The spade bits in this auction represent a tradition that goes back generations. In the old California bridle horse system, a spade wasn’t just a piece of equipment — it was the finishing touch on a horse that had been brought along slowly, carefully, and with feel. These bits were built by craftsmen who understood horses, and used by trainers who took pride in making a true bridle horse. The spade bits in the auction come from collections that valued that heritage, including Patti Bello and Jim