Greg Darnall Bits – Curb, Transition and Turning
Greg Darnall Curb Bits, Transition Bits and Special Tuning Bits Designed to Produce Great Results
Note:The curb bits are arranged on this page with the mildest bits listed first. Before ordering, you may want to read Larry Trocha's Horse Training Tips newsletter which details how and when to use the different types of curb bits.
Transition Curb Bits
These bits are designed to help graduate your horse from the snaffle to a bit that uses leverage. The transition bits are appropriate when first introducing a horse to neck-reining but can also be used with a direct-rein to position his head.
Each mouthpiece is made of "sweet iron" and has inlaid copper strips to produce the taste that horses prefer.
Also, these bits are a "no pinch" design. Many bits will pinch a horse's lower lip between the top ring and the curb chain. The lips will also get pinched by the cheek-piece joint. Pinching is not a problem with any of the bits listed below.
These high-quality curb bits are hand-made by master bit maker, Greg Darnall.
Important info: The shorter the cheek-piece (shank), the less leverage the bit has. A bit with 7" shanks has less leverage and is milder than a bit with 8" shanks. Most horses will do best with the 8" shanks. However, a 7" shank may be better for a horse that has an exceptionally sensitive mouth.
Argentine Snaffle
This bit is perfect to use as the first step in the transition process. The short, curved-back shanks allows the horse to learn to respond to the curb yet is very mild. The loose-shanks provide for good direct-rein lateral flexion. Recommended for horses that are very sensitive.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 7/16" diameter snaffle
Cheek-piece (shank): 5" long
Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.
Special pricePrice $69.00 
Billy Allen Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks (Highly Recommended)
This is the ultimate transition bit. If I had to choose just one transition bit, this would be the one.
Basically, its a snaffle mouthpiece with a "roller" molded over the middle joint. This roller "limits" the movement of the mouthpiece. What's great about this, is the horse gets the feel of a mouthpiece that is almost "solid" but still has some "flex" to it.
This semi-solid mouthpiece gives you a lot of control without scaring or worrying the horse. A good bit that horses actually like, you can usually leave a horse in it for most of his training. I highly recommend this bit.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, Billy Allen
Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long
Usual price of this bit is $110. Special price available for a limited time only.
Special… Order Now and Save $41
8" shanks, Special price $69.00
Loose-Shanked Curb Bits
These curb bits are designed for positive control and feel. The loose shanks allow for good direct-rein or neck-rein response.
Each mouthpiece is made of "sweet iron" and has inlaid copper stripes to produce the taste that horses prefer.
Also, these bits are a "no pinch" design. Many bits will pinch a horse's lower lip between the top ring and the curb chain. The lips will also get pinched by the cheekpiece joint. Pinching is not a problem with any of the bits listed on this page.
These high-quality bits are hand-made by master bit maker, Greg Darnall.
Maintenance tip: To keep the cheek pieces of the bit operating smoothly, occasionally put a drop of oil or WD40 in the cheek joints.
Low-Port Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks
This is usually the first solid-mouthpiece bit that a horse should go in. The low port is mild plus the loose shanks allows for good direct-rein suppling and lateral control.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 1/2" diameter, low-port
Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long
Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.
Special price $69.00
Medium-Port Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks
This medium-port bit is for horses that require more tongue relief and bar pressure. Its a very good "middle-of-the-road" curb bit that gives plenty of control yet is relatively mild.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 1/2" diameter, medium-port
Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long
Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.
Special price $69.00
High-Port Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks
This high-port bit is for horses that require a lot of tongue relief and bar pressure. The port is high but it's also wide which allows plenty of room. Its a very good curb bit that offers more control than the low port mouthpiece.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 3/8" diameter, high-port
Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long
Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.
OUT OF STOCK. Special price $69.00
Correction Curb Bits
Based on bit maker, Don Hansen's design, these two correction bits are ideal for "tuning" and "lightening" a horse up. Good results are usually accomplished in just a few rides. They can be used anytime the horse gets too heavy and needs a little extra. After the horse lightens up, he should be put back into his regular bit.
The correction bits should only be used on horses that know how to respond to a transition or curb bit.
The mouthpiece is overlaid with good-tasting copper. Shanks are stainless steel.
Correction Mouthpiece with Medium Shanks Highly Recommended
This is the ideal bit to lighten-up your horse. Ride the horse a few days in this bit and he'll become lighter and more responsive than ever.
The correction mouthpiece really helps with the horse's stop. And the loose shanks allows you to easily flex the horse's head laterally for correct circles and turns.
