for a silver eagle bit. Vaqueros sometimes liked to make bits with images of animals; eagles, snakes, etc. I wanted a traditional Spanish style bit for the new traditional Ranch class. I have often said Ranch Riding is the prequel to western showing, not the sequel. I contacted Carl Sanchez and he got the descendants of Paulino Aguilar (a well known maker of these type bits)to make this bit for me. Now, back to reflecting on Scottsdale. On the last day of trail I started up a conversation with another trainer that I have always respected and admired. What I thought was going to be a pleasant dialogue, turned into something much less. I will spare the details, but I walked away a little shocked, disparaged and wondering where did that come from? Then not 30 minutes later a young man on a horse called my name and said to me, “ Mr. Damianos, I walked up to you at a show a few years ago and asked for your advice. Thank you for taking the time to help me. You changed my life”. Now I was shocked on the other end of the emotional spectrum. It doesn’t stop there. The next morning at the ranch riding arena a mature woman asked me if I was Damianos. I said, “yes”. The lady told me her name and said “I was showing once years ago when it was raining and I had a terrible run. You were the judge and you were so nice and made me feel better. If you hadn’t encouraged me I would not be showing at a big show like this today”. I told my friend and well known trainer, Jim Hitt, about my three interactions. Jim said,” I will never measure my life by my success showing horses. I will judge myself by my character.” By then, I think God had made his point to me. And that leads me back to the bit. “An eagle never loses sleep over a turkey’s sentiments”. Thanks for reading until the end. God Bless. |
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March 24, 2021
March 25th is Greek Independence Day. In recognition of the 1821 revolution from the Ottoman Turks I thought I would post my favorite correction bit. I’m sure you all may ponder, what do the two have in common? This bit has been a tool of competition for me for decades and I have used it to show a lot of reining horses in my life. It is part of my history and legacy. The Greek Revolution is part of my ancestors’ history and legacy as I am first generation American born from a Greek father. Tonight I toast all the Greeks that fought in that revolution and then fought in two world wars to find victory in the arena of the battlefield. I also toast the horses that wore this bit and helped me in the arena of the horse show, sometimes a different kind of battlefield. The British poet and one of the leaders of the Greek Revolution, Lord Byron, said once, “They never fail who die in a great cause.” That is true for revolutions and horse shows. For those of you that read all the way through, my apologies if this story is a stretch. It isn’t easy to combine a western bit with a European historical event in one story! χαρούμενη μέρα ανεξαρτησίας 
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April 28, 2021
We live in a time where a new importance on diversity is emphasized. But, diversity is no stranger to the horse world. The best trail course designer in the world is Asian, the best reiner in world is Italian, the horseman most identified with Cowboy Dressage is from Israel, the man that took care of Secretariat was African American, the Vaqueros came from Mexico and Spain, and the best cutters are Texan (my experience is Texans are very unique from the rest of us). Diversity is everywhere in a horseman’s world. Malcom Forbes said,” Diversity is the art of thinking independently together.” The bit in this picture serves to prove to me the importance of diversity and support Mr. Forbes’ statement. I think there has always been two types of western bit makers, Vaquero and Texas. This bit is a successful blend of the two styles. It has east style calvary shanks, but the curve is a little elongated like an Ortega style spanish bit. The mouthpiece is a correctional which suggests a more eastern style bit, but if you look closely the bar of the mouthpiece curves forward to allow for tongue relief like some Spanish bits I own. The silver work is a combination of engraved pieces like Spanish overlay and scrolling like on some more modern bits. It is diversity embodied in a horse bit. The interesting thing is that the same bit is in a lot of win pictures in my office. It has been worn by Arabians, Half Arabians, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and even an Andalusian. This bit has been a tool of choice for me for years and, lucky for me, I found it on eBay. It is marked “GRIFF” which my research indicates is for Wes Griffin. If anyone knows Mr. Griffin please thank him for me for making a bit based on a number of schools of thought, both technically and ascetically, that has been a favorite of mine for years. Finally, I’ve always thought of myself as a cowboy, but my Greek family was from Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is often been called the city where east meets west. It has a very diverse history. Napoleon Bonaparte, who rode an Arabian horse, said, “If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its Capital.” I think I understand why he felt that way. Good night and God Bless. #michaeldamianosperfhorses #houseofstop #diversity |
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June 10, 2021
I have posted pictures of beautiful western bits made by the late Bill Stewart. Tonight I feel motivated to post a photo of an english curb and bradoon that Bill also made. I’ve always loved english (saddleseat) horses . The good ones hit the ring so proud as they look through the bridle. They march like soldiers at the trot and are steadfast, like real heroes. Today’s horses come by that heroism naturally. The Moors conquered Spain on the backs of horses, the Bedouins defeated the Crusaders on the backs of horses, the West was won from horseback, Paul Revere alerted the Colonial Militia from horseback and, from atop a horse, St. Michael drove Satan from Heaven. D.H. Lawrence wrote, “My great religion is a belief in the blood, the flesh, as being wiser than the intellect. We can go wrong in our minds. But what our blood feels and believes and says, is always true. The intellect is only a bit and a bridle.” My blood and flesh tells me good horses are heroes. Bridles give them their orders, their hearts and souls execute. The more we learn about horses, the more they deserve our appreciation. I dedicate this post to the four fallen heroes the Arabian Horse Community recently lost; Megatroplis BF, Krewe Voodoo, Breath of Fresheir, and Ames Nutorious; the one wounded hero, Dealerz Choice; their owners; and their extraordinary trainer, Mr. Joel Gangi. “Grief is the price we pay for love” - Queen Elizabeth II. Good night and God Bless. |
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July 22, 2021
