Bits And Spurs

This lavishly illustrated book describes techniques used in working metal over 300 years as well as the motifs used by bit and spur makers over many centuries. There are biographies of 121 contemporary bit and spur makers.

This book combines "Working Cowboy" knowledge with "Cowboy Collectibles," describing the actual usage, background, and value of cowboy bits and spurs. It contains photos, diagrams, and detailed text describing the various bits, spurs, leather bridles, and other related accessories, dating back to the mid-1800s. This book is a great resource for both the collector and the modern day cowboy.

In Iron: Antique Bits, Stirrups and Spurs, acclaimed author, filmmaker and horseman, Alexander Nevzorov emphasizes the historic fate of horses and their relationship with man by sharing some of the rare and specialty items of metal horse equipment, along with more common examples, from his personal collection. Nevzorov continues to bring awareness to horse lovers, here accompanied by richly detailed color photographs of artfully designed and decorated bits, stirrups and spurs from the ancient time of their invention through the advent of Haute Ecole and into modern times. He chronicles the evolution of equestrian techniques in each age belying the beauty and craftsmanship of these objects with his standard eloquence and sharp wit. This highly informative book invites us to look beyond the aesthetics of decorative art and view this retrospective collection as a guide to how we should choose to approach horsemanship now and in the future. It is a valuable study tool for anyone interested in a thorough hippological education. Since 2004 Alexander Nevzorov has been successfully advising students through the NHE School to leave bits and spurs as relics of the past and pursue outstanding relationships with horses at liberty. Through a substantial resume of articles, books and films he expertly uses history, science and his own experience with horses to educate and inspire.

Loyal to the Land is a sweeping history of one of the United States' largest working ranches, the Big Island of Hawaii's Parker Ranch. Dr. Bergin chronicles the ranch from its establishment on two acres purchased for ten dollars by John Palmer Parker to the years following World War II and the beginning of a new era of family ranch management under Parker’s grandson, Richard Smart. In this wide-ranging and insightful book, illustrated with more than 250 historical photos, Dr. Bergin first discusses the important Hispanic vaquero roots of ranching in Hawaii. He then relates the histories of the five foundation families, providing rich and detailed information on key members who contributed to the Ranch's success. The balance of the book examines every aspect of Parker Ranch development: management, labor, improvements and diversification of livestock, veterinary and animal care programs, and the Ranch’s role and influence on the Big Island and the state.

This is the definitive book on all the old bit and spur makers of the Texas region who were working between 1870 and 1970. There are 63 makers featured with stunning photographs of their work, their maker's mark and a biography of each maker. The origins of the Texas style are traced in the history of bits and spurs brought to the New World from England, France and Spain.

A handy reference guide to 65 Texas-style bit and spur makers working between 1870 and 1970 in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico and a few other states. It includes an indication of collectibility, value and scarcity for each maker's work, as well as portraits of the maker, time lines of when and where they worked and photographs of their pieces and how they marked them.