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In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 3" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 7.2 oz -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 3" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 7.2 oz -
Sterling silver inlaid bit. Half Breed mouthpiece, 5" width. Weight: 1 lb 2.8 oz. Port Height: 2 and 1/8" Tall -
Martin Black and Al Dunning met for a Virtual Clinic on July 18, 2023 The California Hackamore and Bridle Horse "Al’s most famous horse was Expensive Hobby, during his career, "the horse won 29 of 32 hackamore classes and finished first in more than 100 reining or cow horse events. One of those finishes was an AQHA World Championship in working cow horse in 1976. He added AQHA World titles in senior reining and senior working cow horse in 1979. He also won the NRHA Open Championship at the 1980 All American Quarter Horse Congress and earned an AQHA Superior in cutting.” Al has written several articles on the Hackamore along with a book "The Art of Hackamore Training co-authored with Benny Guitron Watch a preview of this session: https://youtu.be/wLumHNXKUSw -
The founders of EBH (Evidence Based Horsemanship) Dr. Steve Peters and Martin Black revisit this years colt starting and restart Event held at Shinanatu Farm in October 2023. A closer look at the subtitles of starting horses, working with Stallions and how it effects their chemistry and our ability to control it. This is the original unedited virtual session - 2 hours long with the founders of Evidence-Based Horsemanship. Yours to own and watch any time you like. Watch a preview of this session: https://youtu.be/Iiun-EMK9c4 -
The founders of EBH (Evidence Based Horsemanship) Dr. Steve Peters and Martin Black take a close look at Pain in the Horse. This is a fascinating episode of how pain can effect what we are doing with our horses on many different levels of learning and training. This is the original unedited virtual session - 2 hours long with the founders of Evidence-Based Horsemanship. Yours to own and watch any time you like. Watch a preview of this session: https://youtu.be/Fc6j5JvYok0 -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 2.28" mouthpiece. Weight: 2 lb 7.6oz -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 2.28" mouthpiece. Weight: 2 lb 7.6oz -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 5 and1/8"spade mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 7.7 oz -
Sterling silver inlaid bit. Half Breed mouthpiece, 5" width. Weight: 1 lb 1.2 oz. Port Height: 2.5" Tall -
Sterling silver inlaid bit. Half Breed mouthpiece, 5" width. Weight: 1 lb 5.5 oz. Port Height: 2.25" Tall -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 3.75"spade mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 4.3 oz -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 3.75"spade mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 6.3 oz -
Kangaroo-Rawhide 3/4" Hackamore with rawhide core — Measures: 5" x 12" — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore is intended to be used with a 3/4" or 5/8" mane hair mecate. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html -
Kangaroo-Rawhide 3/4" Hackamore with rawhide core — Measures: 5" x 12" — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore is intended to be used with a 3/4" or 5/8" mane hair mecate. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 4"spade mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 4.7 oz -
In my experience, younger horses are going to be more sensitive in the early stages and get along better with a lighter bit, around 1.5 pounds more or less, and after a few years they get along better and are more sensitive to a bit around 2 pounds. The difference between a lower port and a spade mouthpiece could make close to .25 pound difference. When a bit is used as a signal device its important to have the right signal. If it’s too light and doesn’t give enough signal, we don’t have good communication. If the bit is too heavy, it can be too loud and intimidating and not have a good signal either. The movement of the bit before the curb strap comes tight is a feel, referred to as signal. After the curb strap is tight the horse feels leverage that can be measured in pounds. These bits are intended to be signal devices. If the bit is strictly used as a leverage device the weight of the bit has little to do with feel, it might as well be heavy and durable. We have a maker working with us now that is producing the kind of bits that we really like. A cheek that has more surface area is made thinner to be lighter weight, and a cheek that has less surface area is thicker, so it is not to flimsy. This helps to keep the total weight of the bit within the proper weight range. Again, the equipment we offer is patterned after the equipment that I have experienced success with and has been used for generations. Martin Black Sterling silver inlaid bit. 5" width with a 4" spade. Weight: 1 lb 6.5 oz -
Kangaroo-Rawhide 5/8" Hackamore with rawhide core — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore can be used with a 3/4", 5/8" or 1/2" mane hair mecate, depending on your personal preference. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand-braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Leather used may not match hackamore color. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html Small – Measures 5” x 10.5″ – This hackamore is for a small-headed horse, such as an Arabian or fine-boned QH. If your horse/pony is under 900 lbs and wears a small size halter; this hackamore is for you. Regular – Measures 5″ x 11.5″ – This hackamore is one size fits most. If your horse is between 900 and 1300 lbs and wears a regular size halter; this hackamore is for you. Large – Measures 5” x 12.5” – This hackamore is for a large-headed horse, such as a draft horse or large Warmblood. If your horse is over 1300 lbs and wears a large size halter; this hackamore is for you. -