The bee casting on this bit reminds me of a recent event at our ranch. We had a beautiful California Coastal Oak Tree split and tumble to the ground in one of our pastures. It was a large, magnificent tree that probably succumbed to the the drought years we have endured. I’m sure it was old enough to have seen Chumash Indians and California Grizzlies in its lifetime. When the tree broke in half a huge beehive was exposed and there were thousands of bees buzzing around their destroyed domicile. Knowing the importance of bees, I contacted people that harvest bees. They told me to wait a few days and see if the swarm relocates on its own. That is exactly what happened and not a bee was to be found in a few days. The bees stuck together as a group and found a new place to live and I hope they are thriving. I won two national championships with this bit on Zee Fire Ball. His owner has been a friend for 40 years. I use to show PS Poison in this bit and won two consecutive Scottsdale Championships with it. That owner was a client of mine for 34 years. I went top ten in the Open HA Western pleasure at the US Nationals and Scottsdale on Diamonds R Awesome with this bit. That owner was a client over 20 years and I gave the eulogy at her husband’s funeral. Best of all, we mostly showed Magnums Shogun in western pleasure in this bit. He is owned by my wife and we’ve been married for 31 years. My point is sticking together like the bees is worthwhile and rewarding. I think we should invest in good relationships and good bits. Benjamin Franklin said, “We must all hang together or we will all hang separately”. When I see on social media my horse friends turn negative on each other over issues related to our industry I hope we keep in mind that our statements are generated by our shared passion, not disrespect or malcontent. Passionate convictions should secure a long relationship, but hate and anger only erode it. We must work together positively. Remember, it is not how busy you are, but why you are busy. The bee is praised and the mosquito is swatted! Good night and God Bless! |
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November 9, 2021
This is a bit I love to use in Ranch classes. Like the ranch division, this bit is steeped in tradition. Its mouthpiece is what I call an alligator spade because the shape of the spoon is somewhat like an alligator’s head. The shanks are called Las Cruces cheeks. All aspects of this bit are consistent with the Vaquero Tradition. Using this bit requires an educated hand and an educated horse. A great rider can predict the future with their seat and change the future with their hands. Being able to use this bit correctly signifies a sense of accomplishment without even winning a ribbon. R.S. Surtees wrote, “There is no secret so close as that between a horse and his rider.” and this is a tool that allows you to communicate those secrets back and forth from horse to rider and rider to horse. Most of all, it just looks cool to me because of its aesthetics and the tradition and heritage behind it. The esteemed statesman, Adlia E. Stevenson, said, “It is hard to lead a calvary charge if you think you look funny on a horse.” Your tack should help you feel good about your horse and your clothes should help you feel good about your appearance. Together they team up to help you attain confidence, dignity, self-worth and a sense of accomplishment. Oscar Wilde said,” "You can never be overdressed or overeducated”. Horsemanship is an endless pursuit of knowledge and many horse people we know may wear rags at home, but they are dressed to the nines when they throw a leg over a horse. I guess this bit post is more about a way of life than about the bit in the photo, but bits to me are more than a riding aid. They are symbols of a quest for knowing and understanding horses. I’ve been a family man that pursued horses as a career for the majority of my life. The rest of the time was probably wasted. I leave you with something I heard the late Benny Guitron say,” The greatest compliment someone can give me is to say he was a good horseman…” Good Night and God Bless! |
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January 11, 2022
Trainers have different bits for many reasons. Sometimes you want to make a choice that you hope helps, but at minimum does no harm. Ancient Greek Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said, “Make a habit of two things; to help; or at least to do no harm”. Smart horse trainers have the same mindset. Riders should make decisions that helps the horse and if they’re not helping at least they do no harm. This bit has filled that role for me. Made by Texas bit maker, Kerry Kelly, it is an instrument for success with safety. The bit allows one to take a hold of a horse and dictate to him without resentment. It may appear ominous, but I have found it to be a sympathetic tool. The bars of the correctional mouthpiece are wrapped in copper which keeps a horse’s mouth moist. The ball-like junctions where the port and the bars meet roll over the horses tongue. The port is curved back and shaped so the palate is not offended. Alternatively, it also has some bite because the tall purchase and the bars apply pressure to the jaw. This bit has “benevolent authority”. Buddhist philosopher Pema Chodron, wrote, ”Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other. One inspires us, the other softens us. They go together.” I remember having a Half Arabian horse entered in the reining stake at a Regional Championship Show. I could not get that horse to feel right all weekend. When it was time for the class on Sunday morning I grabbed this bit. The horse had never worn it. Shockingly, the horse marked a 72 1/2 and won the class. My friend, Arabian trainer Gil Chavez, told me once,” Every time you ride a horse you are either training or untraining him. You have to be smart enough to know which you’re doing”. Was I smart or dumb and lucky that day? Finally, If I’ve rambled my way to a moral to this story, it is our sport is built on dreams and hope. I’ve never met a young horse trainer that wasn’t chasing a dream and a dream can’t stay alive without hope. Edward Kennedy said,”The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and dreams shall never die.” We horse trainers resemble that remark! Good night, Happy New Year and God Bless! |