Once good results are achieved, put the horse back into his regular curb or transition bit.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, copper correction
Cheek-piece (shank): 7 1/2" long
Usual price of this bit is $65. Special price available for a limited time only.
Special price $49.00
Correction Mouthpiece with Argentine Shanks
This is the bit to use to really lighten up a horse that is normally ridden in one of the above transition bits.
The correction mouthpiece really helps with the horse's stop. And the short, curved-back shank allows you to easily flex the horse's head laterally for correct circles and turns.
Overall, a really good bit for a horse that needs to pay more attention but isn't ready for a longer shanked bit.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, copper correction
Cheek-piece (shank): 5" long
Usual price of this bit is $65. Special price available for a limited time only.
Special price $49.00
Note:Be sure you are using the right type of reins with these curb bits.
New video…
Larry Trocha's new video shows when and how to use the bits listed on this page. Check it out below:
Teach Your Horse to Neck-Rein
Transition from Snaffle to Curb Bit
Phone Orders Call Toll-Free 1-800-811-4883 8AM to 8PM PST
Kat FloresHi!! I ride a 10 year old quarter mare, who for the most part, is wonderful…however, in a large group of riders, or any time she seems to get over stimulated, I feel as though I don't have enough control. I ride her in just a snaffle. Do you have any ideas for my situation. I normally don't have to keep pulling on her, except for her occasional outbursts!! I feel like I just need something a little stronger when I know I might be riding in the out of the ordinary trail ride.
Thanks!! Kat
VanessaHello, im trying to teach my mare to have better transitions between her trot to lope. id like to get her into reining shows this spring. she moves her head around when i ask her to lope from a trot, but i'd like to keep her collected (she collects great in a walk and trot). what do you suggest i do? should i use a different bit? im presently using a snaffle. Thank You!
LarryTrocha@Vanessa: Hi Vanessa, in reining classes there are NO transitions from the trot to the lope.
If your horse trots during the pattern, you are penalized heavily.
I doubt a different bit would remedy your mare's head carriage problems.
I would suggest you use a German martingale:
http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/german-martingale.htm
Larry T.
CindyHi Larry,
Love your website. I recently purchased a 10 year old mare. Previous owner had her in a Tom Thumb type of bit, but she does not seem comfortable in it. She doesn't give to it as well as she should and pulls against it at times… if that makes sense. She has a decent neck rein on her, and a good stop, but I think she can do better. I want to transition her out of this bit. Can you please recommend what I should use?
Thank you.
NancyHi,
Love your newsletters.
We have a smart sensitive young mare that is very light in the snaffle (3 joint w/lozenge center).
Great stops, etc.
She does play with the bit if nervous or tired such as a day long clinic but otherwise is quiet and thinking back to me.
Which bit would you reccomend for transition ? Would shorter shanks be best?
Thanks so much !
Justina MundellLarry,
What are the main differences between your advertised correction bits above and the "cathedral bits" that certain trainers recommend. I have a 5 yr. old mare that is heavy and often runs through the bit. I've worked hard on collection fundamentals for 2 years now and she still gets extremely heavy at times. Any bit and/or training recommendations?
Thank You!
Justina Mundell
SharonWhat is your opinion of Tom Thumbs?
jennifer becketthello, i have been riding for years but i have a western pleasure horse that i have i bought him a year ago to show western pleasure he is really slow for me because i have a bad back, but when i take him out to practice he is doing ok for me ,but when i ask him to back for me he just stands ther and will not move,i have been using a chane bit i get the head drop but ,,NO whoa ,and NO back singed what am i missing please help what bit should i go to next. jennifer
@jennifer beckett: There is a free video clip on my home page that shows you how to stop and back up.
I suggest you watch it.
Larry T.
janie olveraHi my name is janie and i am new to all this horse stuff. can be very confusing,cause there is so much out there to pick from. someone like me who justwants to go on trail rides and enjoy her horse can be over whelmed. any way i need help. i bought this horse a year ago and amhaving trouble with a bit for him . first of all he has a wide head and mouth. hes 13 years old a quarter horse paint. hes well broke has done it all and is very gental. knows all his leg cues. and is very forgiving. i am looking for a bit 5 1/4 for a well broke horse. please help me .thanks so much
@janie olvera: Janie, most western bits are only 5" wide.
You may have to have one hand made or go with an english bit.
Larry T.
AdoraI have a five year old filly that I am planning on using for my rodeo queen try outs, she works perfect in the snaffle but, I have to have her mostly in a straight shanked bit by June. Do you have any ideas on how I can do this without ruining my horse.
Thank you,
Adora
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31 Comments on Greg Darnall Bits – Curb, Transition and Turning