The old makers, back before the automobile, hand forged and hammered the cheeks to differing thicknesses in different places loading the weight exactly where they wanted it. They will rust. They are not commonly … The colt is started in the snaffle bit for the first couple of years. Both ways get you wet, it’s just about what you want to experience on the way. He promises to give the necessary grace at the time it is needed, not ahead of time so that we have it in our back pocket "just in case." Their silver work and design enthralled me, even at that age, but the mouthpieces, keen old spades, frightened me. Even disbursement of the weight means that no area of the mouth will receive a concentrated dose of pressure. Spade bit by E Garcia. He carries his head in this position, rather than with his nose sticking out in front of him. Ironically, horses trained in this discipline are not to be yanked on. The cheekpieces, often beautifully decorated with inlaid silver, provide just the right weight to encourage the horse to hold his head so that the bit hangs properly. The sun slanted in past a crack in the booth and glinted on its contents. "The bit" generally refers to a bit with a mouthpiece and shanks, as opposed to the snaffle bit, which is often just called "the snaffle." Horse Spade Bit by Debora Johnson Spade Bit. The spade bit is a traditional vaquero design for a type of curb bit for horses. Braces should tie into the cheek not just above but slightly behind the bar of the mouthpiece, thus increasing the surface area of the bit and making it more easily carried. Kerry's combination of functionality, durability, and artistry are what makes each piece unique. Some, in viewing another's affliction, might even think God severe and cruel. A subtle nod or the slightest of hand movements might be offered. The disbursement or diffusion of pressure is what helps the spade bit horse find the correct place to carry himself. Properly used by a skilled horseman on a horse whose mouth has been prepared, it is an excellent bit. As information is difficult to obtain, the student of the spade will find himself moving ever deeper into a vast and complicated culture. Stamp: A Garcia. Gradually he begins to pick up those reins more and more, letting the horse feel the bit working in his mouth. Call 1-888-738-5816 for more information. The spade bit is a badge of honor for the horse that has advanced in his training far enough to be awarded the trust to ride straight up in the bridle. When the hackamore is finally dispensed with, the horse is said to be "straight up in the bridle." The year was 1969; I was seven years old. While the many leverage bit user’s hands scream their instructions, the spade bit horseman’s hands softly suggest their requests. When the horse is carrying himself in a balanced relaxed fashion, no matter the speed, the spade will feel good to him if it is designed properly and all the angles are right. Yes, there are many who use the spade with little or no understanding or appreciation for it. I stood at the corner of one of the hundreds of booths that checker boarded a huge asphalt parking lot. The spade bit horseman is not overly concerned about a horse bracing against it. Spade bits apply pressure to the horse’s palate and depending on the size, some more … Some of our trials, like the spade bit, look more intolerable than they really are. Spade This Spanish Spade has a mouthpiece designed for a highly finished horse that has been trained specifically for its use. The book is not painful, it merely reminds her to maintain a posture required for the dance. The colt is ridden in the snaffle until he has learned to respond to the rider's hands, legs, and shifting seat. What usually adds difficulty to an event is the inclusion of other things a rider must handle or consider while riding his horse. Mouth: Spade. The spade is held by the horse in it’s mouth and thus the signals sent by the rider take less pressure to be transmitted. The crate was full, of what I now know to be an assortment of old California spade bits, misused and misunderstood, tossed aside as junk. Add To Cart Add To Cart. $9.90 shipping. It is only for the horse who has graduated from "grammar school" and is ready to start "high school." To Order Call 406-590-9255. At first he wears it over the bosal--the horse is said to be in the "two rein." Mouthpieces available in 4 3/4″, 5″ or 5 1/8″, can be copper striped. 