#17 Garcia Bridle Bit with Salina Mouth Piece

This is an original Garcia bridle bit featuring the highly versatile Salinas mouthpiece, known for its balanced feel, moderate tongue relief, and clean lateral signal. The center-hinged Salinas mouth is a favorite among reiners, ranch riders, and all-around horsemen because it allows clear independent rein cues while still offering softness through the port.

This example is in exceptionally good condition for its age, retaining crisp engraving and the classic Garcia profile. The sweeping shanks, domed conchos, and delicate floral/scroll cutwork are signature design elements from the Garcia shop’s mid-century production era.

A note of significance: Al Dunning owned and showed a nearly identical Garcia Salinas bit, using it successfully in Western Pleasure, Reining, and versatility horses. These bits earned a reputation for being reliable, adaptable, and rider-friendly—a reason they remain sought after today.

About Garcia Bits

The Garcia name is one of the most respected in western bit and spur history.

MGC/Edward H. Bohlin era influences carried over into the Reno-based Garcia Saddlery Co., which became known for its clean silverwork and functional horsemanship-driven designs.

Mid-century Garcia bits are prized by both collectors and working horsemen for their durability, refined balance, and timeless aesthetic.

Original marked pieces—especially in good condition—hold strong value and continue to appreciate.

This bit is a strong example of Garcia craftsmanship, blending elegant silverwork with a practical, rider-proven mouthpiece design.

Key Features

• Maker: Garcia
• Shank length: 8"
• Mouthpiece: Salinas (center-hinged)
• Port height: 2"
• Mouth width: 5¼"
• Silver: Hand-engraved overlay with domed conchos
• Action: Balanced leverage, independent lateral cues, moderate tongue relief
• Versatility: Suitable for reining, ranch riding, western pleasure, and all-around show horses

Condition

• Excellent overall condition for its age
• Mouthpiece shows normal copper patina
• Engraving remains crisp with no structural wear
• Hinges function smoothly
• Shanks retain good symmetry and polish
• Includes original slobber bar
• A well-preserved, highly usable Garcia bit with strong collector appeal.