Tom Balding Bits & Spurs
| File:Tom Balding logo.png | |
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Sheridan, Wyoming , United States |
| Products | Metalwork |
| Website | tombalding |
Tom Balding Bits & Spurs operates as a boutique metalworking enterprise based in Sheridan, Wyoming, specializing in the creation and sale of handcrafted equestrian riding gear. Their signature offerings, particularly bits and spurs, are favored by expert horse trainers and riders.
History
Tom Balding's journey with metal began during his teenage years in the 1960s in Ontario, California, where he crafted items such as custom hot rod components and aluminum frames for backpacks. By 1974, he had established his initial welding and fabrication workshop, focusing on the specialized technique of TIG welding.[1][2][3]
He applied his TIG welding expertise within the aerospace and marine sectors until relocating to Sheridan, Wyoming, in the late 1970s. Upon settling there, he worked as a ranch hand until 1984 when a neighbor requested assistance fixing a damaged bit. After fabricating a replacement, he operated Tom Balding Bits & Spurs for the following fifteen years out of a converted mobile home.[1][2][3]
The company experienced growth after receiving endorsements from several National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) Snaffle Bit Champions, including Bobby Ingersoll. This recognition helped establish its reputation across the western horsemanship community worldwide.[3]
Metalwork Products
Based in Sheridan, Wyoming, the firm produces all its metalwork products by hand. Their custom items are meticulously crafted at their fabrication facility, where components are precisely cut and assembled rather than cast. Each element is manufactured with an accuracy tolerance of one-thousandth of an inch.[4]
Their product range encompasses spurs, bespoke spurs, heel bands, shanks, and rowels. Additionally, they produce bits tailored for shank bits, snaffle bits, baseline bits, bit shanks, and mouthpieces catering to both Western and English disciplines.[1][2][5][6]
Beyond equestrian hardware, the business offers various accessories such as jewelry and belt buckles. Their selection includes silver and turquoise jewelry pieces, money clips, leather belts, and photo albums.[7][8]
Renowned for exceptional design and craftsmanship, Tom Balding Bits & Spurs’ products have been displayed in galleries and museums. The company also gained exposure through an appearance on Discovery Channel’s How It's Made.[1][3][4][7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedEbert - ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedBoatwright - ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedWestern - ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedMcFarland - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedDolhun - ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedEhringer - ↑ 7.0 7.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedFritsche - ↑ "Balding Bits & Spurs makes gear for Texas Tech University”. The Sheridan Press. Oct. 16, 2012.
External links
No URL found. Please specify a URL here or add one to Wikidata.