1. The following discussion is printed with permission from the author, Gwynn Turnbull-Weaver. Surface area distributed in this way helps to disperse the weight of the bit more evenly across the tongue. Traditional Spade Bit 5 1/4 mouth 0 bids. I had just begun the journey of my life, riding horses and studying them. Never Used. Kelley is recognized as one of the top bit and spur makers in the U.S. and used by top trainers in the horse industry. He responds to the snaffle with such a soft feel that only the lightest touch on the reins is used. These notes are not an effort to get everyone to jump on the spade bit band wagon. MK Custom Idaho Cowboy Gear bits and spurs are handcrafted using materials such as cold-roll steel, sterling silver (overlay), fine silver (inlay), 10 or 14 carat gold (overlay) and 22 carat gold (inlay). Mar 9, 2014 - Spade bits and their makers. That gap rests on the tongue and makes it more difficult for a horse to use his tongue, or “brace” with his tongue, to keep the pressure from reaching the sensitive bars of his mouth. The thing that I think is most fun about traditional bridling is introducing the horse to the spade bit. — Pagosa Springs, CO. — outwestsaddlery@gmail.com — Phone: (970)264-2524 — Fax: (970)264-5158 Though this is obviously important, real balance is speaking to the design of the bit and how it balances in a horse’s mouth. Teeth need to be maintained to allow horses to carry the spade with comfort. November 20, 2012 Leslie Wylie Uncategorized #LISTS 41 Comments. Cheek: … I remember my impression of the bits then. A functional memorial to the time and patience required in these disciplines. Like a yielded horse, you need to keep your head in position, slightly bowed, which is the attitude of worship. Ironically, we may have also asked God to draw us closer to Him, but we sometimes fail to see the connection. Style. They will require more effort and energy to operate but require less preparation, sensitivity and knowledge to learn. Vintage Horse Bits, Antique Horse Bit, Spade Bit In Collectible Western Americana Bits & Bridles, Horse Driving Bit In Collectible Western Americana Bits & Bridles, Silver Horse Bit In Collectible Western Americana Bits & Bridles, Auger Bit, Brace Bit, Double Bit Axe, Silver Bit, Vintage Silver Bit When the rider's hands ask for a soft feel, his nose comes down so that his face is almost perpendicular to the ground, even when the reins have a great deal of slack. See more ideas about horse bits, cowboy gear, horse gear. Messages are delicately telegraphed down the reins and to the shank of the bit where its slightest movement equally moves the long intricate port. If the bit begins to hurt your mouth, you know you have gotten out of position. Entire books have been written about bits and finding the best bit for you and your horse. It is no surprise that in the age recently passed, when social trends seemed bent on dodging responsibility, that the spade bit and its use would fall from favor. But if he begins to stick his nose out, the mouthpiece applies pressure, encouraging him to drop his nose again. When the rider's hands ask for a soft feel, his nose comes down so that his face is almost perpendicular to the ground, even when the reins have a great deal of slack. Bits (Horse Bits… As he rides the horse in the bit, he continues to refine the horse's response to his legs and his weight, using more leg and body and less rein, always working toward the goal of being able to guide the horse without the help of the reins. It usually refers to the assembly of components that contacts and controls the horses mouth, and includes the shanks, rings, cheekpads and mullen, all described here below, but it also sometimes simply refers to the mullen, the piece that fits inside the horses mouth. Each step of training determined by the horses’ response and mastery of the steps leading up to true bridle horse distinction. Spade bits like this one should only be used on horses with advanced training by riders using very subtle cues. To him, such a situation may indeed be unbearable, because God has not prepared him for that particular trial. The spade bit also has much more surface area lying inside the horse’s mouth, giving the horse more to hold on to. But this is misunderstanding God's purposes. In the old-style California vaquero or "buckaroo" tradition of horsemanship, the next step in the colt's training is the hackamore or bosal. In inexperienced hands, this can damage a horse's mouth. The rider holds both sets of reins but uses the hackamore reins to direct the horse while letting the reins attached to the bit hang slack. For those who only want to dabble in horse ownership, those who do not want to completely submerge themselves in the unplumbed depths of horsemanship, the leverage bits are probably the best answer. 