Bit Information (Curb and Western type bits and hackamores)

This is a fantastic thread! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it, smrobs. I've always wanted to be better-educated on western bits!

Wow, amazing information and amazing post!thank you

Thank you very much. My daughter's lease paint uses a snaffle almost exclusively, but for 4-H she needs to transition him to a curb of sorts. We're trying the first bit tomorrow with her instructor. Thanks so much for this information...now I have an idea of what we are dealing with.

Wow! So much info! Thanks! I have been trying to figure out which bit to use for my own Foxtrotter and the new horse my daughter will be using for 4H. We've been using a Tom Thumb on my Foxtrotter because that's what I always heard was the most universal bit. She's very responsive and goes just fine in a halter and lead rope, so I thought it would be kinder to give her something a little nicer. Would you recommend a simple snaffle or the bit you use for the horses graduating from a snaffle?
Also, for the new 4H horse, we're working on learning neck reining with him and currently he's in a simple snaffle. He's pretty willful, so I want to make sure she has control, but she's only 11, so I don't want her to accidentally hurt him. When do I know he's ready to move up? Her 4H group will let her use the snaffle until it's time for shows next summer.
Oh, and the bit you like, does it have a name?

Brandilion, it really depends on what you would prefer to use. I would stick with a snaffle unless both horses neck rein well. I will usually move a horse up when they are pretty consistent at neck reining and only occasionally need a bit of correction.

If you are interested in the bit that I use, this one is almost identical (the company that made mine doesn't make them anymore).
Pinchless Low Port Reining Bit - Statelinetack.com

Great job, smrobs. I agree that it should be stickied.

Smrobs- may I have your permission to share this post on my blog?

Sure, I am all for more people reading this and hopefully learning something they didn't know before.

To the 4H parents: I am in the same boat..need a shank for western in 4H or we would be happy riding in the snaffles.

Where can you find the curbs with the shorter shanks? Is 6 1/2" shanks considered pretty short?
Thanks

Yep, in any bit that is worth it's cost, either 6 or 6 1/2 is about as short a shanks as I have been able to find. My fave bit is in a link a couple of posts above this but I also really like the looks of this bit. I will probably end up getting one of these as well just to see how it feels.
Antique Low Port Hinged Futurity Bit - Statelinetack.com