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March 14, 2022 I have stated before that good bits are a horseman’s tool. I believe they are also a horseman’s friend. Probably a horse’s friend as well. Henry Ford said,”My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me.” The right bit can help bring out the best in you and your horse. The rider must be intuitive. This requires sensitivity to the horse’s actions and reactions, understanding his comprehension, empathy, knowledge how the horse’s biomechanics work and knowledge how the bit works. Maybe that is is why Ray Hunt said, “When I see your horse, I see you too.” I acquired this bit more than 25 years ago. In those days I would go periodically to my friend Ted Robinson’s ranch either to ride with him or to seek advice or both. One day he showed me a very traditional bridle he had acquired with a more contemporary mouthpiece. I promptly ordered my own bit. The cheeks are a traditional Santa Maria shank paired with a mouthpiece that was more contemporary at the time. The late Prince Phillip, an accomplished horseman, said, “Change does not change tradition, it strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity, not a threat.” This bit is a blending of tradition and innovative thinking. It contributed to my horse training and showing over decades. Quarter Horses, Arabians and Appaloosas have worn this bit. I showed horses in the 80’s at the Cow Palace in San Francisco with this bit and horses in recent years at the Arabian Nationals in Tulsa with this bit. It has stuck with me, I’ve relied on it, and it has aided with my relationships with a number horses, a different kind of friend. There is a Sicilian proverb that goes,”Only real friends tell you when you have dirt on your face”. I used this bit on a horse last weekend and like a real friend it told me where I had failed with that horse to date. In other words, it told me I had dirt on my face! Every horseman has a handful of favorite bits that we value and cherish like we do our close friends. Finally, if this bit post appears a little “out there”, thanks for reading to the end anyway. Good Night and God Bless. ειρήνη. |
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April 30, 2022
Things of genuine value stand the test of time. Great love, art masterpieces, classic architecture and high quality bits are examples of such things. The Italian designer Giorgio Armani, someone that understood classic design, said,”I love things that age well - things that don’t date, that stand the test of time and that become living examples of the absolute best.” Romeo & Julliet, The Mona Lisa, The Empire State Building and this bit made by Chuck Letchworth exemplify that quote. I bought this bit in 1986 and have used it ever since. I have seen copies of this cheek used by countless Arabian and Quarter Horse trainers over the decades. Throughout the years I’ve known it as a “Doug Lilly” bridle and recently saw an interview with Mr. Letchworth on the “Keeping it Real Show” where he spoke about the origin of this bit’s name. Mr. Lilly, now deceased, was a prominent Quarter Horse trainer I never knew him, but I had great respect for his ability to show a horse. I can remember being a young trainer in the 80’s and being so impressed how his stable would roll into a show with multiple rigs. He would show a string of world show quality halter horses in the morning. Then he would win the lion’s share of the pleasure classes in the afternoon. In the evening he would be in the reinings and often won those too. As I understood from the story, Mr. Lilly showed a pleasure horse for Mr. Letchworth at a major event and the horse wore this shank in the cuts and did very well. Mr. Lilly changed to grazer for the finals which ultimately turned out to be a bad decision. Mr. Lilly learned something from the experience and bought Mr. Letchworth’s original bit. Mr. Letchworth called the shank the “Doug Lilly” from that point on. I have an opposite story about this shank. In 1987 I showed a Quarter Horse mare at the Del Mar National in a western pleasure class with some other bit and the horse did not do well. Regretfully, I left the arena ribbonless, In the next class I switched to this bit. It was the first time I showed in it and was skeptical. The mare was much more comfortable with it and I had a better ride and placed fifth in a 20 horse class. A horseman’s bit collection is his/her toolbox. Seasoned trainers find every one of those tools has one or more stories behind it. With those stories come lessons. The first lesson I see in these stories is commonly expressed as, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. The second lesson is identified by the adage, “Failure is a part of life. If you don’t fail, you don’t learn”. In addition, there is a third and more important lesson suggested. It can be best described by the popular saying, “Horses teach you a lot. Very little of it actually has to do with horses.” I conclude this commentary, with a three points to provoke thought: 1. Some of the greatest horse trainers in the show pen may be revered for their horsemanship, but they would never qualify for sainthood. Theodore Roosevelt wrote,”Never throughout history has a man who lived a life of ease left a name worth remembering.” Keep that in mind. 2 Such ado about a bit may seem farcical. My friend of 40 years, Tim Kimura (M.O.T.), says in his popular trail clinics, “Little things make big things happen”. Bits are little things that can help big things happen. (He also tells me I need to ride in Letchworth bits more often.) 3. Finally, there is value in reflecting upon old stories. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius. I first heard this quote at a horse show judge seminar . The speaker was Dale Livingston, another very notable, successful horseman that I can’t say I ever knew, but was impressed by. Good night and God Bless. ειρήνη |
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July 9, 2022
In the last few years I’ve made a habit of taking pictures of my friends cool tack. This bit is another remarkable work of art by the late Bill Stewart. It is so exceptional, that this bit is noted and photographed in the reference work, “Bits and Spurs: Techniques, Motifs, and Modern Makers” by Ned & Jody Martin. It has had two owners, both good friends of mine. The Santa Barbara style shanks are engraved aluminum. The logo of the first owner adorns each shank. The craftsmanship and design are reflective of another time in horse showing. The first owner was a trainer of significance in our industry in his time and the current owner is a trainer of significance in these times. What I love about seeing this bridle in the ring today is that the current owner could easily have a bit with his logo, but he choses to show respect to those pioneer horsemen that came before him. Most people would not know what that logo represents, but he does every time he puts it on a horse. Throughout my career, I have found some horse trainers carry varying levels of disregard for their contemporaries . It is probably inevitable in such a competitive environment, but I wished we respected and honored each other more. The author Hermann Hesse wrote in his work, Narcissus and Goldmund, “We are sun and moon, dear friend; we are sea and land. It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is: each the other's opposite and complement.” To one friend I say thank you for horses like Cease Fire and Czorro and attaining a level of excellence that current trainers worked toward. To the other friend thank you for horses like Aur U Ready Tu Rumble and Kharismatic PGA and setting a bar that future trainers will work towards. Leonardo da Vinci said, “Perspective is to painting what the bridle is to the horse, the rudder to a ship.” This photo is like a painting and from my perspective, this bridle is a useful tool and a symbol of respect. This bit story is my small contribution for respect to our peers. Lord Byron said,” A drop of ink may make a million think”. I’ll be happy if a handful think. Happy Eid Al-Adha to my Muslim friends. To the rest of you, Good Night and God Bless! σέβομα |
