Garett Chick
Bit: 12 Mouthpiece with Floral 65 Shank
Maker: Kerry Kelley Bits and Spurs
Why? My horse works good in this bit. It keeps her head up and keeps her working off her hind end. My horse gets a little strong going to the steers, so I like that this bit helps to keep her in my hand.
More: Call for pricing; 817-594-1775;
kerrykelleyspurs.com
Tyler Whitlow
Bit: Long-Shank Leather Bit
Maker: TM Bits and Spurs
Why? I think it is really light and has a lot of forgiveness. My horse is light and doesn’t like a whole lot of bit. This is the first one Tristan Mahoney has made. This bit doesn’t have a whole lot of lateral, so the longer shank gives you a more lateral collection.
More: Call for pricing; 480-459-1411;
tmbitsandspurs.com
Whitney DeSalvo
Bit: Floating Correction with a Slow Twist Port
Maker: Kamphaus Bits and Spurs
Why? It’s a lot of bit if you need it, but it keep horses soft. It’s not too much bit that it scares them. Everything that I’ve ever ridden in this bit stays really soft in your hand and that’s what I like the most about it.
More: Call for pricing; 682-333-1954; Follow on Facebook (Kamphaus Bits&Spurs) and Instagram (@kamphaus_bits_spurs)
Kayelen Helton
Bit: Long-Shank Dog-Bone Snaffle
Maker: Sonny Silva
Why? I alternate bits all the time just because I don’t want my horses to get bored with something. I like that this bit has enough weight to it and it has some lift to it. I can pick my horses up if I need to, but it’s not something that feels heavy in the mouth. It’s a straight shank, so it’s there when you need it and there is some lift to it so you can keep their shoulder up and keep them picked up the entire time.
More: $500,
432-631-7622
Helton and Stahl Win Inaugural Open Team Roping at The Cowgirl Gathering
Brandon Bates
Bit: Floating Solid Ported Chain Bit
Maker: Gerald Stockard
Why? The cool thing about this bit is that it has a tall purchase in it and the chain links are actually welded solid, but it does float at the cheeks. If you have a horse that wants to get high-headed and be hollow through their back, this bit will help bridle them up to where you have control. You still have some left and right to where you can pick their shoulders up and keep them on their hind end. I use a leather curb strap because the bit can be a lot of bridle and it doesn’t need a severe curb strap. I think with good hands and knowing the purpose of the bit, then you get better results.
