What is a good western bit?

[Ariesgrl131]

I don't know what bit Remy used to ride in so I am on the perfect bit hunt. Any recommendations? He doesn't need anything aggressive, but I don't want anything to mild. I rode him last night in a english d ring snaffle and he did fine so maybe something like that but western version.

[TLC97]

You can get really simple snaffles with short shanks and those tend to be really mild.

[cloedoll]

Well, there's no simple answer of course, lol. I would try Western-y d-ring or loose ring, the cheekpieces don't differ much (function wise), the important thing is that it fits and has the same mouthpiece as the d-ring. Which by the way, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of mouth piece does the d-ring have?


but I don't want anything to mild


Can I ask why? xD If your horse responds to a mild bit (which a d-ring is), that's great! Of course any bit can be harsh in the wrong hands, but I'd recommend staying in a mild bit if it's what he responds to.

[WashingtonBay]

If there was one answer to this question there wouldn't be a whole wall of different bits at the tack store :)

[luvs2ride1979]

The very definition of a snaffle is "mild" lol. D rings are great! Why do you need a "western" one? Just for the look? If so, then maybe one of these would suit you.
http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=8299&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=26&iProductID=8299
http://www.rods.com/p/589,228_Reinsman-one-half-Billy-Allen-Offset-Dee-Ring-Bit.html

If you want something with just a bit more "umph" AND your horse neck reins, you could try something like one of these.
http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1644&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=28&iProductID=1644
http://www.rods.com/p/3131,229_Good-Water-Argentine-Bit-by-Partrade.html

Single joint curb bits should be avoided:
http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/TroublewithTomThumb.htm

"Snaffle" curb bits are a total misnomer. A "snaffle" canNOT have shanks, at all, for the bit to still be considered a snaffle. Putting a broken mouth piece on a curb bit STILL makes it a "curb" bit. ;)

[WashingtonBay]

If you're going to show, they usually want a western curb bit for any rail classes once the horse is over about age 4. Otherwise, use whatever bit works :)

[Ariesgrl131]

I guess what I am after is on a scale 1-10 with 1 being bitless and 10 being a correction, Im looking for like a 3 or a 4 maybe a 5. Is there a mild snaffle with a low shank?

[WashingtonBay]

In a curb, or in a snaffle? Do you direct or neck rein? Do you like to ride on contact or do you like to ride with a loose rein? Is a verticle headset desirable - as in to show in Western Pleasure, or will you just be riding trails and letting him stretch out and even eat a bit on the way... there's a lot of considerations. :)

[AppyLover]

Jointed uxeter kimberwicke I think fits the bill for what it sounds like you want. Dover has one on sale for around $25. I know they seem like more of an english bit but I think it would work good.

[cloedoll]

Jointed uxeter kimberwicke I think fits the bill for what it sounds like you want. Dover has one on sale for around $25. I know they seem like more of an english bit but I think it would work good.

Meh, I always thought Kimberwicks were bulky looking and reminded me of a Western bit, haha...I know they're English, though. xD

[Ariesgrl131]

In a curb, or in a snaffle? Do you direct or neck rein? Do you like to ride on contact or do you like to ride with a loose rein? Is a verticle headset desirable - as in to show in Western Pleasure, or will you just be riding trails and letting him stretch out and even eat a bit on the way... there's a lot of considerations. :)


Loose rein, He rides with his head low but not a peanut roll ;) I'd rather have a snaffle because he is only 7 (which is young to me) and I dont know what training he has had. Thats a reason why I want a low shank to so is I need more leverage I have it.

[luv2show]

I'm sooo confused lol...
Do you ride with one or two hands?

[cloedoll]

What luv2show said, lol. You can ride on a loose rein while direct reining or neck reining, so which one are you doing? xD I would personally start out with a snaffle and see where he is at training wise, then you will be able to decide what bit would be best suited for him...IMO.

[Ariesgrl131]

Sorry I missed that question. I like to neck rein.

[cloedoll]

Ah, ok. I'll let WBay answer then or whoever, lol, I know nothing about bits to use w/ neck reining.

[alittleoffkey]

So are you showing? If you're showing western then you have to get a curb. The shorter the shanks, the milder the bit.

I ride western (but don't show) and keep all my horses in varieties of snaffles. If you don't know how much training he's had, and that's the only reason you want a shanked bit, then that's reasoning I don't agree with. Harsher bits are for higher levels of training and refinement - not for control (in my opinion). ;)

[Ariesgrl131]

So are you showing? If you're showing western then you have to get a curb. The shorter the shanks, the milder the bit.

I ride western (but don't show) and keep all my horses in varieties of snaffles. If you don't know how much training he's had, and that's the only reason you want a shanked bit, then that's reasoning I don't agree with. Harsher bits are for higher levels of training and refinement - not for control (in my opinion). ;)


I'm not showing. I do understand the shorter the shank the milder the bit. Thats why I said I would like a short shank. I dont know his training.......If I get on a trail with a very very mild bit a a rabbit jumps out and he takes off I need control. If in 3 months there are no issues I will go down to a milder bit.

[cloedoll]

Hmm, maybe on trails you could use a bit with a little more 'umph' (is that how you spell it? haha) and the rest of the time use a milder bit. I don't think it would be bad to use a harsher bit on the trails because you never know what's going to happen and I think it would be better knowing your horse is going to stop/get under control than just hoping he/she does.

[alittleoffkey]

I agree with Caitlin. :) A wonder/gag bit would be a nice inbetween bit (or a kimberwicke, but I've never ridden in one, so don't hold me to that). A gag bit lets you adjust how harsh it is, so it could be a very mild bit or a bit with a bit of bite - but not too much. :)

[luvs2ride1979]

As already posted...

If you want something with just a bit more "umph" AND your horse neck reins, you could try something like one of these (with shanks).
http://www.sstack.com/shopping/produ...ProductID=1644 (http://www.sstack.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=1644&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=4&iSubCat=28&iProductID=1644)
http://www.rods.com/p/3131,229_Good-...-Partrade.html (http://www.rods.com/p/3131,229_Good-Water-Argentine-Bit-by-Partrade.html)

Single joint curb bits should be avoided:
http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/...thTomThumb.htm (http://www.todayshorse.com/Articles/TroublewithTomThumb.htm)

"Snaffle" curb bits are a total misnomer. A "snaffle" canNOT have shanks, at all, for the bit to still be considered a snaffle. Putting a broken mouth piece on a curb bit STILL makes it a "curb" bit. ;)

[Ariesgrl131]

Ok, I like the second one. Thanks luv2ride! I think i'll search ebay for it.