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 price
$69.00
•
Add to Cart
Snaffle
Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks
This
bit is a great transition bit. It still has the snaffle mouthpiece but
the longer shanks provide for more curb effect. Available in two shank
lengths. 8" shanks for the standard curb control or 7" shanks for a
milder effect.
Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 7/16" diameter snaffle
Cheek-piece (shank): choice of 7" or 8" long
Usual
price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time
only.
7" shanks,
Special price
$69.00
•
Add to Cart
8" shanks,
Special price
$69.00
•
Add to Cart
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): choice of 7" or 8" long
Usual
price of this bit is $110. Special price available for a limited time
only.
Special... Order Now and Save $41
7" shanks,
Special price
$69.00
•
Add to Cart
8" shanks,
Special price
$69.00
•
Add to Cart
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
•
Add to Cart
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
•
Add to Cart
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.
Special price
$69.00
•
Add to Cart
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
•
Add to Cart
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
•
Add to Cart
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: