Western Horse Bits For Sale

Below are Western horse bits for sale. You will find hundreds of Western bits in curb, snaffle, and gag styles.

From eBay, Etsy, and Amazon

In addition to the bits, there are also a few related accessories.

See more bits on Etsy

See more bits on eBay

What Is A Western Bit?

What is a "Western" horse bit? The short answer is easy: It's a bit used in Western riding disciplines (as opposed to, say, English riding disciplines). Traditionally, a curb bit (a bit that uses leverage) is considered to be a Western bit.

However, and this is a big however, horse persons of any riding discipline typically use a bit they feel is best suited for a particular horse. Regardless of their chosen discipline, most riders use what they feel is best bit suited for a particular horse and/or job at hand and don't worry too much about whether it's considered to be a Western bit, an English bit, or some other type.

Curbs vs. Snaffles

What is the difference between a "curb" bit and a "snaffle" bit? Curb bits work off of leverage and snaffle bits work off of a direct pull.

Curb bits allow the reins to be attached to the bit in such a way as to give the rider leverage when the reins are pulled on. Typically, leverage is achieved by attaching the reins to a shank that extends downward from the mouthpiece of the bit. Attaching the reins to the bottom of the shank, or in any other manner that gives the rider leverage when the reins are used, makes a bit a curb bit.

Below: A curb bit on a cutting horse. The blue arrow is pointing to the bottom of a shank which is attached to the mouthpiece. Attaching the reins to this shank means there is leverage when the reins are used.

A "snaffle" bit, on the other hand, is a type of bit where the reins are attached in such a way as to place a direct pull on the mouthpiece of the bit without the use of leverage.

Below: A snaffle bit on a trail horse. The blue arrow is pointing to where the reins attach to a ring which is attached directly to the mouthpiece. This direct attachment means there isn't any leverage.