The Reinsman Traditional Silver Mounted Curb is a market leader thanks to its time-tested, conservative styling and reliable construction favored by many show professionals; its balanced shank geometry and classic silver mounts make it a go-to for exhibitors who prioritize predictable performance. Financially it sits in the midrange of this group, offering a durable, competition-ready option that undercuts the highest-priced engraved and sterling pieces while outperforming lower-cost plated alternatives on longevity.
Traditional silhouette
Durable silver mount
Traditional silhouette
Durable silver mount
Review Summary
"Users consistently commend the Reinsman Traditional Silver Mounted Curb for its traditional styling, excellent fit, and professional finish, calling it a top choice for competitive showing; the main complaint is the premium price. Most buyers report long-term satisfaction and consistent performance."
Classic show swagger
Hand-mounted silver fittings with classic scroll or floral engraving suited to show rings.
Classic show swagger
Hand-mounted silver fittings with classic scroll or floral engraving suited to show rings.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Reinsman Traditional Silver Mounted Curb is a market leader thanks to its time-tested, conservative styling and reliable construction favored by many show professionals; its balanced shank geometry and classic silver mounts make it a go-to for exhibitors who prioritize predictable performance. Financially it sits in the midrange of this group, offering a durable, competition-ready option that undercuts the highest-priced engraved and sterling pieces while outperforming lower-cost plated alternatives on longevity.
Traditional silhouette
Durable silver mount
Classic show swagger
Hand-mounted silver fittings with classic scroll or floral engraving suited to show rings.
Available shank lengths and rein attachment points to adjust leverage and responsiveness.
Traditional silhouette
Durable silver mount
Classic show swagger
Hand-mounted silver fittings with classic scroll or floral engraving suited to show rings.
Available shank lengths and rein attachment points to adjust leverage and responsiveness.
$500-800 USD
Professional's Choice Bob Avila Training Shank
The Professional's Choice Bob Avila Training Shank is a practical market leader for budget-conscious programs focused on Training Curb Bit Models, offering durable materials and trainer-backed geometry that gives predictable leverage at a lower acquisition cost. It sacrifices some of the specialized mouthpiece engineering found in Myler or the articulated port action of Circle Y but delivers consistent, economical performance that makes it ideal for barns needing multiple, easy-to-replace training bits.
Progressive cueing
Stable shank design
Progressive cueing
Stable shank design
Review Summary
"Professional's Choice Bob Avila Training Shank is valued for its sturdy construction and predictable leverage that many trainers trust for progression; a minority report it can be too assertive without careful hands. Regular users cite durability and consistent results."
Bob's signature nudge
Budget-friendly trainer shank favored by instructors for everyday practice.
Bob's signature nudge
Budget-friendly trainer shank favored by instructors for everyday practice.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Professional's Choice Bob Avila Training Shank is a practical market leader for budget-conscious programs focused on Training Curb Bit Models, offering durable materials and trainer-backed geometry that gives predictable leverage at a lower acquisition cost. It sacrifices some of the specialized mouthpiece engineering found in Myler or the articulated port action of Circle Y but delivers consistent, economical performance that makes it ideal for barns needing multiple, easy-to-replace training bits.
Progressive cueing
Stable shank design
Bob's signature nudge
Budget-friendly trainer shank favored by instructors for everyday practice.
Simple, smooth mouthpiece designed to deliver milder, more predictable cues.
Progressive cueing
Stable shank design
Bob's signature nudge
Budget-friendly trainer shank favored by instructors for everyday practice.
Simple, smooth mouthpiece designed to deliver milder, more predictable cues.
$120-180 USD
The Weaver Leather Tom Thumb Snaffle is the most budget-oriented option on this list, delivering a familiar, simple shank/snaffle combination for everyday schooling and turnout. Its low cost and ubiquity make it attractive for riders watching expenses, though it lacks the anatomical shaping and finesse of the Myler MB 33 and can be harsher in the wrong hands compared with the smoother Coronet mullen mouth.
Compact leverage
Subtle cues
Compact leverage
Subtle cues
Review Summary
"Affordable Tom Thumb option riders like for control and everyday schooling, but many warn it can act harshly if used with too much rein or on sensitive mouths; build quality is good for the price."
Budget-friendly charm
Short shank snaffle offers simple curb leverage suited for everyday riders.
Budget-friendly charm
Short shank snaffle offers simple curb leverage suited for everyday riders.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Weaver Leather Tom Thumb Snaffle is the most budget-oriented option on this list, delivering a familiar, simple shank/snaffle combination for everyday schooling and turnout. Its low cost and ubiquity make it attractive for riders watching expenses, though it lacks the anatomical shaping and finesse of the Myler MB 33 and can be harsher in the wrong hands compared with the smoother Coronet mullen mouth.
Compact leverage
Subtle cues
Budget-friendly charm
Short shank snaffle offers simple curb leverage suited for everyday riders.
Economic construction with stainless or plated steel for budget-friendly use.
Compact leverage
Subtle cues
Budget-friendly charm
Short shank snaffle offers simple curb leverage suited for everyday riders.
Economic construction with stainless or plated steel for budget-friendly use.
