A Bit That Is Symbolic of Strong Foundations,

by Michael Damianos 

The greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said, “There is nothing permanent except change. Change is the only constant. Change alone is unchanging.” All of this is true, but it is essential that we build our positive progress from a timeless foundation. Legendary singer/songwriter, Bob Dylan, must have recognized that fact when he wrote, “May you have a strong foundation when the winds of change shift” in his song “Forever Young” (1974). 

This bit has been a piece of my foundation of solid, usable tack for 35-plus years. The maker, Greg Darnall, has stood the test of time. He is still a respected bit maker and the mentor of great bit makers. My all-time favorite bit maker, the late Bill Stewart, thought very highly of Mr. Darnall.

In the ’80s I bought this Loomis shank bit without silver in a number of different mouthpieces. I had them all silvered by the late Don Wiese at Kustom Kraft in the San Fernando Valley of California. He always did quality work and was a true gentleman. The British model, Karen Elson, said, ”Trends come and go, and style evolves. It's important to have pieces of jewelry that are timeless and look chic despite ever-changing fashions.” This silvered bit is one of my tack room pieces of “timeless jewelry.”

I looked at a photo the other day of me winning the Palomino Western Pleasure Stake at the Del Mar National in the late ’80s on a horse named Gobot Doc. Since that time we exhibit horses differently, we shoe horses differently, we feed horses differently, we shockwave our horses, we cold laser our horses, we acupuncture our horses, we enter shows on a computer, we get show updates on our phones, we shop for saddles on Instagram, we own more saddle blankets than Carter has pills, and we spend a fortune on supplements. All these modern updates have been for the betterment of the horse and/or our sport, but what is the bedrock that gives a horseman the courage to take risks and make changes? I think there are probably four components: 

1. A family that loves you. Never been a problem for me.
2. Good and/or great horses. I won’t bore anyone with my list, but fortunately I have one.
3. Good and reasonable clients. I have had some darn good ones and I have had my share of wing nuts. The rough ones teach us to have patience and understanding with the good ones. Sue K, Kay S, Priscilla S, Nora D, Julie S, Kathy C, Patty R, Judy N, Mark G and Gayreen G, Tes W, Carlos A, Vince F, Muna B, Beverly L, Sharon C, Karlan D, Peggy W, Lee E, Myrna G, Claire B, Phyliss T, Barbara O, Karen W, Mary Anne M, Katie R - thanks for your parts. Some of you have left this earth, some are with other trainers, some do not own horses any longer, and some of us are still together. You all made a contribution at some time in my career and I will never forget that.
4. The helpers that made our jobs easier. Again I had some good ones and others that were quite regrettable. Andrea S, Andria L, Adam S, Aimee Jo D, Catherine J, Lindsay W, Sarah M, Becky V, Rebekah S, Andie S, Lynda M, Hannah F - Thanks for your help. 

I’ve lost contact with some of you, some chose different paths, some were only for a season, for some it ended poorly, and some of you are still with me, but I wish all of you well.“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.” - Anais Nin.

At this point I am taking a long and winding road to make my point. My entire life I have attempted to be a horseman of vision, but vision cannot be clear unless you are standing on solid footing. This bit symbolizes the value of that which should never go away: a good family, good horses, good clients and good helpers. It also symbolizes the strength to make change when change is indicated.

One Greek philosopher to another, Heraclitus you were “spot on.” However, I would like to add a quote from my website, “A bright future is often the result of an accomplished past.” Change should always emanate from solid ground with our eyes wide open. Good Night and God Bless.