Carl’s Hack from L&W Bits is one of Kim Schulze’s go-to barrel racing tools.

“Probably my favorite bit would be Carl’s Hack from L&W Bits,” said Schulze. “I put it on every horse I ride at one time or another. I just like the feel of it and like that if you need a little more, you have it because the noseband is a wrapped steel nose hackamore. I think when used correctly it can help keep a horse light.”

Schulze only wants to do as much with her hands as she has to in order to get the desired response. 

“I want them really listening and in tune when I sit for the turn,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of success using a variety of bits so I certainly don’t limit myself to one, and I’ve run in some less conventional things like a quick stop, but I try to not touch them much. That helps me keep my approach to the barrels, my rate and my turns smooth because I’m not throwing my horse off balance by doing more than I should. I want to just guide them and ride them up into the hole.”

Schulze adds that she’s also had good luck using a basic junior cow horse as well as the 6″ shank with square Mullen mouthpiece pictured below, which was made by No Hit Bits for Jordon Briggs.

“The most important consideration when selecting bits is that they fit what your horse needs and fit your hands,” said Schulze.