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September 12, 2022
This is a photo of another beautiful and original Stewart bit. A unique set of circumstances afforded me the opportunity to snap this photo. This summer we competed at an Arabian regional championship show. On the final day was a purebred western pleasure regional for amateur owner riders 55+. There was a number of western pleasure horses warming up as well as horses for other classes. It was busy in the warn-up pen. I heard the words, “I need help”. I recognized the voice. There was just something about the tone of that request that made a handful of trainers and others, including myself, instantly swarm around a single horse and rider and the trainer who was at the head of the horse. There had been an" equipment malfunction” with the bridle that required a bit change with moments before the gate was to open on that western pleasure class. The trainer was a highly respected senior professional that has helped most of us more that once. The rider has been an Arabian Horse supporter and avid Southern California exhibitor as long as I can remember. In hindsight, he was very wise to ask for help immediately and she was very smart to just do what he said. In a few minutes the octogenarian rider was off, the bit switched on the headstall, the bridle back on the horses, and the rider was back on. They jogged into the arena, had a nice ride and deservedly placed in a very competitive class. Indeed it was a happy ending to a brief, but stressful moment. In the aftermath, I found myself holding the first bit in my hand. Having a profound admiration for beautiful western tack, I instinctively took this picture of the bit. I really wanted then to toss the bit in my tackroom and say,”Geez, I’m not sure what happen to it, maybe it got left in the warm up pen.” Instead, I gave it to my friend who I know would of done the same for me. The ancient Greek mathematician, Pythagoras said, “Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.” Yesterday, the anniversary of 9/11, made me think of that little story because in the moment of the bridle malfunction good people stopped to help. Granted the two events have no comparison in scale or impact, but both cases required those near to rally and help. Author Sharon Alder wrote, ” “One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” Why must a moment of urgency take place for us to reveal a better version of ourselves? Bill, thank for being a good friend. Chris, you demonstrated what a real professional is like. Kristal, you are a good person to your stablemates. “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Good Night and God Bless. |
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October 1, 2022
Branding, according to Webster, is the promoting of a product or service by identifying it with a particular brand. The Four 6’s Ranch, the King Ranch, the Yellowstone Television Series, Pendleton Whiskey, Cinch Jeans and the National Reined Cow Horse Association are all examples of institutions with logos that western horse aficionados recognize instantly. The publishing executive Steve Forbes said, “Your brand is the single most important investment you can make in your business.” My friend, Jeffrey Wilms, may have not been the first to try their logo on western tack, but I think he took the practice to a higher art form with this bit. When most of us horse trainers were just worried about riding good horses he had the foresight to put his brand on a classic bit by the revered bit maker Bill Stewart. This bridle has stunning details. The brand really stands out in that barbed quatrefoil concho, a very traditional shape in classic western silver. The gecko is an uncommon, but appropriate image. The traditional shaped concho juxtaposed with the modern image of the lizard turns this tool into a work of art. The brand is accentuated by the artistic strength of the bit’s design. I remember coming out of a trail class at the Scottsdale Arabian Show on a really good horse. The horse hit a big score and my friend Jeffrey was on a horse and expressed some congratulatory profanities as I walked out of the pen. Us western guys use four letter words as expressions of affection. It’s just the way we are. I replied to my friend, “If I could I would trade you my score for that #%@+ bit!” My reply in that playful exchange sums up the value of good branding, it is powerful even when subtle. The British philosopher and mathematician Alfred North Whitehead said, “We think generalities, but we live in detail”. It is the first of October, a month that starts many of us horse trainers off on great adventures. Dawn and I have friends at the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Ohio, others are getting ready their 3 year olds for the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in Fort Worth, different friends are close to competing at the Morgan Grand National in Oklahoma City and I will leave in less than two weeks for the Arabian Nationals in Tulsa. “October had tremendous possibility. The summer's oppressive heat was a distant memory, and the golden leaves promised a world full of beautiful adventures. They made me believe in miracles.” ― Sarah Guillory, Reclaimed Regardless which direction you are headed, we all share big hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Like my friend’s bit and brand, the “devil is in the details”. Our brands will be out there for the horse show world to see in all their glory. Walt Disney said, “There is no magic in magic. It’s all in the details.” I hope all of us go make magic! Good Luck, Good Night, & God Bless. καλή τύχη |
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November 23, 2022
It is Thanksgiving time. People use this time as an opportunity to reflect and, hopefully, find reasons to give thanks. This bit causes me to reminisce about two horses that I am profoundly grateful for, Vals Roubear and Magnums Shogun. Both these horses were owned by my all-time favorite client, Mrs. Damianos and both horse achieved remarkable accomplishments. In 1996 Vals Roubear and my wife, Dawn, won the US National Championship in Open Trail by unanimous decision of the the judges and then in the same afternoon won the US National Championship in AOTR Trail by another unanimous decision of the judges. This feat has never been duplicated; an amateur rider winning the open and AOTR championships the same year. Magnums Shogun is the only horse to win the US National Championship in Arabian Western Trail four times. He was also the first horse to win the western and english trail national championships in the same year. Both horses had many other great wins and are integral parts of the MDPH legacy. They gave us far more than they took, both were history makers that gave us breath taking moments and both of them knew their worth. I sat