Bits & Curbs

 

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The most common question on every horse forum isn't about saddle fit or fly gear — it's "what bit should I use?" With 760 options and decades of strong opinions from riders across every discipline, choosing the right bit can feel overwhelming. Here's what experienced riders actually say, stripped of the sales pitch.

What Riders Are Actually Asking

What is the difference between a snaffle and a curb bit — and does it matter?

Yes, it matters — and the most common misconception is that "jointed" means snaffle. The defining difference is how pressure is applied. A snaffle creates direct pressure: your rein pull transfers pound-for-pound to the mouthpiece, making it clear and predictable for young or green horses. A curb bit uses leverage: shanks amplify your signal through a curb strap under the chin, allowing lighter, more refined cues for a trained horse who already understands basics. The Weaver Stainless Steel Curb Bit and Bob Avila Sweet Iron Snaffle represent each end of this spectrum — one for finished horses, one for horses still learning to respond.

When should I move my horse from a snaffle to a curb?

Forum veterans agree: the horse's training level matters far more than age, but Western show rules provide a practical benchmark — horses 6 and older are typically required to show in a curb bit. The transition should happen when your horse is soft, responsive, and consistent in a snaffle — not when you want more "stopping power." Moving up too early in training is the most common bitting mistake. The Professional's Choice Futurity Bit with its short gag action is a popular bridging option that adds some leverage while staying approachable for horses mid-transition.

Are Myler bits actually worth the price?

The Horse Forum and Chronicle of the Horse are unusually unanimous on this one: for the right horse, yes. Myler's patented mouthpiece design allows each side to move independently — eliminating the nutcracker effect of standard jointed bits — and the curved shape allows horses to swallow naturally during work. Riders report that fussy, head-tossing, or resistant horses often settle within the first few rides. The Myler Western Dee Snaffle MB 03 is the entry point of the system, while the graduated levels allow you to move up as your horse's training advances. The caveat forums always add: Mylers reward light hands. A rider with heavy contact won't see the same results.

What does sweet iron do — and why is copper in so many bits?

Sweet iron is mild steel that oxidizes (rusts slightly) with use, developing a faintly sweet taste that encourages horses to salivate, mouth the bit softly, and accept contact more willingly. Copper inlays and rollers take this further — copper has a naturally sweet flavor that promotes chewing and relaxation. You'll find this combination throughout our best-selling Western performance bits like the Professional's Choice Brittany Pozzi Lifter Bit and the Professional's Choice PC Covered Cricket Roller Bit, where the cricket (roller) gives a busy-mouthed horse something to focus on instead of bracing against the rein.

How to Choose the Right Bit

  • Start with your horse's training level, not the bit's appearance: A beautiful silver show bit on an underprepared horse creates resistance, not collection. Match leverage level to where your horse actually is in training.
  • Match mouthpiece thickness to mouth sensitivity: Thinner mouthpieces (like twisted wire) create more concentrated pressure and should be used by experienced hands. Thicker, smooth mouthpieces are gentler and better for young or sensitive horses.
  • Fit matters as much as style: The bit should sit at the corners of the mouth with 1-2 wrinkles and the rings should never press the cheeks. Bit guards like the Weaver Neoprene Bit Guards ($14) protect sensitive-skinned horses from ring rub.
  • Shank length determines leverage ratio: Short shanks (under 6") are milder and more forgiving. Long shanks (7-8"+) amplify every movement and should only be used by riders with quiet, educated hands.

Brands Riders Trust

Professional's Choice and their Bob Avila signature series dominate the Western performance world — their bits are found in barrel racing, reining, and cutting arenas nationwide. Myler is the go-to for horses with tongue sensitivity or resistance issues, with a graduated system that lets you dial in exactly the right pressure for your horse's level. Weaver offers reliable, well-built options at accessible price points for everyday riding and training. Shires rounds out the English and all-around disciplines with quality stainless steel snaffles, Pelhams, and bauchers.

At Hooves and Paws, our bit collection spans from a $17 starter snaffle to a $190 Bob Avila signature curb — with over 760 options covering every discipline, mouth size, and training level. If you're not sure where to start, the brands and styles our customers return to most are a reliable guide. Fast shipping, 30 years of tack experience, and a team that has strong opinions about bits.

Further Reading