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Western Bits

Western Bits

Western bits play a major role in how you communicate with your horse. The right bit supports clear cues, comfortable fit, and confident riding – whether you’re starting a young horse or refining signals with a seasoned partner.

At Saddle Up Colorado, we carry a carefully selected range of western bits designed to suit different training levels, mouth shapes, and riding goals. From simple snaffle bits to leverage-based curb and correction bits, our selection helps you find the right balance of comfort, responsiveness, and control for your horse.

handcrafted black steel cheeks and center LifeSaver ring on white background

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Billy Allen
Billy Allen

Find the perfect balance of control and comfort with a Billy Allen mouthpiece Western bit at Saddle Up Western Saddle & Tack Shop. Designed to provide clear communication while preventing excessive tongue pressure, the Billy Allen mouthpiece features a hinged, solid-bar design that allows independent cheek movement for better responsiveness. Ideal for training, trail riding, and performance, this bit promotes a softer, more responsive horse.

 

Correction
Correction

Correction bits are training bits used by advanced riders and finished horses. The mouthpiece applies pressure to the horse's tongue at the flexible joints of the port and the bars of the horse's mouth. Correction mouthpieces are used on shank bits, gag bits or combination bits. There are multiple styles to choose from that includes copper, sweet iron, or stainless steel. Correction bit shank styles can be plain, have an antique brown finish, or silver overlay trim for a show bit. Use correction bits with care. They are often used in reining shows and other competitions that require a finished horse and soft handed rider. 

Dee Ring
Dee Ring

 A Dee Ring Bit is a compromise between a full cheek snaffle and an eggbutt. It has a vertical shank that extends above and below the mouthpiece.  They are joined on the top and bottom by a D-shaped ring on swivel joints. It helps prevent pinching at the corners of the mouth. It has less bulk than an eggbutt and it provides lateral control through the vertical shanks.  

Dutton Bits
Dutton Bits

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Eggbutt
Eggbutt

The eggbutt is a common multi-discipline style of cheek piece for snaffle bits. It minimizes rings that pinch the edges of the horse’s mouth and provides lateral stabilization. By flaring out the ends of the mouthpiece and joining the rings with swivel joints  where the lips make contact at the edge of the bit, the eggbutt can be a more comfortable for many horses.  The edges of the mouthpiece are less likely to pinch the horse’s lips and because the cheek is fixed in relation to the mouthpiece, the bit offers moderate lateral control. 

Gag Bits
Gag Bits

Discover our collection of Western gag bits, designed for experienced riders seeking more refined control, elevation, and responsiveness. Gag bits are often used in barrel racing, roping, and other performance events where quick cues and precision matter. Whether you're tuning up a seasoned horse or enhancing your competition edge, we carry quality bits from trusted brands that help get the job done right.

Key Features:

  • Offers more lift and leverage for increased control

  • Great for advanced riders and trained horses

  • Ideal for barrel racing, roping, and high-speed events

  • Available in short and long shanks, twisted wire, smooth, and combo mouthpieces

  • Encourages collection and responsiveness

  • Made with quality stainless steel, sweet iron, and copper inlays

  • Trusted brands like Classic Equine, Reinsman, Professional’s Choice & more

Loose Ring
Loose Ring

Loose ring bits have a circular ring which rotates around on the mouthpiece. It allows the bit to be very mobile, more so than any other ring. It promotes relaxing in the horse because of the free movement. The loose ring will also rotate before the bit mouthpiece adds pressure to the mouth. This allows more signal than a fixed bit. This is a common choice for young horses who are in training because of the mild action and loose movement of the ring. 

 

Long Shank
Long Shank

A long shank increases the leverage and the pressure on the curb groove and the bars of the mouth. Longer shanked bits rotate back further before applying pressure on the horse's mouth than shorter-shanked bits. Having a long shank on your bit insures more leverage and your message is quicker. Typically, riders introduce a long shank once they have a finished/experienced horse as it can be a bit more pressure in the mouth. 

Myler Bits
Myler Bits

Myler bits are one of our top selling bits. They are designed to help the communication between horse and rider. It allows the rider's hands and horse to work together with very little resistance. Myler designs many different styles of bits to fit each individual horse and rider team. They truly care about you and your horse being relaxed during your ride. These bits are made in the USA and are known to be the best quality. 

Short Shank
Short Shank

A Short Shanked Bit is very common in multiple disciplines. It can be included with multiple mouthpieces. It is usually a milder bit, but also responds quickly when the rider touches the reins. Short shanked bits are usually better for a young horse transitioning from a snaffle to a curb because if the inexperienced horse gets into a place where bit pressure from the rider's hands becomes significant, there is less leverage pressure placed on the horse's head.

