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
HEATHER HUNTHallo Larry please help me, my boy backs,walks,side passes turns on the hind, turns on the fore and stops all with his head down, jog and canter up it comes I use a german martingale and am constantly correcting him when in the jog and lope, which bit out of your bits, should I put him into to correct this problem
LarryTrocha@HEATHER HUNT: Hi Heather. Read this, it'll explain: http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/bittinginfo.htm
Larry T.
loraHi Mr. Trocha,
I realize that this is a silly question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere.
Is a curb chain used with a snaffle bit?
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely, Lora
@lora: Hi Lora. That's not a silly question. It's one a lot of people would like to know the answer to.
On a ring snaffle, most trainers use a leather "bit hobble" attache to the bit rings "below" the reins.
The bit hobble prevents the rings from being pulled into the horse's mouth should the rider need to "double" the horse.
Larry T.
Tiffany CHello Mr. Trocha,
I have an 8 year old QH (Ive had him all his life). He is well trained and has been ridden in D ring snaffle most of his life. The last couple months he has begun to learn on the snaffle alot. He doesn't want to back properly, and is pushing on the bit. Not placing his head where it should, and speeding up alot. I do not want to be in his mouth and feel he is not responding well to the snaffle now that we are working him a bit more. I rode him in a billy allen and wow! what a difference. I wanted to know what your suggestion would be on also purchasing a low port correction bit with a roller (francois gauthier) to use intermittently to "lighten him up" when needed (not on an everyday basis).
-big fan of yours
JenniferLarry,
I ride a 7 year old quarter horse (trail rides only) He is in a standard Tom Thumb, but recently has begun lipping (chewing) the side of the bit/shank. He is wanting to trot, hold his head high and constantly chewing, therefore, he's not paying attention at all. The more pressure I put on his mouth to slow him down, the more he chews. I have loosened the curb strap, raised the headstall, etc. Friends mentioned longer shanks. He doesn't really have a hard mouth, but seems to be uncomfortable these last couple trail rides. Also, he seems less in control. P.S. we ride with gaited horses and he tries to keep up with them also. Help- I need a suggestion on a bit. The snaffle with loose shanks may work for him?
StatiaHello Larry,
I just got a walker & he is not responding to the bit at all I have tried several different bits. The advised me that they had used a spoon bit, which one would be a good on to start with. He wont pick he head up & will not neck rein either.
Thanks for your assistance.
Statia
@Statia: Hi Statia. A bit is merely a tool used to communicate with your horse. If that horse isn't trained to respond (and yours probably isn't), no bit is going to miraculously make him respond correctly.
I suggest you click on the link at the top of this page "How and when to use a curb bit".
Larry T.
Josehey Larry, what kind of transition bit can I use after using the snaffle bit????
Cowgirl Chas!Quick Question…..Do you have to use a training bit or can you use a regular bit on a non trained horse….???
kathy briggsHi Larry,
Quick question….Why are the vast majority of western bits only 5" ? my pony is in a 5 1/2" snaffle. anything smaller would pinch him. Any sugestions ?????
Cheers,
Kathy.
@kathy briggs: Kathy. It's because the vast majority of western horses have a mouth that fits a 5" mouthpiece.
Larry T.
Nancy from IowaI have a 14yr old Fox Trotter gelding,I have had him for ab 3 months or so.Rode 10/10 he seem to be behind the bit for the 5 hr.ride,he is in an argentine bit.My understanding is that a gaited horse needs a different type of bit,correct me if I'am wrong.The previous owner used the argentine and I know little ab a gaited horse,he was brought for my young grandaugthers'.I did speak w/ I believe Linda any help will be appreciate.
Thanks,
Nancy
@Nancy from Iowa: Hi Nancy. I really don't know much about gaited horses so there isn't much I can say. The Fox Trotters I've ridden were in training to learn to reining and cow work and I trained them just like I would any other horse.
They turned out pretty good.
Take care,
Larry T.
Caryn LaliberteHi Mr. Trocha,
I have a horse who is a little stiff in the poll area due to an old injury as a baby. I sort on him and in the gate, if I have to stop a cow on one side coming at me and then turn and roll back to the other side, he doesn't want to move fast off my leg without moving forward, and so I go to my reins to aid and in the heat of the moment, he tends to want to lift up off his front feet. He doesn't respect a snaffle in the pen if we are going fast. On the flat he is somewhat a little duller than with a curb and port bit. However, the snaffle in that game is what has been the best bit to use because of the lateral motion. Any suggestions would be appropriate. I also am riding him in a homemade version of the german martingale. I just today saw yours.
Thanks,
Caryn
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35 Comments on Greg Darnall Bits – Curb, Transition and Turning