![]() ![]() ![]() “We glue the design onto sterling silver, cut it out with a jeweller’s saw and then build it onto the spur for a truly unique result,” explains Tom. Many customers, for example, like to have a logo or monogram on their spurs, and this requires a high level of care. It takes a steady hand to weld each part precisely to the next, and to apply the trademark decoration – rows of dots made from tiny blobs of stainless steel.Īlthough a few of the more common, simpler bits are kept in stock, most of Tom’s products are custom-made to order. Just a plain pair of spurs has 24 different parts, and some of the bits have up to 30, and each one is made with care and attention to detail.” “I did a lot of aircraft work for the government, so I’m used to precision work – all the parts of every product are precision made, balanced and made to 1/1000th of an inch accuracy. We then fix the mouthpiece to the shanks, and the whole thing is polished to remove sharp edges,” he explains. “We start with straight rods to make the mouthpieces, then they’re heated, bent, cut, drilled and stamped. Instead of being cast (made with molten metal poured into moulds) all Tom’s products are precision cut in parts then fitted together. “Designing these bits was way harder than I ever imagined, because I wanted everything to be unique and as good as it could possibly be.” “I was involved in manufacturing in California for years, and thought I knew everything,” says Tom, laughing. I also work with some of the world’s best horsemen, and take their ideas into account.”Īll Tom’s bits and spurs are custom-made on the premises, and his busy workshop attracts daily tourist tours. Just like a chef who’s served his apprenticeship and learned what combination of flavours work together, I can apply the knowledge I’ve learnt to my own designs. ![]() Most of my early designs were influenced by my visiting with horse people and listening to their input, but now I work on the designs myself. “Some of the mouthpieces are our own design, some are based on standard designs that have been in use for hundreds of years. “The number of combinations is almost limitless,” says Tom. Customers can build their own bit by selecting a mouthpiece and shanks (curbs) from a huge range. Western bits introduced to the English market, and vice versa. He’s also got a number of what he calls ‘crossover’ bits, i.e. Although the majority of his bits are for Western riding, he also makes a selection of English riding and polo bits. Tom’s company makes bespoke, handcrafted bits, spurs and other items. One day, a friend asked me as a favour to repair a broken bit, and Tom Balding Bits & Spurs was born.” I moved to Sheridan, Wyoming, bought and trained a young horse and worked on ranches, hauling hay and doing anything else you can think of. “I had my own manufacturing business,” he explains, “and in 1980 I decided to quit and try my hand as a cowboy. It comes as a surprise, therefore, to learn he’s actually from Southern California, and has a background in precision manufacturing. With his soft, drawling accent and laconic delivery, Tom Balding, eponymous proprietor of Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, sounds to my British ears as though he’s just stepped off the set of a Western movie. ![]() Ever wondered how those beautiful, extravagant bits and spurs used in Western riding are made? I caught up with Tom Balding, America’s premier manufacturer of high-quality bits and spurs, for some inside information. ![]()
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