There is a wide-eyed horseman in a second-hand store or at an auction looking at a shiny bit for sale. “Wow, look at that! What are they asking for it? What is it worth? What would I do with it?” And the questions go on: calling good friends to talk it through, hoping no one buys it before you decide if you want it. You think you need to know who made it, where it came from, what horse used it, is it really a collectable? Value and authenticity are uppermost; you don’t want to get scammed. I remember the first bit I bought on my own; every one of us has to go through that first step.

Now we are on the brink of holding in our hands, absorbing every word and picture of the new Heritage Editions of both books. They fill in the blanks, they tell a more complete story of the rich opportunities of a California pioneering family living what they thought was an everyday life.

Heroes are important; they help us determine who we want to be and how we want to comport ourselves. They are the start of our life-long journey to become who we can and want to be. It is time to explore, to experiment, and to refine.

The word cowboy is bandied around quite often today, especially with the Yellowstone influence. In reality it has been used for decades without a clear definition but with many interpretations.

It is International Women’s Month, time to acknowledge the contributions women have made to the betterment of our lives. The Heritage Edition of One Man’s Collection of Early California Spade Bits tells the story of Richie Morgan, mid-century working cowboy, bridleman, and bit collector. But that story would be very different if there had not been a Marge Morgan, right there beside him, as the Lady Behind the Bits.

Elko’s National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum, and the Wright Family, all have an incredibly special place in the Morgan Family’s heart. Not only is there a reminiscent name, GS Garcia, to a bit collecting family, but it is like a home away from home.

Merrilee has been talking a lot lately, now is the time to let the bits do the talking. They will tell of their adventures with the bit maker, maybe a favorite horse, and critique the rider. Sit back andhear the story told by the bit, essentially it is directly from the horse’s mouth. Introducing Bit#1….

The bits have stories; this is when they start talking. You hold that piece of iron, warm to the touch, balanced with weight evenly placed, listen to the music of the rolling cricket, evoke memories of horses, times, and friends.

The stories start flowing. Right then that is your favorite bit, and then you pick up a new favorite and a new story begins.

Christmas at the Morgan Ranch, otherwise known as the Diamond O, was just as much about giving as it was about receiving….

What do you buy a rancher who is so self-sufficient and likes his life as it is?

Today we have the National Finals Rodeo, started in 1959. Seven

decades later I turn into that little girl with the thrill, the tingles, and the pride as I

walk through those big, open doors. Through some slightly different eyes now.

In 2001, I had the privilege of visiting a hacienda near Sevilla, Spain with the benefit of riding lessons with a graduate of the Spanish Riding Academy. I was assigned an Andalusian with a snaffle bit and a Roseville Saddlery saddle. I wish I had taken a picture of the tack room;

Stamp collectors. Watch fob collectors. Milk glass collectors. Doll collectors. Car collectors. Bit collectors. Thingamabob collectors. When does an accumulation become a collection? When does an accumulator become a collector? A study of how it can happen, unintentionally and unknowingly. How and when did an accumulation of tempered iron, engraved silver, and beloved stories become a legacy of Richie Morgan, bit collector, rancher, and horseman?