on both of them when they won their first national championships and I sat with both of them and said good bye as they departed this world. They epitomized the adage, “Great trainers make good horses. Great horses make good trainers.” I like to think these two horses helped make me a good horse trainer. My gratitude does not lie in the fruits of our efforts together, but rather in the lessons they imparted. Both were “big personalities” and were not without their eccentricities. There were times they frustrated the hell out of me, but they made me understand that horsemanship and horse training is an exercise in communication and understanding and not just dominance. I had to look at training from the horse’s perspective as neither of them acted on blind faith. Plato said, “The highest form of knowledge is empathy, for it requires us to suspend our egos and live in another’s world.” Plato could of just as easily been speaking about horse training. I learned that humanity is a huge component in working with equines. My old friend and NRCHA Hall of Fame Member, Ted Robinson states on his website, “Horses are the teachers, and I am the student. Since academics weren’t my strength, horses became my educators.” I was blessed to have these two educators in my life and I'm glad I was able to extract some knowledge from them. Remember who my client was? Failure was not an option. I showed “Berry” a lot and “Gunner” occasionally in this bit. It is another piece of western tack art made by the late Bill Stewart, someone I am also grateful to have known. The buffalo head seems appropriate to me for a bit used on great horses. Native American activist, Wilma Mankiller, wrote,”Cows run away from the storm while the buffalo charges toward it…..” If you have earned their confidence, great show horses enter the show pen like it is a storm and do not lose their resolve. They are like the buffalo. “Riding is a partnership. The horse lends his strength, speed, and grace, which is greater than yours. For your part you give him your guidance, intelligence and understanding, which is greater than his. Together you can achieve a richness that alone neither can.” - Lucy Rees, “The Horse’s Mind” Happy Thanksgiving to all. Enjoy the day with family and friends. Eat as much as you wish; watch the football games, the parades, or the dog show, but take a moment to recognize how fortunate we have been to share our space on earth with a horse. Most of the world's population never gets this honor. Afterwards know Oscar Wilde once wrote, “After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.” Good Night and God Bless. ευχές για τη γιορτή των Ευχαριστιών |
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January 2, 2023
Friends, if you are reading this you are one of the fortunate that have completed another trip around the sun. The new year always gives us cause for both hope and reflection. We celebrate all that may come to be in the new year and look back on all that happened in the previous year. This bit is an appropriate reminder of both reflection and anticipation. The serpent on the concho twists and turns just like the roads behind us(reflection) and the roads ahead of us (hope). My first recollection of the this bit was sometime in the 70’s. It was owned by Glenn Gimple, one of the successful and respected trainers in that Camelot-like time of California horse shows. I saw him use it on several horses, but I best remember him using it on the black AQHA mare, A Shot In The Dark, when she was show champion open western pleasure at the Santa Barbara National Horse & Flower Show. Glenn was one of those grey haired trainers I was fortunate to get to know and draw upon their experience and knowledge. I had the opportunity to judge with Glenn twice, the first time at a large open show in Santa Rosa, CA and the second time at the 1989 Arabian Nationals. As you can guess, we shared a common appreciation for nice bits and that was often the main topic of our conversations. I grin as I remember him telling me how he had to hide his favorite bits during one of his divorces. At horse shows, we also talked about judging and the horse business. He wasn’t the type of friend that made you feel good, but he always told me the brutal truth and I learned to appreciated that. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the Book of Wisdom”. The bit was made by Dave Murray, a pioneer and a leader in the art of beautiful western tack. The work of Mr. Murray was the inspiration for my favorite bit maker, the late Bill Stewart. The Old Spanish Trading Co. provides this information about the bit on their FB: “This Snake bit was made for Glenn Gimple in about 1970. I made the bit and Raymond Gurdal made the rattlesnake conchos. Ray was a great silversmith. The snakes are hammered up by hand and not cast, showing a much higher level of ability and expertise. The eyes are real rubies. Raymond worked for Tiffany and many other famous shops. He had a shop in Hollywood, and did special jobs for Bohlin and many others”, according to bit maker Dave Murray Author Craig D. Loundsbrough wrote, “Any new beginning is forged from the shards of the past, not from the abandonment of the past.” Reflection is the noblest way to acquire knowledge. We maintain balance by appreciating the old and the new. 45 year old Tom Brady and rookie Kenny Pickett both quarterbacked spectacular games last weekend. Looking forward, my wish for us is that we take the world misfortunes from 2022 and use those experiences to be smarter and prepared for a better 2023. When I see the snake on this bit and all its bends I appreciate the words of the former secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, “Life is full of surprises and and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your next adventure-do it well, enjoy it-and then, not now, think about what comes next." If you made it to the end of this post, I wish you a very Happy New Year! T.S. Eliot wrote, “For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” May you find the right voice for a prosperous and rewarding 2023 and make 2023 your "Annus mirabilis". I want to thank my old friend, Pam Turnbull, for giving me permission to use her bit for the post. History, photographs and love were meant to be shared. I’ve given you a little history and a great photograph, the philosophy is my version of a little love. Good Night and God Bless! ευτυχισμένος ο καινούριος χρόνος Vertical Divider
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March 20, 2023
