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Making quality silver mounted bridle bits and spurs has been a passion of Ernie’s since 1990. His unique
style of combining firearms engraving with traditional inlay techniques, along with painstaking attention to detail have set his
work apart. With function being the underlying foundation, his heirloom quality pieces have become valued possessions of serious
horsemen as well as collectors.
Marsh's vision and passion for bits and spurs became reality with the help of the late Elmer Miller of Nampa, Idaho, and John
Barraclough of Pasadena, California, through their educational programs. He is also appreciative of the help and advice from many
fellow craftsmen.
Though no longer doing commission work on handmade bits and spurs, Ernie has chosen instead to make items that he enjoys building
and to have them available and for sale rather than work off a long list of overdue orders. Marketing tools include an
Internet web site, exhibits, shows and word of mouth, which has proven to be the most
effective.
The Marshes operate a full-time shop, producing bits, spurs, saddle silver and buckles and since 1998, producing the traditional
style stainless bridle bits first produced and made famous by noted bit maker, Al Tietjen of
Reno, Nevada. This variety of work adds to the excitement and enjoyment of a job well done.
Ernie’s work has been exhibited in shows throughout the country, including Elko, Nevada; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Fort Worth,
Texas; Jordan Valley, Oregon; Paso Robles, California; Flagstaff, Arizona and Wickenburg, Arizona.
He was chosen as one of the Top Ten Spur Makers from 1997 to 1999. In 2000, the Academy of Western Artists honored him with the
Will Rogers Award as Spurmaker of the Year.
Ernie is proud to be a part of the TCAA.
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