Shelby Boisjoli’s No Wimpy Turns, known as “Onna,” won the lions share of $164,548 in 2023 wearing two different breakaway bits.
Boisjoli’s bits of choice are based on the setup, opting for The Perfect Bit when she needs to score more and the Kerry Kelley when she wants Onna to push on her hand and take a faster start.
The Perfect Bit with a lifesaver mouthpiece
“With the Perfect Bit, she’s super light and like responsive to every little movement,” Boisjoli said. “So, with the two under barriers, she’s more timid in the Perfect Bit and it helps when I’m trying to see a little bit more.”
The Perfect Bit line features patented ball joint technology where the shank and mouthpiece connect. According to the manufacturers, this allows the shanks and mouthpiece to move independently from one another.
Boisjoli’s tie-down usage depends on the how free she needs Onna to be in her shoulders and if there is any chance the mare could toss her head and make her 0.1-of-a-second slower. She went tie-down-free to win San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo in early 2023, but put one on for the last weekend of the season at the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Kerry Kelley Solid Ported Correction
“I use the Kerry Kelley when I need her to keep more forward motion,” Boisjoli said. “She wants to push down on a solid bridle more. Between the two bits, they’re kind of flipped on what you think she would do in them. More timid in The Perfect Bit and more forward in the Kerry Kelley.”
Onna was named the 2023 AQHA/PRCA Horse of the Year for the second time (first in 2021). Her domination of the 2023 season is undeniable, and only had one round of practice during the summer run—scoring and walk-starting some calves following the Fourth of July.