We consider celebrated horsemen our heroes and when they pass we reflect on the legacy they left. The great British prime minister, Benjamin Disraeli said, “The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example”. We recall their techniques, horses, spouses, clients, adages, quirks and even their favorite tack. All these things are part of their memory and their example. Sometimes pieces of good tack have supporting roles in multiple legacies. This is an old bit I’ve been the steward of for only a portion of its life, but when I look at it I see contributions to sagas. “S” shanks are always popular. They deter a horse from grabbing the shank with the side of its mouth and people find the shape attractive. Lets face it, curves are beautiful. Screen legend, Mae West, said, “Cultivate your curves - they may be dangerous but they won't be avoided.” That is true in more ways than just the way West intended. Images of spiral staircases, rollercoaster, hourglasses, winding roads and the insignia on superman’s chest can ignite our imagination. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” - Albert Einstein “S” shanks are often referred to as a cavalry shanks, a name that congers a sense of interest and allure for a time when soldiers rode horses. This shape for a bit shank is not limited to the old west. If one looks at old pictures of Lipizzan horses at the Spanish Riding School the curbs on the full bridles are “S” shaped. The image of those horses gives us pause to reflect on another romantic time involving horses. The single point engraving with imperfect curves on the silver is characteristic of a time of Vaquero artisans. The maker mark of the late Ray Sandavol confirms its authenticity. My friend and farrier, Joel Bowen, and I would visit Mr. Sandal’s shop in the 80’s. I remember him telling us stories about making bits for Jimmy Williams, Clyde Kennedy and other iconic horsemen. I’m not sure what is more serendipitous, that we really had conversations with the actual late bit maker or that I’ve had the same shoer since the 80’s. You decide. These facts alone establish this bit’s role in a few legacies, but it doesn’t stop there. I acquired the bit from well known educator and horsewoman Delena Doyle of Stephenville, Texas. She has judged many of the most prestigious horse shows in North America for all the major stock breeds. I have no doubt some nice horses carried this bit with her. She acquired the bit from the late Richard Petty. Richard was a very highly respected trainer, breeder and judge in the Arabian industry. I’m sure more than one champion Arabian horse carried this bit as well. Richard lived in the Santa Ynez Valley as did Ray Sandavol, an area that was once populated with great horseman from many breeds. Now the bit is, at minimum, in act three of its life. It sits in my tack room and I use it often for the schooling and showing of western pleasure and trail horses. It was the first bit I showed multiple National Champion, Automatic++/ in when he graduated into the senior division. One day I will pass it on to another caretaker and every time it hangs in another horse’s mouth it will continue to contribute to a winding path of history. Sadly, most of it will be undocumented, but potions will be appreciated. “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” - Shannon L. Alder A good western bit has many chapters in its life, in some ways like the story of the Red Violin. It travels many places and plays a role in many legacies. Now, it is the first day of Spring - add to your legacy! Good Night and God Bless. χαλιναγωγώ |
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April 22, 2023
The greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, “There is nothing permanent except change. Change is the only constant. Change alone is unchanging.” All of this is true, but it is essential we build our positive progress from a timeless foundation. Legendary singer/songwriter, Bob Dylan, must of recognized that fact when he wrote, “May you have a strong foundation when the winds of change shift.” in his song “Forever Young” (1974) This bit has been a piece of my foundation of solid, usable tack for 35+ years. The maker, Greg Darnall, has stood the test of time. He is still a respected bit maker and the mentor of great bit makers. My all-time favorite bit maker, the late Bill Stewart, thought very highly of Mr. Darnall. In the 80’s I bought this Loomis shank bit without silver in a number of different mouthpieces. I had them all silvered by the late Don Wiese at Kustom Kraft in the San Fernando Valley of California. He always did quality work and was a true gentleman. The british model, Karen Elson said, ”Trends come and go, and style evolves. It's important to have pieces of jewelry that are timeless and look chic despite ever-changing fashions.” This silvered bit is one of my tack room pieces of timeless jewelry. I looked at a photo the other day of me winning the Palomino Western Pleasure Stake at the Del Mar National in the late 80’s on a horse named Gobot Doc. Since that time we exhibit horses differently, we shoe horses differently, we feed horses differently, we shockwave our horses, we cold laser our horses, we acupuncture our horses, we enter shows on a computer, we get show updates on our phones, we shop for saddles on instagram, we own more saddle blankets than carter has pills, and we spend a fortune on supplements. All these modern updates have been for the betterment of the horse and/or our sport; but what is the bedrock that gives a horseman the courage to take risks and make changes? I think there is probably four components. 1. A family that loves you. Never been a problem for me. 2. Good and/or great horses. I won’t bore anyone with my list, but fortunately I have one. 3. Good and reasonable clients. I have had some darn good ones and I have had my share of wing nuts. The rough ones teach us to have patience and understanding with the good ones. Sue K, Kay S, Priscilla S, Nora D, Julie S, Kathy C, Patty R, Judy N, Mark G & Gayreen G, Tes W, Carlos A, Vince F, Muna B, Beverly L, Sharon C, Karlan D, Peggy W, Lee E, Myrna G, Claire B, Phyliss T, Barbara O, Karen W, Mary Anne M, Katie R - thanks for your parts. Some of you have left this earth, some are with other trainers, some do not own horses any longer, and some of us are still together. You all made a contribution at sometime in my career and I will never forget that. 4. The helpers that made our jobs easier. Again I had some good ones and others that were quite regrettable. Andrea S, Andria L, Adam S, Aimee Jo D, Catherine J, Lindsay W, Sarah M, Becky V, Rebekah S, Andie S, Lynda M, Hannah F - Thanks for your help. Some of you I’ve lost contact with, some decided on different paths, some were only for a season, for some it ended poorly, and some of you are still with me; but I wish all of you well. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” - Anais Nin At this point I am taking a long and winding road to make my point. My entire life I have attempted to be a horseman of vision, but vision can not be clear unless you are standing on stable footing. This bit symbolizes the value of that which should never go away; a good family, good horses, good clients and good helpers. It also symbolizes the strength to make change when change is indicated. One Greek philosopher to another, Heraclitus you were “spot on”. However, I would like to add a quote from my website, “A bright future is often the result of an accomplished past.” Change should always emanate from solid ground. Good Night and God Bless. ιππέας |
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July 5, 2023
