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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 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 3.75"spade mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 6.3 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 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 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 3.5" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 6.1 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 4.25" 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 2.28" 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 3 and 5/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 5.1 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 4.5" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 6.7 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 3.5" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 5.6 oz -
Martin Black is one of America's most celebrated horsemen, one who has spent his life ranching, riding, training horses, starting young horses, working cows, and roping in the Great Basin tradition. Martin tirelessly shares his knowledge and experience with folks serious about improving themselves and their horses. He has written extensively, authoring both books (the Western Horseman book on Cow Horse Confidence and co-authoring the ground-breaking Evidence-Based Horsemanship) and articles that share his thoughts and experiences on horsemanship. Now for the first time, all of Martin's major articles, most from Eclectic Horseman magazine, are being collected into three handy volumes titled: The Essential Martin Black. This book, "Volume No. 1, Horseback," includes 28 articles with photos relating to riding topics. Whether you're a long time student of Martin's or just beginning to explore the realm of horsemanship, Martin's articles will get you thinking and offer ideas for improving your horse relationships. -
Martin Black is one of America’s most celebrated horsemen, one who has spent his life ranching, riding, training horses, starting young horses, working cows, and roping in the Great Basin tradition. Martin tirelessly shares his knowledge and experience with folks serious about improving themselves and their horses. He has written extensively, authoring both books (the Western Horseman book on Cow Horse Confidence and co-authoring the ground-breaking Evidence-Based Horsemanship) and articles that share his thoughts and experiences on horsemanship. Now for the first time, all of Martin’s major articles, most from Eclectic Horseman magazine, are being collected into three handy volumes titled: The Essential Martin Black. This book, Volume No. 2, Philosophy, includes 24 articles with photos relating to riding topics. Whether you’re a long time student of Martin’s or just beginning to explore the realm of horsemanship, Martin’s articles will get you thinking and offer ideas for improving your horse relationships. Softcover, 114 pages, black and white photos by Kim Stone. -
In this latest DVD offering of vintage footage, Tom directs Bryan Neubert in the starting of two young horses at one of his clinics. Tom offers suggestions for Bryan and comments on what he sees is taking place. He mentions several times that the learning that will take place for people will be when they go home and spend time with their own horses; the clinic is an opportunity to be exposed to some new ideas. We hope that this footage will offer you some exposure to new ideas and that you can incorporate into your approach to horses a part of Tom’s unique ability to see what was taking place within horses and people together with some of his patience and humor. Next Harry Whitney rides a horse through obstacles: tires on the ground and a bridge. This will expose you to a way to approach obstacles and an idea of the learning that can take place when approaching something new. The DVD closes with a conversation between Tom and Harry about “approaches.” Listen and think about the situations they are visiting about. You will find some great gems in their exchanges. Enjoy this opportunity to spend some time with Tom. We are sure this exposure to his way of teaching and helping people and horses will give you some good ideas to blend into your life. Viewer Note: There are moments of sound and video that are less than perfect. For true students of horsemanship those moments can hardly distract from the learning taking place with the horses and students. Please enjoy these teachable moments with Tom. -
Tom Dorrance Talks About Horses True Unity Willing Communication Between Horse and Human Two Disc Set Disc One - 1. Getting it Together 2. Feel the Whole Horse 3.Responsive and Right On 4.Approach and Unity 5.Emphasizing Some Vital Concepts Disc Two - Learning To Do Less to Get More (Part 1) Learning To Do Less To Get More (Part 2) -
A great supplement two his previously released roping DVDs. In this DVD Martin puts a lot of emphasis on safety and efficiency. He shares some things in this video that will help develop correct muscle memory to stay safe and develop good roping fundamentals. Martin demonstrates some procedures that can help the more experienced roper or beginner alike to become a more versatile roper such as: loop building, rope handling, developing a good swing, basic deliveries, and tips for running rope and dallying. Please enjoy a sneak preview of this DVD: -
A great supplement two his previously released roping videos. In this video Martin puts a lot of emphasis on safety and efficiency. He shares some things in this video that will help develop correct muscle memory to stay safe and develop good roping fundamentals. Martin demonstrates some procedures that can help the more experienced roper or beginner alike to become a more versatile roper such as: loop building, rope handling, developing a good swing, basic deliveries, and tips for running rope and dallying. Please enjoy a sneak preview of this video:
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Ty Murray spent a week with Martin Black at Shoofly in Bruneau, Idaho, last Summer, along with Dr. Steve Peters. A lot of interesting topics covered!! Please enjoy a sneak preview of this video: -