Snaffle
Snaffle

A snaffle bit is the most common type of bit used in the horse community. It consists of a mouthpiece with a ring on either side and acts with direct pressure. A snaffle is not necessarily a bit with a jointed mouthpiece, as is often thought. A bit is a snaffle because it creates direct pressure without leverage on the mouth. It is a bit without shanks. The snaffle bit works on several parts of the horse's mouth including the tongue and bars, the lips of the horse also feel pressure. The rings also serve to act on the side of the mouth and the sides of the jawbone.

Tom Balding
Tom Balding

At Saddle Up Western Saddle & Tack Shop, we proudly carry Tom Balding Bits, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, balance, and precision. Handcrafted in the USA, these premium bits are trusted by professional horsemen and riders of all disciplines for their smooth performance and superior control.

Why Choose Tom Balding Bits?

Each bit is meticulously crafted from high-quality stainless steel and sweet iron, ensuring durability and comfort for your horse. The precise balance and innovative designs promote effective communication, making these bits ideal for training, competition, and everyday riding.

A Style for Every Rider

Our collection includes a variety of shank bits, snaffles, correction bits, and custom designs, catering to the unique needs of both rider and horse. Whether you're looking for a mild training bit or a refined bit for advanced performance, Tom Balding Bits deliver the responsiveness and feel you need.

Unmatched Craftsmanship & Performance

Tom Balding Bits are renowned worldwide for their quality and functionality. Used by professional reiners, cutters, ropers, and ranch riders, these bits offer precision control with a comfortable fit, helping you and your horse perform at your best.

Explore our selection of Tom Balding Bits at Saddle Up Western Saddle & Tack Shop and experience the difference that expert craftsmanship makes in your ride!

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Western Bit Styles

Snaffle Bits

Snaffle bits apply direct pressure to the horse’s mouth without leverage. Common styles include loose ring, eggbutt, full cheek, and D-ring snaffles. These are often used for starting young horses or maintaining soft, straightforward communication.

Western Bit Styles

Curb Bits

Curb bits use shanks to create leverage, applying pressure to the mouth, chin through a curb chain, and the poll. These are typically used on horses with more training who respond to lighter cues.

Western Bit Styles

Correction Bits

Correction bits feature a ported mouthpiece with added movement, encouraging a horse to stay soft and responsive while discouraging heavy contact.

Western Bit Styles

Gag Bits

Gag bits combine snaffle-style mouthpieces with sliding cheekpieces, adding poll pressure along with mouth pressure. They’re often used for specific training or control needs.

snaffle bit
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Why Riders Choose Saddle Up Colorado

When it comes to western tack, experience matters. We’re here to help you make confident, informed choices.

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Knowledgeable Support

Real rider insight on bit styles, mouthpieces, and shank lengths to match your horse and riding needs.

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Personal Guidance

From young horses to seasoned performers, we help you choose a bit that fits your horse and your goals.

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Quality Tack

Western bits built with high-quality materials like stainless steel and sweet iron from trusted makers.

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Broad Selection

Compare snaffle bits, curb bits, correction bits, and gag bits across a wide range of designs and price points.

Why Saddle Up Colorado?

Family-Owned, Rider-Run

Since 1997, our family-owned tack shop has helped riders find gear that truly works. Decades of hands-on experience guide everything we carry.

Why Saddle Up Colorado?

Advice You Can Trust

We understand how different bit styles perform across disciplines. Our team can walk you through mouthpiece options, leverage levels, and fit considerations.

Why Saddle Up Colorado?

Quality That Lasts

We only stock bits that meet our standards for construction and finish. No rough edges. No flimsy hardware. Just dependable western bits you can trust.

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Need Help Choosing a Bit?

Not sure which bit style, mouthpiece material, or level of leverage fits your horse? Our team is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and help you choose a western bit that supports your horse’s comfort, training, and your riding goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a snaffle bit and a curb bit?

A snaffle bit applies direct pressure without leverage. A curb bit uses shanks to add leverage, applying pressure to the mouth, chin, and poll. Snaffles are common for younger or lightly trained horses, while curb bits are used for refined cues.

How do I know what size bit my horse needs?

Bit width is measured across the mouthpiece. A correct fit allows about a quarter inch of space on each side. Too wide and the bit slides; too narrow and it pinches. Our team can help you determine the right size.

Is a thicker or thinner mouthpiece better?

It depends on your horse. A thicker mouthpiece spreads pressure over a larger area, which can feel gentler to horses with sensitive mouths. A thinner mouthpiece concentrates pressure and may provide a sharper feel for horses that need more direct communication. Neither is universally better; it comes down to your horse's needs.

What is sweet iron and why do some riders prefer it?

Sweet iron is a type of metal that oxidizes over time, creating a light rust that produces a sweet taste. Many horses find this appealing, which encourages salivation and a softer, more relaxed mouth. Sweet iron bits are popular for horses that tend to resist or stay dry-mouthed with stainless steel.

Can I return a bit if it does not work for my horse?

We want you to be happy with your purchase. If a bit does not work out, contact our team to discuss your options. Please keep the bit clean and in sellable condition.