Choosing The Best Curb Bit for Your Horse

The curb bit and curb shank bit is a great bit option for giving a horse a subtle cue with the reins, allowing the rider to communicate with less hand action as compared to snaffle-style bits. The cheek piece on a curb shank bit is called a “shank”. The longer the shank is on a curb shank bit, the more leverage you will have on the horse’s mouth when applying pressure on the reins. Curb bits can come in various lengths, styles, and cheek pieces such as Hackamore / Bitless, Pelham, Shank / Western Curb, Tom Thumb, and Weymouth / English Curb.

As with any bit, some horses may prefer different materials for the mouthpiece such as Black Steel, Copper Inlay / Copper Roller, Copper Mouthpiece, Stainless Steel, or Sweet Iron. No matter what type of bit you prefer to use on your horse, you can always find the right fit with the wide assortment available of curb bits and curb shank bits!

Frequently Asked Questions About Curb Bits

What are curb horse bits used for?

A curb bit is used to give the horse a subtle cue with the reins, allowing a rider to communicate while riding on a loose rein or when they want to be discreet with their commands.

What do longer shanks mean in a curb bit?

On a curb shank bit, the longer the shank is, the more leverage you will have on the horse’s mouth when applying pressure on the reins. The shanks, which are the lower part of the cheek pieces on a curb shank bit, where the rein attaches, can come in various lengths, with the longer styles being used for more control of the mouth.

How to measure shank length for a curb bit?

To measure the shank length on a curb bit you want to follow what is called a leverage ratio. A snaffle bit has a 1:1 ratio when you pull on a regular snaffle bit, the horse will feel, pound-for-pound, the amount of pressure you apply. On a shank curb bit, the top portion of the cheek piece where the bridle or headstall attaches is called the “purchase”. The lower portion of the cheek piece where the rein attaches is called the “shank”. To measure your shank length ratio, you will measure how long the shank is and compare it to the size of the purchase. For example, if the shank is 2x the length of the purchase your ratio is 1:2. This length shank would apply 2lbs of pressure on the horse’s mouth for every 1 lb of pressure you apply to the reins. The angle of your shank also impacts the action it applies to a horse’s mouth. The straighter the shank, the more immediate the bit applies pressure versus a curved shank.

What is the difference between a curb and snaffle bit?

A curb bit is different from a regular snaffle bit as a curb bit utilizes leverage and rotation in a more direct way when compared to a western snaffle. A snaffle applies equal pressure across the horse’s mouth. A curb bit allows the rider to put direct leverage on the horse’s mouth, pressure on the crown of the horse and their poll, and across a curb chain or strap on their chin.