Dave
grew up around horses with his family being involved
in farming and ranching. In 1976 he attended Oklahoma
Farrier College and up until 1998 he continued to work
as a farrier. In 1986 Dave started building bits as a
side-line, but by 1990 it had become a full-time business.
Over the past 18 years, Dave has worked with many professionals
in designing bits for different disciplines. After building
bits for a number of years, Dave recognized the need
to better understand the principles of bitting, which
included the anatomy of the horse, but mechanics and
training techniques. He furthered his education in anatomy
by attending classes taught by Dr. Deb Bennett.
With the added knowledge he is able to assist in educating
clients through workshops which cover anatomy and bit mechanics. Dave’s
shop produces a wide range of custom designed bits that are endorsed by professional
trainers – Kevin Pole, Dee Butterfield and Judy Myllymaki. He has also
custom designed bits for horses with challenges such as wider or damaged mouths
and palates. Dave’s work has found its way across Canada and the US,
as well as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Italy and Japan. Dave also
custom
designs spurs, buckles, jewelry, awards and unique one of a kind pieces. In
1999 Dave was honored as “Spur Maker of the Year” in Fort Worth
Texas by the Academy of Western Artists.
eMail:bitspur@telusplanet.net
Phone: (403) 687-3000
Fax: (403) 687-3001
