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By popular demand, I’ve had this particular bit replicated for my customers. Each one is hand made with this particular oblong shape and precisely curved mouth. The rings and the mouth measure exactly the same. I've found this bit to give the horse the best feel of any of snaffle I have tried. Polished Steel 5" in width. -
Wade Black joined Martin Black on August 16, 2022Join Martin and his son Wade as they talk about the importance of teaching the next generation.Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
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: -
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) -
Trevor Carter joined Martin Black on July 12, 2022A former student of Martin's and how Trevor went on to become successful with starting horses taking them all the way to the show pen.Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
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 -
Horse and Human Projects No.1 Watch as Tom helps students of all levels and disciplines address their challenges in an intimate clinic setting. This extended DVD features over 2 hours and 45 minutes. Tom helps notable horsemanship clinicians Martin Black, Terry Church, Bryan Neubert and others with their horses in this classic footage from a clinic in Gustine, California in 1995. Enjoy seeing the changes the horses make and Tom’s unique way of teaching. “I hope you’ll feel as if you are looking through the corral fence along with Tom and enjoy spending time with him while he helps some people with their horses. Tom's comments and humor are both educational and fun to hear. He is always trying to point out what would make it better for both the horse and the human. Tom mentions that "It is the little things that make the difference" and in this footage you will watch as slight adjustments from the riders make a big difference to their horses. It is interesting to watch Tom's timing and to be able to understand his thinking.” - Best Wishes, Margaret Dorrance -
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. -
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. -
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 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 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 8 oz -
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 3.5" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 5.6 oz -
Sterling silver inlaid bit. Half Breed mouthpiece, 5" width. Weight: 1 lb 2.8 oz. Port Height: 2 and 1/8" 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 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 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 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 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 -
Sterling silver inlaid bit. Half Breed mouthpiece, 5" width. Weight: 1 lb 1.2 oz. Port Height: 2.5" 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 2 and 5/8" mouthpiece. Weight: 1 lb 2.8 oz