Leonardi da Vinci once said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Like Leonardo’s “Mona Lisa”, this bit is an example of simple beauty. Made by famed bit maker Ray Maheu, this is another bit that has served me well in reining, ranch, trail, western riding and rail classes. I bought it in the late 80’s and I’ve kept it near all this time. The shank is a variation of the classic Loomis shank. The difference in this one is a little straighter. The first time I saw this shank was on some horses that were in Tim Whitney’s stable in Carpinteria, California. The Whitney Ranch produced some of the best open horses, AQHA horses and equitation riders of its era. Tim Whitney was one of the best horsemen I ever spent time with. His stable always had beautifully turned out horses in all the western events. He was a very in demand judge, as well. The story of Tim’s success is impressive in itself, but what makes it amazing is Tim became a quadriplegic as a young adult. Despite his misfortune he went down the west coast with a string of horses and riders for many years. Along with his gifted rider/trainer, Curtis Slaton, they built quite a legacy. Tim coached more USEF Stock Seat Medal Champions than any other coach of his time. Most were mounted on Quarter Horses, but one of his national champion came from the Arabian Horse world and was mounted on a Half Arabian. They competed against a field of Quarter Horse riders. Mahatma Gandhi once wrote,”Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” I have said before Gandhi must have known of Tim Whitney. Years after his accident, I remember asking him why he preferred this shank for some horses and he explained his reasons to me as if he had just ridden a horse. I ordered two of those bits that day and never regretted buying the bits or taking his advice. His innate understanding of the horse was unwavering and he was able to impart that knowledge to others. That is most likely why some of the most renown horseman of today spent time at the Whitney Ranch in their younger days. “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it we’ll enough.” - Albert Einstein. Back to the bit, often in the working western divisions you need a bridle that will allow you to take hold of a horse without scaring them. The ability to to do that is “feel” and the bit is one of our instruments needed to exercise “feel”. That bit has helped me feel horses for over 30 years. Interestingly, the first horse I used this bit on was “Fannie the Fox”; most recently, I used it on “Chunky Chick”. You draw your own conclusions about 30+ years. Good Night and God Bless. καλή φιλία |
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September 5, 2023
I think this is one of the most beautiful bits I own. About 4 years ago I walked into D Bar M in Reno and saw this shank with a spade port hanging behind the counter. I asked the owner, Jack, if he could get me the same bit with a different mouthpiece. I showed him a picture of a Tom Balding bit with a mouthpiece I liked. 6 months later I got this bit. The shanks are inspired by the vaquero genre. I don’t know a name of this shank design, but it is clearly handsome like a typical Spanish bit. I had seen this cheek before, but not in many years. The mouthpiece is inspired by a picture of a “Equalizer” mouthpiece which I like to use. I appreciate this bit for how it looks and how it feels. I have used it in ranch, trail, and even on western pleasure horses. In the Arabian show world we still use Spanish style bits on all around horses. I’m impressed how sensitive horses get along with this heavier bit. A great deal of thought went into the design of my bit by various people. A legacy of bit makers and tradesman that influenced this modern day bit’s design and we will never know most of them. Sadly much of a craftsman’s knowledge often goes to the grave. The same is true with horse trainers. Despite the modern elements of professionalism that we may have added to our repertoires, the core of what we learn is handed down information either by instruction or observation. The best trainers at any discipline can recall mentors that showed them techniques that elevated their skill level. Some of the greatest teaching moments take place when a group of veteran horse trainers or horse judges sit down at a table and tell stories. Between the cocktails and laughter a plethora of insight is exchanged. Every time we lose a great horseman we lose another opportunity to learn. There is an African proverb that goes like this, ”When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground”. Just in the world of western horses Ronnie Richards, Bob Knudsen, Richard Shrake, and Bruce Walquist have left us recently. Right there are four great libraries that are gone. My advice to any young trainer, mature trainer, or anyone else that never wants to stop learning when you see or meet some white haired accomplished horseman; MAKE A FRIEND. Even if they seem a little cranky or irritable; MAKE FRIEND, if you can. Aristotle said,”There is no great genius without some touch of madness.” Social Media has afforded us new ways to learn from the experienced. WATCH back episodes of of “Keeping it Real” with Tim Kimura and Brad Jewett. There are episodes with interviews of some excellent old and young horseman who share their odysseys and expound on experiences that are worth listening to. On some groups and in individual’s timelines veterans of the horse show world post thought provoking statements and the comments will make you smarter. READ the comments and you will learn a great deal; both what to do and what not to do. For example, one of my favorites posts was when Marilyn Bowling posted a few months ago, “People who grew up riding with romal reins just handle them differently.” If western horses are your passion, the comments are a must read. Knowing the tomato is a fruit is intelligence; knowing not to put tomatoes in fruit salad is wisdom. Learning from those that have already walked your path successfully will help make you be wise. I’d like to dedicate this story to Jessie Kahle. That white haired 90+ year old cowboy helped when I was a 20+ hopeful cowboy with a number of horses and to this day I use information he taught me. Once, jokingly, because of his age I asked him if he ever knew M.R. Valdez. He looked at me and told me a few stories about working with him. Some of you will understand by that statement where Jessie got some of his wisdom. I also want to recognize my friend Doug Steward who I had a conversation on this theme and unknowingly lit a fire under me to finish this Bit Story. I live in Southern California. I’ve survived a hurricane, an earthquake centered two miles from my house, and another case of Covid in the last month. I think I felt like expressing an Op-Ed here. Thank you to those who read this whole story. “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” - Anais Nin Good Night & God Bless |
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WARNING: LONG STORY BUT I THINK IT IS WORTH READING.
