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THE ORIGINAL - downsides to knockoffs

THE ORIGINAL - downsides to knockoffs

THE ORIGINAL - downsides to knockoffs The most obvious downside to purchasing a knock off is compromised quality. But what does that really mean. Let’s break it down.... Our bits and spurs are precision built. Every finished part is within a couple thousandth of the original drawing. Because of this, there is limited wearing, no pinching, and fluid movement for the end user. Bits are perfectly balanced, and spurs molded to your perfect fit. When other makers take our designs and knock them, off through an inexpensive process, you lose the commitment to perfection. The knockoffs are not built to the tolerances and specifications that ours are and therefore begin to wear in places, pinch your horse or boot, and stiffen/wobble when being used. Worst case scenario is a bit breaking while you are using it. With a knockoff, you are walking into a danger zone the moment you take it home. Every design, down to the smallest part, is carefully considered before it is created into a working mockup. Then it is sent to world class trainers and professional riders for testing and feedback. Every comment is evaluated and then the design is changed accordingly. It is tested and retested, until we have something we are...

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Lena Provalna

THE ORIGINAL - downsides to knockoffs

THE ORIGINAL - downsides to knockoffs The most obvious downside to purchasing a knock off is compromised quality. But what does that really mean. Let’s break it down.... Our bits and spurs are precision built. Every finished part is within a couple thousandth of the original drawing. Because of this, there is limited wearing, no pinching, and fluid movement for the end user. Bits are perfectly balanced, and spurs molded to your perfect fit. When other makers take our designs and knock them, off through an inexpensive process, you lose the commitment to perfection. The knockoffs are not built to the tolerances and specifications that ours are and therefore begin to wear in places, pinch your horse or boot, and stiffen/wobble when being used. Worst case scenario is a bit breaking while you are using it. With a knockoff, you are walking into a danger zone the moment you take it home. Every design, down to the smallest part, is carefully considered before it is created into a working mockup. Then it is sent to world class trainers and professional riders for testing and feedback. Every comment is evaluated and then the design is changed accordingly. It is tested and retested, until we have something we are...

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Lena Provalna

2015 Customer Survey Results

2015 customer survey results What did you have to say about Tom Balding Bits & Spurs? We have summarized your responses in a per questions style. Also, all questions or directional responses have been answered. We cannot thank each of you enough for participating in this live feedback! Your comments and suggestions are being worked into our daily operations as you are reading this.   Q: Please rank our four core values in importance to you. A: #1 Attention to craftsmanship, design, and materials. #2 Quality and pride in everything we do. #3 Care and respect for one another and the community. #4 Elite product that sets the standard in our industry.   Q: Do you agree with this statement? "We craft state of the art bit and spur designs backed by industry leading technology and innovation for riders seeking a balanced product that offers ease of use, quick response, better movement, and longer product life. We work directly with world class professional riders and trainers to ensure all your needs are met. We are the best, and thought often copied we are never duplicated." A: 97.91% agreed with this statement and 2.09% did not.   Q: How many times...

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Lena Provalna

2015 Customer Survey Results

2015 customer survey results What did you have to say about Tom Balding Bits & Spurs? We have summarized your responses in a per questions style. Also, all questions or directional responses have been answered. We cannot thank each of you enough for participating in this live feedback! Your comments and suggestions are being worked into our daily operations as you are reading this.   Q: Please rank our four core values in importance to you. A: #1 Attention to craftsmanship, design, and materials. #2 Quality and pride in everything we do. #3 Care and respect for one another and the community. #4 Elite product that sets the standard in our industry.   Q: Do you agree with this statement? "We craft state of the art bit and spur designs backed by industry leading technology and innovation for riders seeking a balanced product that offers ease of use, quick response, better movement, and longer product life. We work directly with world class professional riders and trainers to ensure all your needs are met. We are the best, and thought often copied we are never duplicated." A: 97.91% agreed with this statement and 2.09% did not.   Q: How many times...

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Lena Provalna
Have it your way - Custom spurs

Have it your way - Custom spurs

Have it your way... We can put almost anything you want on a pair of spurs. We can put almost ANYTHING on a pair of spurs. All we need is a graphic you would like overlaid on your spurs. As each piece is delicately cut out by hand it is important to remember that small details will be lost in the process. Feel free to order one of the designs shown here or one of your own! We look forward to hearing from you!            

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Lena Provalna

Have it your way - Custom spurs

Have it your way... We can put almost anything you want on a pair of spurs. We can put almost ANYTHING on a pair of spurs. All we need is a graphic you would like overlaid on your spurs. As each piece is delicately cut out by hand it is important to remember that small details will be lost in the process. Feel free to order one of the designs shown here or one of your own! We look forward to hearing from you!            

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Lena Provalna

Becoming a college assignment...

