Bar-O-aBit

06/20/2026

1 week until we are at the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City!

We love this event and can't wait to see everyone!

06/19/2026

😂Friday Funnies😂

06/18/2026

🌻Bar-O-aBit Bit Of The Day🌻

Stevi Hillman- Twisted Dogbone w/ Cricket

Multiple WNFR Qualifier & Professional Barrel Racer Stevi Hillman's go to Bit. This bit offers the perfect balance of feel when competing as the gag allows you to make gradual contact while still being able to maintain forward momentum.

$45 per week to rent
$220 to purchase

06/16/2026

💪🏻 Ⓣⓡⓐⓘⓝⓔⓡ Ⓣⓤⓔⓢⓓⓐⓨ💪🏻

NO TRAINER? NO PROBLEM.
Four do-it-yourself non-pros share how they balance work, budgets, and barn time—and still find success in the show pen.

Rider #1: Nicole Barnes

Barnes competes in Western all-around events and typically attends eight to 10 shows a year. Her horses are usually green and just starting their show careers, which makes at-home consistency essential.

“Some are low maintenance, and some need outside help,” she explains. “I’ll haul in for lessons when needed or ride with friends for a fresh perspective. For the most part, repetition at home is what builds the foundation.”

Her approach to DIY showing can be summed up in three principles: plan, track, and travel smart.

“I try to plan my show schedule early in the year,” she says. “Before entering, I’ll review the showbill, see what classes are offered, how many times they run, and what the facility is like. I want the most bang for my buck.”

For Barnes, budgeting is also an extremely important part of being successful as a DIY rider.

“No one enjoys tracking expenses but knowing when the ramen-noodle months are coming makes life easier,” she jokes. “And travel smart. Split tack stalls, use hotel-rewards points, and take advantage of fuel-app discounts.”

Barnes admits that balancing work and horses is her biggest hurdle. “Time, commitment, and knowing when to ask for help has to be the hardest part,” she says. “I work full-time, so some days I only have 20 minutes to ride. That’s when I’ll work on showmanship pivots or horsemanship turns. Every little bit counts.”

Her advice for newcomers is to be realistic and be smart.

“Assess your horse and yourself honestly,” she says. “If he’s not soft in his neck or moving off your leg, it’s not time to work on lead changes. And if you’ve never taught one before, budget for haul-in lessons or a short stay in training. There’s no shame in that.”

“You’ll question yourself, probably cry on the barn floor at some point, and think about quitting,” she says. “But if you stick with it, the DIY life is incredibly rewarding. What you put in is exactly what you get out.”

06/15/2026

🥳𝓜𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓪𝔂🥳

06/14/2026

🌻Bar-O-aBit Bit Of The Day🌻

J&C- The Jack Hack

When I started searching for a hackamore to run Jack in I was disappointment in the choices on the market. I needed something with enough control to navigate rodeo situations without losing the bend and flex I needed threw the turns. Shoulder control was also a vital component I was searching for. There just wasn’t a bit on the market that met all these needs. I had been threw a handful of different hackamores without getting the perfect feel for I was looking for. I finally turned to Charlotte at J&C Bits to build that perfect hackamore and I think we have achieved just that! Rate, shoulder control, lift, and bend this hackamore does it all! I have never run in a hackamore that feels better in my hands.” ~Jackie Jatzlau

Price Per Week To Rent : $37

Buy : $195

06/13/2026

🚨 🇳​​🇪​​🇼​​🇸​ & ​🇪​​🇻​​🇪​​🇳​​🇹​​🇸​🚨

2 weeks until we are at the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals in Oklahoma City!

We love this event and can't wait to see everyone!

06/11/2026

🌻Bar-O-aBit Bit Of The Day🌻

Merrill - Medium Swing Top Twisted Wire Dog Bone

The Merrill Medium Shank Gag Bit, featuring a 5" Twisted Wire with Dog Bone Mouthpiece – the ultimate tool for riders seeking precise communication and firm control. This expertly crafted bit is designed for experienced riders who require clear, immediate responses from their equine partners.

$60.00
Price Per Week to Rent

$295 to purchase

06/09/2026