Professional's Choice Curb Bit Setup Kit - Strap & Bit Hobble

The Two Pieces That Make a Shanked Bit Work

Riders argue endlessly about mouthpieces and almost never about the hardware that makes leverage work. The Professional's Choice Curb Bit Setup Kit is the Al Dunning 2-buckle curb strap and double knot bit hobble — the two pieces that decide how a shanked bit actually behaves.

The curb strap is what the shank rotates against; without it a curb bit has nothing to work on and a high port can tip toward the palate. The bit hobble ties the shanks together so the bit stops twisting independently in the mouth, which is what makes a young horse brace and gape. Both are Hermann Oak leather.

What Is in the Set

• Professional's Choice Al Dunning 2-Buckle Curb Strap - 5/8" Hermann Oak Harness Leather & Solid Brass Hardware — SKU AD9206HL · $33.89 bought alone
• Professional's Choice Al Dunning Double Knot Bit Hobble - Premium Harness Leather & Burgundy Latigo - One Size — SKU AD9207HL · $33.89 bought alone

Buy it as a set and save $6.79 — about 10% off the price of the same items bought separately. Every piece is sold individually on our site; the links are there so you can check for yourself.

Why Riders Choose This Set

• Leverage needs something to work against — A curb bit without a curb strap is not a mild bit, it is an unset one. Two fingers between strap and jaw is the standard.
• Stops the shanks working independently — The bit hobble keeps both shanks moving together, so the mouthpiece stays level instead of twisting.
• Hermann Oak leather — American tannery leather that breaks in and holds its shape rather than stretching out in a season.
• The pieces people leave off — Almost nobody buys these with the bit, and almost everybody needs them.
• Signature Al Dunning hardware — From the Al Dunning line, made for horses being brought along into a shank.

Best For

Riders transitioning a horse into a shanked bit looking for the curb strap and bit hobble that make leverage work correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a bit hobble actually do?

It connects the two shanks under the horse's chin so they move together. Without it each shank can rotate on its own, which twists the mouthpiece and teaches a horse to brace. On a young horse coming into a shank it makes a noticeable difference.

Q: How tight should the curb strap be?

Two fingers laid flat between the strap and the jaw with the bit at rest. Looser and the bit rotates a long way before the strap engages, which drives a high port toward the palate. Tighter and the bit is working before you ask.

Q: Is this for a snaffle or a curb bit?

A curb, meaning any bit with shanks and leverage. A snaffle works on direct pressure and takes a curb strap only to stop the rings pulling through the mouth, not to set leverage.

Warehouse note: this is a kitted bundle. The bundle SKU lists every component SKU in order, separated by “ - ”, so it can be picked straight from the SKU. A component listed twice is scanned twice.

Happy Tails, Happy Trails — HOOVES & PAWS