Luz De La Vid Bit

TCAA and 25 years for me to be in business.  I wanted to look back and recognize where I came from but in the same instance show where I wanted to go. 

The bit shanks are an interpretation of the Darnall Loomis shank.  Greg Darnall is my mentor and the Loomis shank is one that used widely across the horse industry. 

The mouthpiece is a creation of forging that I am not sure has a specific name.  The San Joaquin and cathedral mouthpieces both have characteristics seen here but don’t quite match.  I know it has been done before and will certainly have its place with the horse and rider. It would be fun to take for a spin on your favorite horse.

Some of the world’s greatest engravers like Winston Churchill, Damien Connolly, Sam Alfano and Alain Lovenberg have had huge influences on my journey as I decorate bits and spurs.  High relief sculpting is one of the most difficult, time consuming techniques in engraving so why not pull out the stops for our 25th?  Time spent with Sam, Alain, and Damien have all been critical to my career and the decoration seen on this bit.  The sculpted grape leaves, 24k gold grapes and fine silver inlaid background  offered the perfect inspiration and motif to share my journey and future plans.

Chatgpt did this:  Still not good.  I need something talking about the Spanish exploration of the new world and how they brought the horse and fine wine to America. Not sure they brought the fine wine but I could say it anyhow.

Thank you to all who have helped me get here and here is to where we want to go.

2024 marks the 25th show for the TCAA and 25 years of business for me. This milestone is a chance to reflect on where I started while also looking ahead to the future.

The bit shanks are my interpretation of the Darnall Loomis shank—a fitting tribute to my mentor, Greg Darnall. The Loomis shank has long been a staple in the horse industry, making it the perfect foundation for this piece.

As for the mouthpiece, it’s a unique forging creation without a specific name. It carries elements of both the San Joaquin and cathedral mouthpieces, yet it stands apart. While I know this style has been done before, I believe it will find its place with both horse and rider. It would certainly be a thrill to take for a spin on your favorite horse.

My journey in engraving has been shaped by some of the world’s greatest artists—Winston Churchill, Damien Connolly, Sam Alfano, and Alain Lovenberg. High-relief sculpting is one of the most demanding and time-intensive techniques in engraving, so what better way to celebrate 25 years than by pushing the limits? The time I’ve spent learning from Sam, Alain, and Damien has been invaluable, and their influence is woven into every detail of this bit. The sculpted grape leaves, 24k gold grapes, and fine silver inlaid background not only tell the story of where I’ve been but also hint at where I’m headed.

To everyone who has supported me on this journey—thank you. Here’s to the next chapter.