• Pete Butler joined Martin Black on April 12, 2022
    Please join Martin Black and his guest Pete Butler as they bring us information regarding the importance of Horsemanship in Horseshoeing. Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual session
  • Frank Barnett joined Martin Black on February 8, 2022
    When Martin first meet Frank he wasn’t impressed by his horses. Frank always had some tough horses that were for the most part really bothered. But Frank had that dry cowboy sense of humor that brought Martin back for more visits. It wasn’t long before Martin realized that these nasty horses Frank was working were getting better. Frank wasn’t training these horses, he was setting them up to figure out things for themselves. They were given bad information by previous riders before Frank got them in his program. He was doing things that Martin hadn’t seen done before and having success bringing these horses around that many of “professionals” had failed with. Frank is also a walking encyclopedia when it comes to biomechanics of the horse, and everything written by the military and dressage Masters, or any other worthwhile books written on horses. Join these two lifelong horse scientists as they share with each other, and you, on how it all comes together for the horse.
    They have been featured together in  Western Horseman, December 2019 read more here 
    Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual session
    Watch a preview of this session:
  • Dan James joined  Martin Black  on August 30,2022
    Is it a TRICK or MANEUVER? They will be sharing and discussing the following: 1. Teaching, introducing the maneuver or trick 2.The mechanics of the process of teaching 3. The Refinement of a cue 4. Transferring the cue 5. Reinforcement of the cue Common Tricks/Maneuvers - Laying down, The Spin, The Stop, The Rear, A Spanish Walk How do horses learn these cues from other horses?  Can they?
    Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual session
    Watch a preview of this session:
  • Nick Dowers joined me Tuesday night Nov 15, 2022 for an evening of understanding the why, how, and who influenced Nick to rise to the top of the game in an arena that wasn’t always about a willing horse at a high performance level, just as long as the horse went through the motions they could win. Personally this is what I’ve always wanted to see, the kind of horsemanship that didn’t resort to gimmicks and shortcuts to make a top horse. I’ve seen it done in the past watching Ray Hunt, Bill Van Norman, and a handful of others. It inspired me. I’ve experienced a taste of it enough to be convinced it can be done this way. Nick is proving it to everyone that there is a difference. ~ Martin Black This is a 2 hour session. Who and what helped Nick to get started? What does Nick credit for his success in such a short time? How does Nick’s 2yr old program help his show horses? How does the ranch work and open desert fit into Nick’s program? Watch a preview of this session:
  • 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- 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.
  • Wade Black joined  Martin Black on August 16, 2022
    Join Martin and his son Wade as they talk about the importance of teaching the next generation.
      Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual session
    Watch a preview of this session:
  • Jeremiah Watt - Black steel eggbutt snaffle.  This is a 5" width on the mouth.
  • 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. If you wish to purchase a hackamore without a hanger, please contact us. 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 2.28" mouthpiece. Weight: 2 lb 7.6oz
  • 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 2 and 3/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 9oz
  • 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 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 3.4oz
  • 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 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 4oz
  • 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 4.25" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 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 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 3.5 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" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 7.4oz
  • 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 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 6.5oz
  • 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 and 5/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 8.4 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 2 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 4oz
  • 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 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 4oz
  • 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 and 1/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 4oz
  • 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 and 1/2" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 2.7oz

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