Book: Evidence-Based Horsemanship is based on the Scientist-Practitioner Model. It was developed out of a collaboration between Martin Black and Dr. Stephen Peters who felt that the public and their horses needed a source of accurate information. “Real information” gathered by observation, tested in the field and validated by science. Evidence-Based Horsemanship involves assessing and integrating scientific findings to inform decisions and to create “best practices ” in all areas of horse training and care based on empirical outcomes (i.e., what “works”). It allows us to ask the question, “What does our current scientific knowledge of the horse, when applied and empirically observed, show me about getting the best outcomes possible for me and the horse?” DVD: Exploring Evidence-Based Horsemanship is the perfect compliment to the book Evidence-Based Horsemanship. It touches on the EBH foundation while delving deeper into the principles presented in the book. Dr. Peters and Martin Black show examples, discuss neurochemicals not presented in the book, and introduce the Evidence-Based Horsemanship Pyramid. In this DVD, you will learn about new scientific discoveries that can directly benefit all horses and horse owners. About Evidence-Based Horsemanship It’s not uncommon to see certain behaviors in our horses that raise questions. Or, we’ve all heard certain myths being propagated as truths throughout the horse community. Evidence-Based Horsemanship is working to dispel those myths and answer the “whys” behind horse behavior. Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuropsychologist who specializes in brain functioning, teamed up with fifth-generation horseman and internationally known clinician Martin Black to write and collaborate on Evidence-Based Horsemanship. EBH, as it’s commonly called, combines Peters’ understanding of brain function with Black’s keen observation of subtle horse behavior to create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care. -
It’s not uncommon to see certain behaviors in our horses that raise questions. Or, we’ve all heard certain myths being propagated as truths throughout the horse community. Evidence-Based Horsemanship is working to dispel those myths and answer the “whys” behind horse behavior. Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuropsychologist who specializes in brain functioning, teamed up with fifth-generation horseman and internationally known clinician Martin Black to write and collaborate on Evidence-Based Horsemanship. EBH, as it’s commonly called, combines Peters’ understanding of brain function with Black’s keen observation of subtle horse behavior to create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care. In this DVD, you will hear from them both on the exciting new scientific discoveries that can directly benefit all horses and horse owners. Running Time: 1 Hour -
It’s not uncommon to see certain behaviors in our horses that raise questions. Or, we’ve all heard certain myths being propagated as truths throughout the horse community. Evidence-Based Horsemanship is working to dispel those myths and answer the “whys” behind horse behavior. Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuropsychologist who specializes in brain functioning, teamed up with fifth-generation horseman and internationally known clinician Martin Black to write and collaborate on Evidence-Based Horsemanship. EBH, as it’s commonly called, combines Peters’ understanding of brain function with Black’s keen observation of subtle horse behavior to create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care. In this video, you will hear from them both on the exciting new scientific discoveries that can directly benefit all horses and horse owners. Running Time: 1 Hour
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Martin Black's understanding of the horse’s mind and knowledge of how to achieve confident performance with minimum stress are seldom matched. Likewise, the depth of the stockman’s savvy is such that he can teach a cow—or a herd—to load in a trailer in open country. In Cow-Horse Confidence, Black uses what a horse knows about rating herd mates, for example, to teach the horse to rate cattle, just as he recognizes that a horse speaks the language of flight zone and balance point, the two components required to move and direct cattle. Martin Black could be called “the pro’s pro,” the horseman other trainers seek to help resolve a problem or get a young horse off to a good start. Cow-Horse Confidence gives an inside look at Black’s time-honored techniques for working horses and cattle. -
During the 1800's and early 1900's large herds of cattle roamed the mountains and valleys of California. This was a time when vaqueros and buckaroos rode horses every day looking after cattle. The vaquero traditions and techniques were closely guarded secrets that were shared with few people. Ed Connell was one of these men. Ed's teachers were men who practiced the vaquero traditions and rode top-notch hackamore and bridle horses. While working with Ed Connell in the production of Reinsman of the West, it was a pleasure to watch him work a horse, and listening to his many stories about horses he started in the hackamore and finished in the bridle. Through his books, Hackamore Reinsman and Reinsman of the West, Ed Connell has made a wonderful contribution to the western style of horsemanship. These books provide a snapshot of the California vaquero training style and traditions. With Vaquero artist Ernest Morris -
Tom Dorrance Talks About Horses - True Unity - Willing Communication Between Horse and Human - Edited by Milly Hunt Porter. Tom Dorrance has been referred to as the "horse's lawyer." Tom gives the horse credit for his knowledge of a horse's feelings and problems. He says, "What I know about the horse I learned from the horse." Now, in True Unity, Tom shared some of these ideas to help achieve a true unity for human and horse. In talking about the horse Tom mentions often the horse's need for self preservation. The Self Tom approaches in the horse is a total entity. True Unity allows the reader to feel and see the horse in the way Tom sees and feels the horse. It allows the reader to approach the horse with Tom - to approach the horse with a feeling of acceptance for the value of the whole horse - physical, mental and innermost horse. A unique bonus feature of True Unity is a chapter presenting some of Tom's students as they share how Tom's help with their horses changed their horses and their lives. Paperback, 151 pages