14 Bits That Ought To Be Illegal. Braces set this way will come into contact with the tongue independently but simultaneously from the bar. When used on an undisciplined horse by an undisciplined rider, this can cause great pain to the horse--to his tongue, the bars, and the roof of his mouth. When God takes you through deep waters, He guides you with a gentle hand on the reins. They hope that each one leads them to a finished product that is both elegant and functional. Polo players can appreciate this dynamic. The standard curb, the Texas born grazing bits, the Buster Welches and the new flexing “broken ports” are but a few examples of the low port leverage bits of our modern day. A simple horse bit guide: All about the 16 top horse bits for english and western riding. To understand the spade you must first understand what it is not. Just as I was new to the horse scene back then, so are many other people of different ages just discovering it now. For those. To be able to work with the finesse and deliberate intricacy showcased by the traditional bridle horse is a feat of training and communication with a fair bit of talent and ability on the horse's … A truly great ride on a finished bridle horse is regarded as a precious gift from above; but the rider must be made as equally sensitive to the spade bit as the horse is for both things to work together. When the hackamore is finally dispensed with, the horse is said to be "straight up in the bridle." The novice would assume that the word “relief” implies a certain lessening of the pressure or severity of a bit. I sometimes wonder if the old vaqueros designed it that way, building it intimidating enough to scare off the novice. The particular bit that is used is usually the spade bit. In the vast majority of them, the rider need only concentrate on the riding of his horse. He carries his head in this position, rather than with his nose sticking out in front of him. Properly used by a skilled horseman on a horse whose mouth has been prepared, it is an excellent bit. Choosing the right bit is important, but proper training and using the bit properly is essential. next > > > Out of the Arena Many things influence whether or not a bit will be one horses like. The true spade has a strait bar in the mouthpiece with no tongue “relief.”. Horsemen sift through them in search of the bits that have the qualities horses respond comfortably to. Spade bits I have seen were made where the top of the port was hammered flatter in appearance so altered the appearance of the bit. It must be beautiful to fully distinguish and pay tribute to the level of training achieved by its bearer; and yet it must be functional to allow that bearer to realize and express his full potential as an athlete. Bits. It would be many years before I would meet “the spade” again: before I would painfully learn that the contents of that crate, so long ago, would have been worth enough to buy my house. Vaquero Enterprises ~ Ralph Pavey ~ PO Box 642 ~ Wilton, CA 95693 ~ Phone: (916) 687-8658. He must be taught to listen and feel for the slightest of signals. where in its design does the majority of the weight of the iron lay) suitably placed. There are no books that truly explain the delicate use of the spade bit. Eventually the horse is being directed more by the bit and less by the hackamore. In this way, what appears to be a cruel bit is actually a comfortable bit. This is really a front to back balance. Spade bits, Spoon Bits, Half Breeds, Curb Bits. Many bits consist of a straight bar, or a bar with some sort of port in the middle of it. Now it is even more important than before that the rider use a light touch on the reins. Bit makers who tackle the spade have their work cut out for them. The sensitivity of the spade bit horse is prized. Theirs is a world unruled by the clock. Remember that the spade is a signal bit not a leverage bit. AC-1500- Shank length is 7 5/8th long- All stainless cheeks with assorted floral and geometric design motifs. Vintage Fleming Silver Shank Bit With slobber Chains! A buckaroo must ride his horse with quality and simultaneously be able to use him as a platform from which to throw. Misunderstanding the purposes of the pressures God allows in our lives, we spend much of our prayer time asking God to remove those pressures. As close contact between horse and rider results in a light hand on the rein, so our staying close to God lessens the discomfort of our trials. Horses are suppled and softened, trained in all maneuvers and movements that they will later be asked to perform in the spade. There are many things that go into the making of a spade bit. Another point to note is the placement of the braces; specifically where they tie into the cheek. The spade bit has been called a severe and cruel bit, but