Top 12 Curb and Pelham Bits in Canada for 2025 — Vet- and Pro-Rider-Reviewed Picks for Precise Poll & Jaw Control

The Reinsman Traditional Loose Ring Snaffle Curb is positioned as a practical, everyday curb option thanks to its straightforward design and wide availability. It balances gentle pressure and rider feedback for general use and is often more budget-friendly than specialized combination bits like the Myler MB 33, while offering a more predictable feel than the cheaper Weaver Tom Thumb.

The Myler Level 2 Western Dee with Hooks is prized for its thoughtful mouthpiece and shank geometry that aim to distribute pressure more progressively, making it a best-in-class option when subtle communication and horse comfort are priorities in curb shank selection. For the "Curb Bit Shank Styles" use case it commands a higher price due to patented mouthpiece shaping and fit-focused design, offering finer technical advantages over simpler snaffles like the Metalab or Reinsman pieces.

The Professional's Choice Bob Avila Signature Copper Roller Port blends a ported curb mouthpiece with a copper roller to actively encourage salivation and discourage mouthing, creating a responsive yet horse‑friendly interface ideal for horses that benefit from a mechanical focal point. Technically it sits between basic sweet‑iron curbs and high‑end fitted ports: more modern and acceptance‑focused than the Reinsman, but generally more affordable than custom Myler options.

Greenhawk's premium leather curb strap is marketed as an upscale, long‑lasting strap with thicker, finely finished leather and reinforced stitching for riders who prioritize durability and appearance. Compared with mid‑range leather straps like the Shires Velociti, it sits at a higher price point but offers superior longevity and a more polished look, delivering long‑term value for competitors and discerning owners.

The Coronet Sweet Iron Tom Thumb Pelham brings a classic Tom Thumb action to the sweet iron family, providing pronounced leverage and pinpoint curb influence while the sweet iron mouthpiece promotes salivation and steadier acceptance. It is the market leader among traditional leverage-style options for riders who want decisive control, but technically it can be harsher than the mullen-mouth or snaffle-smooth options listed, so it’s best for experienced hands or horses that require firm guidance. From a financial standpoint it often sits attractively for buyers seeking classic Tom Thumb mechanics with sweet-iron benefits rather than pricier custom bits.

Korsteel Stainless Steel Pony Pelham is positioned as the durable, no-nonsense choice for pony riders who want long life and low maintenance. Its solid stainless construction offers good value compared with the softer, coated alternatives in this list and typically costs less over time due to corrosion resistance and easy care. Against the others here it provides a straightforward, predictable action that suits ponies needing clear, consistent leverage rather than extra cushioning or sweetened mouthpieces.

The Neue Schule Verbindend Pelham is the technical leader on the list, engineered to refine how curb and poll forces are distributed and available in carefully calibrated shank lengths to let riders dial leverage precisely. Though typically at a premium price versus Korsteel, Shires and Metalab, its advanced mouthpiece geometry and connection system reduce nutcracker action and give the most nuanced, adjustable leverage for sensitive or performance horses.

Happy Mouth Shaped Mullen Pelham uses a soft, horse-friendly polymer shaped to the contours of the mouth to maximize acceptance and minimize resistance, which is why it’s preferred for sensitive or young horses in this Pelham Mouthpieces comparison. Softer than stainless models like Korsteel and more comfort-focused than traditional metal Pelhams, it often carries a modest premium but can deliver financial savings through reduced training time and better rideability for tricky mouths.

The Nunn Finer Pelham Converter Strap stands out as a high-performance, show-grade option featuring premium leather, reinforced stitching, and refined metalwork designed to minimize bulk and slippage on pelham rein attachments. It commands a higher price than mid-range alternatives like MacKey but offers technical advantages in fit and longevity comparable to or exceeding Shires, making it the preferred choice for competitive riders who demand professional-level reliability.

Sprenger Aurigan Dynamic RS Pelham is the premium market leader for Pelham Materials and Coatings thanks to its Aurigan alloy that promotes salivation without the rapid corrosion of sweet iron, paired with Sprenger’s Dynamic RS joint design for refined responsiveness. Although it carries a higher upfront cost than stainless or polymer-covered alternatives, its consistent alloy behavior and long-term durability can lower replacement frequency and deliver superior technical performance for high‑level or sensitive horses.

Nunn Finer Leather Bit Keepers are a market leader for riders seeking traditional aesthetics and supple leather performance on curb and Pelham bits; their top-grain leather is finished to resist stretching while remaining comfortable against the horse. Financially they are mid-priced compared with stainless options and provide a classic look that outperforms bargain leather in longevity, though they require more routine care than metal fasteners.