Western bits and bits with shanks

Western shank bits – leverage properly understood

A shank bit has shanks and a curb chain. Rein pressure is amplified and acts additionally through the curb chain and poll – the horse responds to the lightest signal, which is exactly why it is ridden one-handed on a finished horse. We carry 64 models from 12 to 199 euro.

The shanks

Short shanks have short levers and act faster but more mildly – the usual first step into a curb bit. Long shanks multiply pressure more; the aid arrives more slowly and more distinctly. S-shanks and Z-shanks are curved and give the horse more warning before the mouthpiece acts. Flat shanks are the flat, wide shanks of the Myler line. As a rule of thumb: the longer the shank, the greater the leverage – and the quieter the hand has to be.

The mouthpieces

The low port has a shallow tongue relief and is the mildest of the curb mouthpieces – here from 49 euro, also as the Classic Equine shoulder holder and with a roller. The correction bit is hinged and acts on each side independently; it is a training bit for experienced hands, not a stronger spare part for a missing brake. The spoon bit with its high port and the Classic Equine hinge port belong to the bits ridden on a finished horse with a very fine hand. Alongside them we carry Billy Allen and Avila mouthpieces as well as sweet iron and blue steel.

Brands

We carry Myler (Toklat) with flat shank bits MS.02, MS.04 and MS.09 and the Avila models MS.27 and MS.41 – the latter at Level 2–3, meaning horses that are already advanced, up to 199 euro. Classic Equine by Equibrand contributes correction bits, low ports and show models. The AF bits appear here as a correction bit and performance show bit from 69 euro; the full line is in AF Western Bit Line.

Fitting the curb chain

The curb chain lies flat in the chin groove with about two fingers of room. Too tight takes away the horse's warning; too loose makes the bit unpredictable. Curb chains from 6 euro, show curb chain 12 euro, curb straps from 7 euro and the spacer bar for shank bits from 7 euro are held in this category.

Getting there

A curb bit is not a stronger bit for a horse that is hard to steer in a snaffle – it is the bit for a horse that already responds to weight and leg and goes one-handed on a loose rein. Until that is in place, the work belongs in a snaffle bit.

Frequently asked questions

What is a western curb bit?
A bit with shanks and a curb chain. It works through leverage and is ridden one-handed on a trained horse.

Short shanks or long shanks?
Short shanks act faster and more mildly and are the usual starting point. Long shanks multiply pressure more and ask for a very quiet hand.

Is a correction bit severe?
It is a training bit with independently moving sides and separate action – nuanced in an experienced hand, problematic in an inexperienced one.

How tight should the curb chain be?
Flat in the chin groove with about two fingers of room. Too tight removes the horse's warning.

What does low port mean?
A shallow tongue relief in the mouthpiece. Low ports are among the mildest curb mouthpieces.