The Bit Maker of Camp Verde Earns Worldwide Respect

 Although horse bits and spurs may not mean much to the average person, to an equestrian, it can make a big difference in controlling their horse. And Custom Handcrafter Bits and Rasp Spurs owner Greg Scott has horse riders from all over impressed with his craft.

 “The primary purpose of a horse bit is to allow the rider to communicate with the horse through pressure on the horse’s mouth,” said Scott, whose careful work results in a comfortable and gentle fit.

 “This can control the horse’s speed, direction, balance and also controls their behavior and specific tasks such as turning and stopping. Horses love the comfortability of a relaxed mouth. A lot of my bits have been purchased by professional team ropers.”

 Growing up in Doney Park on Flagstaff’s eastside, Scott has been living in the Verde Valley since 1970 and currently resides in Camp Verde. “I was actually born at the first hospital in Flagstaff on Riordan Road,” he said.

 Scott’s father, Dallas T. Scott, worked as a welder at the Operating Engineers branch in Flagstaff.  He died when Scott was just 10 years old. “My brother, Zane, and I took over his horse and we started roping for the next 20 years.”

Their dad also left a welder, which piqued their interest and may have been the seed planted for Scott’s career.

 “We liked Flagstaff, but the weather was better down in the Verde Valley, so we moved to Cornville when I was a teen. I went to school at Mingus High School.”

 Through the suggestion of a friend, Scott began making bits and spurs. “I played around with it for a while and then it was as if God inspired me to go forward. One of my highest selling bits took five months to create.”

 “A friend introduced me to Greg Scott’s bits about 20 years ago,” said Billy Lam, an amateur roper from Georgia. “The feel and control that you get from the horse is better than anything else I’ve used. Some bits can scare a horse and they don’t get the right feel, respect and performance. As a roper, the feel and control of Greg’s bits are excellent. I’m now 40 and continue to use his bits as I travel from Georgia to Las Vegas.”

 Scott makes only two or three a month, putting a lot of time and care into each piece. “There are different types of bits and the fit needs to take into consideration the horse’s tongue and palate and be comfortable in their mouth. Their thickness, shape and type of metal used is a big factor. Sometimes I use copper in them.”

 Jody Tapia, a team roper from Florence, has every kind of spur and bit that Scott has made. “Greg is second to none in his workmanship. His designs are made with the horse in mind. The weight, balance and everything he does is one of a kind,” said Tapia.

 “People have tried to copy his work, but they just don’t get it,” he said. “I’ve watched him craft and the time it takes to make each intricate part is unbelievable. While other people do machine press, his are all handmade. On top of that, Greg is an awesome person.”

 Reputation travels far and Scott has even sold his pieces to equestrians in New Zealand, Canada, Australia and Spain. “I’ve sold a few to famous people and in 2011, someone purchased a bit for George Strait’s birthday.”

 “Greg Scott’s Custom Handcrafted Horseshoe Bits and Rasp Spurs makes the best spurs I’ve ever had,” said Ben Scott, a team roper from North Dakota. “The detail is unbelievable and probably the most comfortable heel for my horses. They work so well.”

 “In this industry I’m always thinking of ways to make a better product,” said Scott. “I’ve had offers to have these mass produced in Mexico, but I want to do my own thing and make quality products.”

 Most evenings Scott can be found cajoling at his favorite lounge. He hopes to take the summer off and fish.

 For more information, call Custom Handcrafted Horseshoe Bits and Rasp Spurs, 928-300-1955, or connect on Facebook.  

Last Time I Felt Nostalgic

I feel that daily. I think about bits and things that I’ve made and done for people. It’s overwhelming.  

My Guilty Pleasure 

I like to go to happy hour at Bullpen and Watering Hole here in Camp Verde.

Who I Admire

Tee Woolman, a team roper from Oklahoma who made the National Rodeo Hall of Fame. He has been our idol since my brother and I were kids. 

Where I Go to Play  

A nice trout lake for fly fishing.

Favorite Movie 

“Lonesome Dove” with Robert Duvall. It’s just a good, clean movie. VVBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Greg Scott works carefully and methodically, handcrafting bits and rasps in his workshop.