it is only so when used improperly. He is ridden in the hackamore for a year before putting him in the bit. It really is a sweet spade, and only 2 3/4" high. To engage in a discipline that requires and promotes feeling and sensitivity is a noble thing. But the spade was not designed to be used so rudely. The spade bit is not for everyone or for every situation. The bit is introduced gradually. Since it is the pulling or in some cases yanking on the reins that immediately engages the curb strap or chain pressure, a port of any size is of little importance. All our bits are designed and custom made to our specifications. Links. Leverage bit makers came up with a design they called “tongue relief.” This is really a misnomer. The bar rests on the bars of the horse's mouth, the space on the gums where there are no teeth. There are some tasks in a buckaroo’s work when the spade may not be the best choice. Spade bits are leverage bits used by experienced riders on horses … Traditional Spade Bit 5 1/4 mouth . Their response to the spade bit is very similar to my initial reaction. Top photo: Tumblr.com Horses should be managed in a way when bridled to prevent bumping the bit into objects or hanging a portion of the bit on a fence or similar snag. WE HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF CHEEK PIECES TO CHOOSE FROM. That sensitivity would not remain if the process of making a spade bit horse was severe. But this is misunderstanding God's purposes. A horseman who could make all of the adjustments needed with very little hand movement was a gifted horseman indeed. When God takes you through afflictions, He prepares you first. The road is long but the riches are great for the student of the spade. They take the time it takes to “make” their horses according to the horses’ time table. Now this horse is ready to be put into the bit. Some, in viewing another's affliction, might even think God severe and cruel. Feb 22, 2019 - Explore Samuel Bradley's board "Spade Bits" on Pinterest. Spoon hight is from bottom of the cannon to top of spoon is 3 3/4" Other Related Items: Antique Mark US~LN HAUSEN CRAWFORD~Brass Civil War Cavalry Military Horse BIT~NR GORGEOUS Vintage FLEMING Solid STERLING Silver … Those who are drawn to the spade bit and its use find themselves enveloped in a unique world. Beautiful Vintage Silver Mounted Western Horse Show BIT~HUGE 2" … Leaning lazily on a folding table covered with cheap trinkets, I glanced down into an old milk crate. Many of the arts around the globe intrigue us but, cannot be taught in an easy step by step model. In this way, what appears to be a cruel bit is actually a comfortable bit. But God's spade bit is not for the baby Christian. It serves as an indicator that inconsistencies exist. The bit is an important item of a horse's tack. What kind of monster puts a bit like this in their horse’s mouth? There are good ones and there are bad ones. Spade bits for horses are a specialized type of bit with traditions from Mexican vaquero riders to finished California working cow horses. To him, such a situation may indeed be unbearable, because God has not prepared him for that particular trial. A bit maker must make a bit not only beautifully crafted but it must be a bit horses like. The old vaqueros started their horses in hackamores, then moved on to the two rein process involving a small hackamore known as a bosal that fits under the bridle and is used … Spade mouthpieces include combinations of a mouthpiece bar, high port, copper roller or cathedral shape. Compare the same amount of pressure applied in two ways: an open hand, spreading out the pressure, or a poking finger, concentrating the same amount of pressure into a small area, creating pain. A human life can barely encompass all there is to know about the mysteries of the discipline. The bit is designed in such a way that when the horse carries his head in this way, the mouthpiece hangs perfectly balanced in his mouth. Spanish bits (spade/half-breeds) When done right, the California style of horsemanship is a thing of beauty. Surely a loving and powerful God could keep these things from happening; either He cannot protect us, or He does not want to. Spade bits include a curb strap and have leverage. Like horses, humans too have a comfort-seeking mechanism. By the time a horse carries the spade, the bit’s only purpose is to receive the subtle signals sent by the rider’s hands. SGB10 $395.00. The copper-wrapped swaybars and the cricket cause him to salivate, keeping his mouth "alive." A rider’s goal when using a leverage bit is to engage the curb strap as quickly as possible to achieve the expected results, that is to stop or at least slow down.