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What is the most popular western bit? Also what is a good western bit for training a horse or retraining as it were. The person I am buying the horse from does not kind of bit she was trained with or is used to. Also what is the best kinds of reins, headstall and such. I am going tack shopping tomorrow for my first western tacked horse. lol

At the barn that I work at, all the horses have either regular curb bits or tom thumbs. i hate them personally. I'd rather put an English bit on a western horse. It's not like it makes a difference the riding type of bit you use. we use all abetta or wintec saddles.

Really you never need more than a snaffle, but for western shows curb bits are needed. I like grazing bits with a low port and 5" cheeks. That's my personal prefference, but it really depends on the horse, how sensitive they are and their previous training so i can't help much.

ok well i am going to buy two bits to start. What do are good one to try first? and I'll go from there.

I use french link snaffle on my horses even though they are western ridden. Don't think one need curb unless you show, but it's just my opinion. What kind of "training/retraining" are you talking about?

I like a snaffle bit for training retraining. For the headstall/bridle I like the ones with the leather bit keepers not the ones with the screws. I've had the screws fall out too many times and they are easy to lose. Also for just starting out I recommend a barrel racing rein. They usually have knots on them at certain hand positions and it makes it easier to find the center. I think the split reins are just too much to keep track of for a beginner. I was told by an old cowboy that less is better on a horses head. So I ride in a one ear headstall without the chin strap. Even though I'm not a basic beginner I still prefer a barrel racing rein, plus they usually come in pretty colors I have some like these in differnt colors.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Braided-Knot...QQcmdZViewItem

Vida I have that same pair but in Purple/tan. I love them.

I prefer just getting like Contest/Barrel racing reins as well but I almost never use a bridle, I kind of ride with a halter and lead but

I agree, split reins are too much for a beginner they got lost in the tangles of leather.