Becoming a college assignment... A student's recently devoted assignment to Tom Balding Bits & Spurs   Backstory: This student visited the shop and received a personal tour from Tom. Their correspondence read: "Last week I had an assignment for my Technology and Operations Management class where I had to talk about certain value disciplines of a company, particularly customer intimacy. I immediately thought about Tom Balding's Bits & Spurs! I got great feedback from my teacher, and he thought it was a very unique business for me to talk about." Assignment: Choose a company where you are a customer - Briefly explain the product or service they provide you, and assign a value discipline to the firm. Explain why the value discipline you have chosen is appropriate. To support your answer, provide examples and include references from the article to support your claim. "This summer I took a trip to Sheridan, Wyoming, where I got to explore the local business of a man named Tom Balding, who specializes in making handmade, customized bits and spurs from scratch. Tom Balding Bits & Spurs epitomizes customer intimacy. At Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, customers are able to choose what type of bit or spur they would...

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Lena Provalna

Becoming a college assignment...

Becoming a college assignment... A student's recently devoted assignment to Tom Balding Bits & Spurs   Backstory: This student visited the shop and received a personal tour from Tom. Their correspondence read: "Last week I had an assignment for my Technology and Operations Management class where I had to talk about certain value disciplines of a company, particularly customer intimacy. I immediately thought about Tom Balding's Bits & Spurs! I got great feedback from my teacher, and he thought it was a very unique business for me to talk about." Assignment: Choose a company where you are a customer - Briefly explain the product or service they provide you, and assign a value discipline to the firm. Explain why the value discipline you have chosen is appropriate. To support your answer, provide examples and include references from the article to support your claim. "This summer I took a trip to Sheridan, Wyoming, where I got to explore the local business of a man named Tom Balding, who specializes in making handmade, customized bits and spurs from scratch. Tom Balding Bits & Spurs epitomizes customer intimacy. At Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, customers are able to choose what type of bit or spur they would...

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Lena Provalna
How to care for your bits and spurs

How to care for your bits and spurs

How to care for your bits and spurs? Tips to maintain and keep the 'new' a little longer on your bits and spurs (steel and stainless)   The most important difference between stainless (satin and high polish) and steel (brown, black, and satin) is that stainless will resist rust. Finishes are a personal preference; there is not one that is more popular than another. Outlined below is a tip list for the general care of your bits and spurs, as well as a more in depth care guide on both stainless and steel. GENERAL CARE TIPS: Remove wet material (mud, etc) from the surface of your spurs or bit before it dries. Use a semi soft bristled brush to remove dirt or other dried material from the surface. Wipe with a dry towel to remove any residues that might tarnish or rust the metal. Jewelry silver polish paste can be used directly on the silver overlays to maintain its shine - product. Use 3-in-1 oil to eliminate squeaks or to free up part movement - product. To sanitize a bit or spurs soak them in a chlorhexidine solution and gently clean build up with a soft bristled brush - product....

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Lena Provalna

How to care for your bits and spurs

How to care for your bits and spurs? Tips to maintain and keep the 'new' a little longer on your bits and spurs (steel and stainless)   The most important difference between stainless (satin and high polish) and steel (brown, black, and satin) is that stainless will resist rust. Finishes are a personal preference; there is not one that is more popular than another. Outlined below is a tip list for the general care of your bits and spurs, as well as a more in depth care guide on both stainless and steel. GENERAL CARE TIPS: Remove wet material (mud, etc) from the surface of your spurs or bit before it dries. Use a semi soft bristled brush to remove dirt or other dried material from the surface. Wipe with a dry towel to remove any residues that might tarnish or rust the metal. Jewelry silver polish paste can be used directly on the silver overlays to maintain its shine - product. Use 3-in-1 oil to eliminate squeaks or to free up part movement - product. To sanitize a bit or spurs soak them in a chlorhexidine solution and gently clean build up with a soft bristled brush - product....

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Lena Provalna
Which Bit Is Right For Me?

Which Bit Is Right For Me?

Which Bit Is Right For Me? Bit Mouthpieces And Rings Explained - Common Understanding Of Bit Functions Have you noticed that you could ask two equine experts the same bit question and get two very different answers? There are many different schools of thought in the equine world. One is not necessarily more right than another, however there are a few common understandings that have emerged. We have compiled the following information to help guide in your unique bit decisions. It is also strongly encouraged to speak with someone that understands your riding style and horse (trainer, fellow rider, etc.) for additional personal feedback on your bit needs. Purchasing a high-quality bit requires the best educated decision possible as it is an investment that will often last a lifetime. Our trial bit service is offered to those that would like to try a mouthpiece before purchasing, to ensure they are comfortable with the function in relation to their riding style. Because information is dynamic, we encourage you to share your experience and thoughts in the comment form below.    House Snaffle Mouthpiece: Noticeable Mullen for wraparound pressure on the bars and increased tongue relief. *****  Balanced Snaffle Mouthpiece: The only snaffle that puts perfectly balanced pressure on both bars without one side being higher...