$60-120 USD
Professionals Choice Bob Avila Cathedral Port Curb
The Professionals Choice Bob Avila Cathedral Port Curb blends signature rider input with a cathedral-style port to maximize tongue room and precise pressure distribution, making it a top pick for riders who want smooth compliance in show settings. It offers a refinement between the hard-leverage Reinsman and the sweet-iron sensitivity of the Myler, and while its price sits in the mid-to-high range, the professional endorsements and build quality justify the investment for competitive Western disciplines.
Cathedral relief (soft!)
Ergonomic shaping (horse-friendly)
Cathedral relief (soft!)
Ergonomic shaping (horse-friendly)
Review Summary
"The Bob Avila Cathedral Port curb is applauded for its classic cathedral port shape and reliable performance in show and training; reviewers like the fit and predictable leverage while noting it's best in experienced hands. Long-term users appreciate the workmanship and consistent results. "
Responsive breakover (precise)
Cathedral port gives significant tongue relief and more room for the tongue
Responsive breakover (precise)
Cathedral port gives significant tongue relief and more room for the tongue
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Professionals Choice Bob Avila Cathedral Port Curb blends signature rider input with a cathedral-style port to maximize tongue room and precise pressure distribution, making it a top pick for riders who want smooth compliance in show settings. It offers a refinement between the hard-leverage Reinsman and the sweet-iron sensitivity of the Myler, and while its price sits in the mid-to-high range, the professional endorsements and build quality justify the investment for competitive Western disciplines.
Cathedral relief (soft!)
Ergonomic shaping (horse-friendly)
Responsive breakover (precise)
Cathedral port gives significant tongue relief and more room for the tongue
Curved port profile helps distribute pressure for refined cues
Cathedral relief (soft!)
Ergonomic shaping (horse-friendly)
Responsive breakover (precise)
Cathedral port gives significant tongue relief and more room for the tongue
Curved port profile helps distribute pressure for refined cues
$120-220 USD
The Herm Sprenger Dynamic RS Weymouth offers an ergonomically shaped, slightly softer mouthpiece that moderates pressure distribution while retaining accurate leverage, making it well suited to sensitive or more experienced schoolmasters. It occupies a middle ground between the firmer KK Ultra and the progressive Myler profiles—providing durable materials and refined action with a moderate price premium for riders looking for balance between precision and comfort.
Ultra-smooth action
Subtle leverage cue
Ultra-smooth action
Subtle leverage cue
Review Summary
"Users praise its precise, consistent action and durable stainless-steel construction; some note the fixed port can feel firmer on very sensitive horses."
German polish charm
Sprenger KK Ultra mouthpiece offers a refined, low-profile joint for precise rein aids.
German polish charm
Sprenger KK Ultra mouthpiece offers a refined, low-profile joint for precise rein aids.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Herm Sprenger Dynamic RS Weymouth offers an ergonomically shaped, slightly softer mouthpiece that moderates pressure distribution while retaining accurate leverage, making it well suited to sensitive or more experienced schoolmasters. It occupies a middle ground between the firmer KK Ultra and the progressive Myler profiles—providing durable materials and refined action with a moderate price premium for riders looking for balance between precision and comfort.
Ultra-smooth action
Subtle leverage cue
German polish charm
Sprenger KK Ultra mouthpiece offers a refined, low-profile joint for precise rein aids.
Even pressure distribution across tongue and bars reduces pinching and promotes acceptance.
Ultra-smooth action
Subtle leverage cue
German polish charm
Sprenger KK Ultra mouthpiece offers a refined, low-profile joint for precise rein aids.
Even pressure distribution across tongue and bars reduces pinching and promotes acceptance.
$300-450 USD
Korsteel's Liverpool driving bit is a best-in-class, workmanlike choice that pairs traditional Liverpool curb geometry with durable stainless construction, making it a go-to for carriage drivers who need reliability on a budget. It outperforms many rivals on value—offering multiple port and shank options at a lower price point than premium biomechanical designs like Myler—while remaining more conventional in action than the ergonomically focused Zilco Butterfly.
Stainless-steel strength
High-port relief
Stainless-steel strength
High-port relief
Review Summary
"Durable, well‑made Liverpool driving bit praised for solid construction and good value; some users find the mouthpiece a bit firm or heavy for very sensitive horses."
Coachman's wink
Durable stainless steel Liverpool construction suited to regular carriage use.
Coachman's wink
Durable stainless steel Liverpool construction suited to regular carriage use.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Korsteel's Liverpool driving bit is a best-in-class, workmanlike choice that pairs traditional Liverpool curb geometry with durable stainless construction, making it a go-to for carriage drivers who need reliability on a budget. It outperforms many rivals on value—offering multiple port and shank options at a lower price point than premium biomechanical designs like Myler—while remaining more conventional in action than the ergonomically focused Zilco Butterfly.
Stainless-steel strength
High-port relief
Coachman's wink
Durable stainless steel Liverpool construction suited to regular carriage use.
Multiple rein slots provide clear, graduated leverage for different driving needs.
Stainless-steel strength
High-port relief
Coachman's wink
Durable stainless steel Liverpool construction suited to regular carriage use.
Multiple rein slots provide clear, graduated leverage for different driving needs.
$60-100 USD