Kangaroo-Rawhide 5/8" Hackamore with rawhide core — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore can be used with a 3/4", 5/8" or 1/2" mane hair mecate, depending on your personal preference. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand-braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Leather used may not match hackamore color. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html Small - Measures 5” x 10.5" - This hackamore is for a small-headed horse, such as an Arabian or fine-boned QH. If your horse/pony is under 900 lbs and wears a small size halter; this hackamore is for you. Regular - Measures 5" x 11.5" - This hackamore is one size fits most. If your horse is between 900 and 1300 lbs and wears a regular size halter; this hackamore is for you. Large - Measures 5” x 12.5” – This hackamore is for a large-headed horse, such as a draft horse or large Warmblood. If your horse is over 1300 lbs and wears a large size halter; this hackamore is for you. -
Martin Black and Ty Murray met for a Virtual Clinic on May 9, 2023, at Ty's Texas ranch. They had a long conversation about how to prevent a high stressed horse. This Virtual Clinic can be purchased in its entirety at www.martinblack.net Ty Murray is a Hall Of Fame, 9 time World Champion cowboy (7 All-Around and 2 Bull Riding). After winning his 7th All-Around title in 1998, he still holds the record for the most All-Around Championships ever won by a roughstock rider. He is a co-founder of the PBR (Professional Bull Riders). He went on to star is several competition reality TV shows and still works as a commentator and analyst for PBR and Rodeo broadcasts. He is a rancher and advocate for the horse and his passion for good horsemanship led him to co-founding the National Day of the Horse in 2004. He has donated his time at various horsemanship summits and shares the knowledge he has gained over his lifetime to help make the world a better place for the horse. Martin Black is a highly respected horseman/bridleman and teacher who is well-known in the world of Horsemanship. He was born in Idaho and grew up on the family ranch in Bruneau. Black has a deep understanding of the traditions of vaquero (Buckaroo) horsemanship, which he learned from some of the greatest horsemen of his time. He has also studied and continues to practice horsemanship techniques. He has become a highly skilled and versatile trainer as a result. In addition to his work as a trainer, Black is also a popular clinician who travels around the United States and internationally to teach horsemanship clinics. He is known for his patient and intuitive teaching style, and his ability to help riders and horses build trust and communication. Black has authored several books, including “The Essential Martin Black Collection", “Cow Horse Confidence", and "Evidence-Based Horsemanship".(Co-authored with Dr. Steve Peters) He is highly regarded in the horse industry and has inspired many riders to improve their horsemanship skills and deepen their understanding of these amazing animals. Watch a preview of this session: -
Kangaroo- with beautifully Heathered Rawhide 5/8" Hackamore with rawhide core — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore can be used with a 3/4", 5/8" or 1/2" mane hair mecate, depending on your personal preference. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand-braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Leather used may not match hackamore color. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html Small - Measures 5” x 10.5" - This hackamore is for a small-headed horse, such as an Arabian or fine-boned QH. If your horse/pony is under 900 lbs and wears a small size halter; this hackamore is for you. Regular - Measures 5" x 11.5" - This hackamore is one size fits most. If your horse is between 900 and 1300 lbs and wears a regular size halter; this hackamore is for you. Large - Measures 5” x 12.5” – This hackamore is for a large-headed horse, such as a draft horse or large Warmblood. If your horse is over 1300 lbs and wears a large size halter; this hackamore is for you. -
Kangaroo- with beautiful heathered Rawhide 5/8" Hackamore with rawhide core — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore can be used with a 3/4", 5/8" or 1/2" mane hair mecate, depending on your personal preference. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand-braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Leather used may not match hackamore color. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html Small – Measures 5” x 10.5″ – This hackamore is for a small-headed horse, such as an Arabian or fine-boned QH. If your horse/pony is under 900 lbs and wears a small size halter; this hackamore is for you. Regular – Measures 5″ x 11.5″ – This hackamore is one size fits most. If your horse is between 900 and 1300 lbs and wears a regular size halter; this hackamore is for you. Large – Measures 5” x 12.5” – This hackamore is for a large-headed horse, such as a draft horse or large Warmblood. If your horse is over 1300 lbs and wears a large size halter; this hackamore is for you. -
Kangaroo- with beautiful heather Rawhide 5/8" Hackamore with rawhide core — 16 plait with 32 plait noseband. This hackamore can be used with a 3/4", 5/8" or 1/2" mane hair mecate, depending on your personal preference. Martin Black is very particular about how his gear functions, the hackamore hanger plays a large role in that. Every hackamore comes with a hand-braided hackamore hanger, made to Martin's specifications. Leather used may not match hackamore color. Hackamores can be purchased without a hanger upon request. Directions for measuring the best hackamore fit: https://martinblack.net/on-the-road-with-martin-black/getting-the-right-hackamore.html Small – Measures 5” x 10.5″ – This hackamore is for a small-headed horse, such as an Arabian or fine-boned QH. If your horse/pony is under 900 lbs and wears a small size halter; this hackamore is for you. Regular – Measures 5″ x 11.5″ – This hackamore is one size fits most. If your horse is between 900 and 1300 lbs and wears a regular size halter; this hackamore is for you. Large – Measures 5” x 12.5” – This hackamore is for a large-headed horse, such as a draft horse or large Warmblood. If your horse is over 1300 lbs and wears a large size halter; this hackamore is for you. -
Jim and Donnette Hicks joined Martin Black for this in-depth session teaching about how to find Mobility-To move or be Moved with Freedom and Ease. Watch a preview of this session: https://youtu.be/jrpX6ncYs4I