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Lena Provalna

Which Bit Is Right For Me?

Which Bit Is Right For Me? Bit Mouthpieces And Rings Explained - Common Understanding Of Bit Functions Have you noticed that you could ask two equine experts the same bit question and get two very different answers? There are many different schools of thought in the equine world. One is not necessarily more right than another, however there are a few common understandings that have emerged. We have compiled the following information to help guide in your unique bit decisions. It is also strongly encouraged to speak with someone that understands your riding style and horse (trainer, fellow rider, etc.) for additional personal feedback on your bit needs. Purchasing a high-quality bit requires the best educated decision possible as it is an investment that will often last a lifetime. Our trial bit service is offered to those that would like to try a mouthpiece before purchasing, to ensure they are comfortable with the function in relation to their riding style. Because information is dynamic, we encourage you to share your experience and thoughts in the comment form below.    House Snaffle Mouthpiece: Noticeable Mullen for wraparound pressure on the bars and increased tongue relief. *****  Balanced Snaffle Mouthpiece: The only snaffle that puts perfectly balanced pressure on both bars without one side being higher...

Read More
Lena Provalna
Custom Spur Creator - Build Your Dream Spurs

Custom Spur Creator - Build Your Dream Spurs

Custom Spur Creator Build the spurs of your dreams then share, print, or order them! From time to time we have all wished we could build our own TBBS spurs and play with different finishes before ordering them. Well now you can! You can build the base spur and apply different overlays and watch in real time as the price reflects the changes. Once you have your perfect set built share them with your friends and family via the social links at the bottom of the page. You can also email or print the spur combination for your own records. If you love the combination and are ready to order, simply add the custom creation to your shopping cart. If you run into questions let us know and we will be happy to guide you or provide any additional information. We invite you to check it out, build a set of spurs, and let us know what you think! We love receiving feedback from our wonderful customers!   Check it out!  

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Lena Provalna

Custom Spur Creator - Build Your Dream Spurs

Custom Spur Creator Build the spurs of your dreams then share, print, or order them! From time to time we have all wished we could build our own TBBS spurs and play with different finishes before ordering them. Well now you can! You can build the base spur and apply different overlays and watch in real time as the price reflects the changes. Once you have your perfect set built share them with your friends and family via the social links at the bottom of the page. You can also email or print the spur combination for your own records. If you love the combination and are ready to order, simply add the custom creation to your shopping cart. If you run into questions let us know and we will be happy to guide you or provide any additional information. We invite you to check it out, build a set of spurs, and let us know what you think! We love receiving feedback from our wonderful customers!   Check it out!  

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Lena Provalna
A BITS PERFECT FIT - How to fit a bit to your horses mouth

A BITS PERFECT FIT - How to fit a bit to your h...

A bits perfect fit How to fit a bit to your horses mouth The way a bit fits in your horse’s mouth can affect even the best trained horse. A bit should have a 1/8 to a 1/4 inch gap on both sides of the horse’s mouth, allowing for controlled movement and to avoiding pinching. Our standard mouthpiece width is 5 1/8". You can get the measurements of your horses mouth a number of different ways. Some of the most common are listed below. 1)  Measure the mouthpieces of a bit you know fits your horse’s mouth. 2) Place a clean measuring device directly in your horse’s mouth and note the width from corner to corner. 3)  Place a clean mark-able object, that is not very large in diameter, directly in your horse’s mouth and mark the width from corner to corner directly on the object. Then measure the width between markings with a measuring device. The measurement obtained is the size of your horse’s mouth and can be used when ordering bits from all makers. Remember to leave between 1/8 and 1/4 inch on both sides of the horse’s mouth. Please leave a comment below if you have suggestions for additional ways...

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Lena Provalna

A BITS PERFECT FIT - How to fit a bit to your h...

A bits perfect fit How to fit a bit to your horses mouth The way a bit fits in your horse’s mouth can affect even the best trained horse. A bit should have a 1/8 to a 1/4 inch gap on both sides of the horse’s mouth, allowing for controlled movement and to avoiding pinching. Our standard mouthpiece width is 5 1/8". You can get the measurements of your horses mouth a number of different ways. Some of the most common are listed below. 1)  Measure the mouthpieces of a bit you know fits your horse’s mouth. 2) Place a clean measuring device directly in your horse’s mouth and note the width from corner to corner. 3)  Place a clean mark-able object, that is not very large in diameter, directly in your horse’s mouth and mark the width from corner to corner directly on the object. Then measure the width between markings with a measuring device. The measurement obtained is the size of your horse’s mouth and can be used when ordering bits from all makers. Remember to leave between 1/8 and 1/4 inch on both sides of the horse’s mouth. Please leave a comment below if you have suggestions for additional ways...

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Lena Provalna