This bit is a Greg Darnall cavalry shank with a high port. It conjures within me a memory that is indelible. Dr. Suess said, “Sometimes we never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” The bit was on a horse in a class I’ll never forget. MDPH was at a regional championship Arabian Horse show on an overcast day in a costal town in Southern California. Most regional shows have a “preshow” at the beginning to give exhibitors one final opportunity to qualify. I had two clients in an Amateur Western Horsemanship class in the preshow. “Tina” had been a client for many years. “Joy” had been involved with Arabian Horses for a long time, but was new to horsemanship. Tina’s horse was using this bit. Both clients were anxious the day prior to the class. Joy was nervous about remembering that pattern as she was new to the class. Tina had growing anxiety about the possible cone placement. She felt that if the cones were set too close to the arena centerpiece her horse might spook. At their insistence, both riders were schooled to ad nauseam to mitigate their misgivings. I rode Tina’s horse in the arena and demonstrated to her beyond all doubt her horse was good with the centerpiece (the horse was a 4 time National Champion Trail Horse). I laid out the pattern in our barn aisle for Joy using spray bottles for cones. I told Joy we had no further classes that day and we would work on her pattern for as long as she needed. To give one some idea of how long that ended up being; a car drove down our barn aisle well into our lesson. The vehicle was carrying the judges to take them to dinner before the evening session in a couple hours. The judges waved to me and smiled as they drove by. When the judges returned from dinner we were still walking the pattern in that barn aisle. As they passed us on their return one of them rolled down the car window and gave me a hard “WTF” stare. I had no response, I was numb by that point. Our class was the first class in the afternoon session on the final day of the preshow. We went down early and the ladies walked around the warm up pen. They used the time to share their apprehensions with any friend or stranger they could get to listen. In reflection, this dialogue contributed to an aura of uncertainty for them and others. The judge chose to do the rail work first. This may seem odd to my AQHA friends, but it is common in the Arabian world. Both ladies had solid rail works and I was thinking all the extra time I spent with them may have paid off. The six riders in the class were lined up at one end of the arena and the pattern was publicly announced, another Arabian policy. Tina drew first in the work order. When her number was called she left the line with poise, resolve and purpose and walked to the first cone. At that point she laid down a well executed, “eye of the tiger” pattern that had no resemblance in any way shape or form to the pattern that was posted, practiced, and publicly announced. I instantly felt inundated with confusion and shock. Chatter in the stands started that became increasingly detectable. The learner judge gazed at the senior judge whose head kept bobbling back and forth from my rider to the pattern on her clip board. The photographer held his copy of the pattern up as he tilted his head sideways trying to figure out what he didn’t understand. Worse part, the five riders in the line up turned their heads around like a scene out of “The Exorcist” looking for help. I was standing on the rail right behind Joy. She was now perplexed and with a grimace asked me what was Tina doing. Before I could answer another contestant told her trainer,”I think my stomach is upset now. Can I leave?” Then in my peripheral vision someone was running towards me, grabbed my arm and asked, “Michael C., what are you pulling?” When it was Joy’s turn, she stayed on pattern despite her dubious conscience. That is probably the best I can say about it. Feeling somewhat despondent I turned around to leave just to find another lady who said to me, “My daughter went off pattern because of your stunt. I heard that other guy ask you what you are pulling and another trainer told me about you. You should be ashamed of yourself.” Now I really just wanted to get the hell out of there! When the class exited I asked Tina what was she doing. Tina said,”I was talking to Joy’s friend from her old barn and she told me in the Arabian Division off pattern in horsemanship is not a disqualification. She told me if there are six in the class and I got sixth that would qualify me for the regionals. I didn’t want to risk him spooking at center ring and scaring me.” I said,”I told you and showed you your horse was fine with the center ring.” Tina replied, “PERSONAL SAFETY, PERSONAL SAFETY!” Tina obviously had an unusual view point! “When conventional tactics are altered unexpectedly according to the situation, they take on the element of surprise and increase in strategic value”. - Sun Bin, Chinese general I picked up the groom bucket and silently walked back to our stalls with the ladies and their horses. As I was untacking the horses the USEF Steward drove up in his golf cart and said, “Jesus Christ, what was all the clamor after that class about.” My initial reply was, “Rob, I guess you’ll have to ask Jesus Christ because I have no idea what just happened.” I assured him I was more confused than anyone. There was nothing deceptive or sinister by anyone. In the words of William Wyler, “There is nothing clever about confusion”. We both chuckled and as he drove off I found Joy and Tina in the dressing room laughing hysterically. They could not decide what was funnier, Tina’s deliberate ploy to avoid a potential adverse situation or me getting in so much trouble over something I had no planning or willing participation in. They reveled in knowing Tina had parked a proverbial truck up me where the sun doesn’t shine. All of sudden my agitation converted to amusement. I realized sometimes all of us horse show people can be like geese. “Geese are friends to no one, they bad mouth everybody and everything. But they are companionable once you get used to their ingratitude and false accusations." - E.B. White After we were done showing that day we sat at the barn with adult beverages and recounted the whole calamity, consternation, and the ensuing cacophony. We laughed for a couple of hours. As for all the hard work that went into their preparation I will share with you something I recently read and was the inspiration of this story: “The amount of work you do matters. Only sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the foal you work the hardest on doesn’t live. Sometimes the mare you work the hardest on doesn’t get in foal. Sometimes the training horse you work the hardest on never turns into anything. Sometimes the show horse you work the hardest on zeros or drops a lead or draws a bad cow. But all those lessons you learned may make a difference on the next one. Yes, the amount of work you do truly matters.” - Marilyn Mowry Bowling, AQHA Breeder and Horsewoman GOOD NIGHT & GOD BLESS! σε ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ DISCLAIMER: I absolutely changed names to protect valued clients. |
"Memory... is the diary that we all carry about with us." - Oscar Wilde