Sunland, CA - September 10, 2003 - Otto Becker of Germany took home first place on Dobell's Cento in the $1-million CN International at the Spruce Meadows Masters this past Sunday, September 7 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Becker was the only rider to produce a double-clear round. During a press conference after the event, Becker explained that he rides with the uniquely designed Mikmar Combination Bit™ with great success--as evidenced by this win in the world's richest event.

"As far as control…the bit makes a difference, and for a horse like Dobell's Cento, it works very good," Becker said. "After the German Championships [last July] I tried the Mikmar Combination Bit at a small show and it worked very good. Then I used it at the European Championships and here at Spruce Meadows, and I have a very good feeling about this. He's more together, and that's what you need on the course."

Becker and Dobell's Cento, along with Ludger Beerbaum and Goldfever both used the bit to help secure the Team Gold Medal for Germany in the Nations Cup Competition on Friday evening at Spruce Meadows. This duo was also among the German team who won this summer at the European Championships.

Beerbaum has himself become a proponent of the Mikmar bit, crediting it with creating a marked change in Goldfever's performance, which helped him win the prestigious Grand Prix of Aachen at the annual World Equestrian Festival in Germany this summer.

Becker and Beerbaum are not the only world-class riders who have embraced the flexible, light control offered by the Mikmar bit. Event rider Darren Chiacchia won the Stuart Horse Trials using it and Marco Kutscher won the German Championships. Will Simpson, Kevin Babington, Rodrigo Pessoa and Franke Sloothaak have also recognized the bit's outstanding performance.

For more information on the Mikmar Bits, visit www.mikmarbit.com or call 818-446-0063.