Outstanding vintage style spade bit in a Felix Guitron Sr. pattern, made by The Old Spanish Trading Company. This bit is inspired by a one of a kind bit designed by Felix and was lovingly used for many years in events throughout California. The details are what really set this bit apart from others, with the finest candy strip inlaid sterling silver up and down both cheek pieces. The most fabulous detail of all is the two large sterling silver scalloped conchos. Each concho measures 2.5” across. The mouthpiece is a 5 1/8” wide spade inlaid with copper to soften and relax the horse.  The cheeks are approximately 8” long.

A little history on Felix and the inspiration behind this bit:

Felix was the father of NRCHA Hall of Fame rider and horseman Benny Guitron. Born in 1948 in Glendale, California, Benny Guitron was the fifth of six children, youngest of the three boys. His father, Felix Guitron Sr., had emigrated from Mexico, working and saving his money until he could afford to buy land of his own in the then-rural community of Indio.

“He made his living farming, but he was a horse enthusiast at heart,” Guitron recalls. “He was into match racing, and he bought Lot #1 at the very first recognized Quarter Horse sale, sometime in the ’40s.” The senior Guitron also designed bits and spurs as a hobby, which gave him an excuse to go to horse shows. Benny and his late brother, Felix Jr., began showing on the open Western circuit, where they had plenty of opportunity to see the top trainers of the day, many of whom, including Tony Amaral, knew their dad personally.”