Greg Darnall Bits – Curb, Transition and Turning

Greg Darnall Curb Bits, Transition Bits and Special Tuning Bits Designed to Produce Great Results

Note:The curb bits are arranged on this page with the mildest bits listed first. Before ordering, you may want to read Larry Trocha's Horse Training Tips newsletter which details how and when to use the different types of curb bits.

Transition Curb Bits

These bits are designed to help graduate your horse from the snaffle to a bit that uses leverage. The transition bits are appropriate when first introducing a horse to neck-reining but can also be used with a direct-rein to position his head.

Each mouthpiece is made of "sweet iron" and has inlaid copper strips to produce the taste that horses prefer.

Also, these bits are a "no pinch" design. Many bits will pinch a horse's lower lip between the top ring and the curb chain. The lips will also get pinched by the cheek-piece joint. Pinching is not a problem with any of the bits listed below.

These high-quality curb bits are hand-made by master bit maker, Greg Darnall.

Important info: The shorter the cheek-piece (shank), the less leverage the bit has. A bit with 7" shanks has less leverage and is milder than a bit with 8" shanks. Most horses will do best with the 8" shanks. However, a 7" shank may be better for a horse that has an exceptionally sensitive mouth.

Argentine Snaffle

This bit is perfect to use as the first step in the transition process. The short, curved-back shanks allows the horse to learn to respond to the curb yet is very mild. The loose-shanks provide for good direct-rein lateral flexion. Recommended for horses that are very sensitive.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 7/16" diameter snaffle

Cheek-piece (shank): 5" long

Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special pricePrice $69.00

Snaffle Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks

This bit is a great transition bit. It still has the snaffle mouthpiece but the longer shanks provide for more curb effect. Available in two shank lengths. 8" shanks for the standard curb control or 7" shanks for a milder effect.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 7/16" diameter snaffle

Cheek-piece (shank): choice of 7" or 8" long

Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.

7" shanks, Special price $69.00

8" shanks, Special price $69.00

Billy Allen Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks (Highly Recommended)

This is the ultimate transition bit. If I had to choose just one transition bit, this would be the one.

Basically, its a snaffle mouthpiece with a "roller" molded over the middle joint. This roller "limits" the movement of the mouthpiece. What's great about this, is the horse gets the feel of a mouthpiece that is almost "solid" but still has some "flex" to it.

This semi-solid mouthpiece gives you a lot of control without scaring or worrying the horse. A good bit that horses actually like, you can usually leave a horse in it for most of his training. I highly recommend this bit.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, Billy Allen

Cheek-piece (shank): choice of 7" or 8" long

Usual price of this bit is $110. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special… Order Now and Save $41

7" shanks, Special price $69.00

8" shanks, Special price $69.00

Loose-Shanked Curb Bits

These curb bits are designed for positive control and feel. The loose shanks allow for good direct-rein or neck-rein response.

Each mouthpiece is made of "sweet iron" and has inlaid copper stripes to produce the taste that horses prefer.

Also, these bits are a "no pinch" design. Many bits will pinch a horse's lower lip between the top ring and the curb chain. The lips will also get pinched by the cheekpiece joint. Pinching is not a problem with any of the bits listed on this page.

These high-quality bits are hand-made by master bit maker, Greg Darnall.

Maintenance tip: To keep the cheek pieces of the bit operating smoothly, occasionally put a drop of oil or WD40 in the cheek joints.

Low-Port Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks

This is usually the first solid-mouthpiece bit that a horse should go in. The low port is mild plus the loose shanks allows for good direct-rein suppling and lateral control.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 1/2" diameter, low-port

Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long

Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special price $69.00

Medium-Port Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks

This medium-port bit is for horses that require more tongue relief and bar pressure. Its a very good "middle-of-the-road" curb bit that gives plenty of control yet is relatively mild.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 1/2" diameter, medium-port

Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long

Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special price $69.00

High-Port Mouthpiece with Loose-Shanks

This high-port bit is for horses that require a lot of tongue relief and bar pressure. The port is high but it's also wide which allows plenty of room. Its a very good curb bit that offers more control than the low port mouthpiece.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, 3/8" diameter, high-port

Cheek-piece (shank): 8" long

Usual price of this bit is $85. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special price $69.00

Correction Curb Bits

Based on bit maker, Don Hansen's design, these two correction bits are ideal for "tuning" and "lightening" a horse up. Good results are usually accomplished in just a few rides. They can be used anytime the horse gets too heavy and needs a little extra. After the horse lightens up, he should be put back into his regular bit.

The correction bits should only be used on horses that know how to respond to a transition or curb bit.

The mouthpiece is overlaid with good-tasting copper. Shanks are stainless steel.

Correction Mouthpiece with Medium Shanks Highly Recommended

This is the ideal bit to lighten-up your horse. Ride the horse a few days in this bit and he'll become lighter and more responsive than ever.

The correction mouthpiece really helps with the horse's stop. And the loose shanks allows you to easily flex the horse's head laterally for correct circles and turns.

Once good results are achieved, put the horse back into his regular curb or transition bit.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, copper correction

Cheek-piece (shank): 7 1/2" long

Usual price of this bit is $65. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special price $49.00

Correction Mouthpiece with Argentine Shanks

This is the bit to use to really lighten up a horse that is normally ridden in one of the above transition bits.

The correction mouthpiece really helps with the horse's stop. And the short, curved-back shank allows you to easily flex the horse's head laterally for correct circles and turns.

Overall, a really good bit for a horse that needs to pay more attention but isn't ready for a longer shanked bit.

Mouthpiece: 5" wide, copper correction

Cheek-piece (shank): 5" long

Usual price of this bit is $65. Special price available for a limited time only.

Special price $49.00