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Driving and Carriage Curb Bit Styles: Expert Guide to the Top 5 Options in Canada for 2025 - What Pros Choose for Paired Teams, Long Lines and Safe Harnessing

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Curb bits designed for driving and carriage work are specialized tools built to manage paired teams, long lines and harness integration while maintaining horse comfort and predictable control. In Canadian markets, buyers prioritize balance, consistent pressure distribution, corrosion-resistant materials for varied weather, and secure attachment points that work with commercial and recreational harness systems. Preferences are driven by use case: club and competitive drivers emphasize precise lateral control and regulatory compliance, commercial or tourist drivers value durability and low-maintenance finishes, and recreational drivers often choose gentler mouthpieces or rubberized options to ease training. Regional trends in Canada show steady demand for stainless steel and composite mouthpieces, a rise in anatomically aware designs, and continued interest in classic cheek styles that reliably anchor lines and traces for paired-team work.

Quick Menu

1. Reliable Stainless Liverpool

2. Comfort-Focused Butterfly

3. Soft Rubber Mullen Liverpool

4. Half Cheek Driving Control

5. Premium Comfort Myler Liverpool

1
RELIABLE STAINLESS LIVERPOOL

Korsteel Liverpool Driving Bit

William Hunter Equestrian

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.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Stainless-steel strength

  • High-port relief

  • Stainless-steel strength

  • High-port relief

Review Summary

87%

"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.

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From 76.33$
2
COMFORT-FOCUSED BUTTERFLY

Zilco Butterfly Driving Bit

Zilco

The Zilco Butterfly driving bit is a market-leading alternative that emphasizes rider-friendly ergonomics and softer contact through its butterfly-style cheeks, designed to spread pressure and reduce pinching on longer reins used in carriage work. Technically more modern and often mid-priced compared with traditional Livers (Korsteel) or coated mouthpieces (Happy Mouth), it appeals to drivers who want refined lateral stability without the premium custom-fitting cost of Myler.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Butterfly-joint flex

  • Even pressure spread

  • Butterfly-joint flex

  • Even pressure spread

Review Summary

82%

"Zilco Butterfly driving bit is appreciated for its distinctive cheek design and reliable build, offering predictable action; a few buyers report it can feel bulky or wide on smaller bridles."

  • Butterfly kiss

  • Butterfly-shaped mouthpiece designed to reduce pinching and protect the tongue.

  • Butterfly kiss

  • Butterfly-shaped mouthpiece designed to reduce pinching and protect the tongue.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

The Zilco Butterfly driving bit is a market-leading alternative that emphasizes rider-friendly ergonomics and softer contact through its butterfly-style cheeks, designed to spread pressure and reduce pinching on longer reins used in carriage work. Technically more modern and often mid-priced compared with traditional Livers (Korsteel) or coated mouthpieces (Happy Mouth), it appeals to drivers who want refined lateral stability without the premium custom-fitting cost of Myler.

  • Butterfly-joint flex

  • Even pressure spread

  • Butterfly kiss

  • Butterfly-shaped mouthpiece designed to reduce pinching and protect the tongue.

  • Lightweight construction that offers moderate curb effect for driving control.

  • Butterfly-joint flex

  • Even pressure spread

  • Butterfly kiss

  • Butterfly-shaped mouthpiece designed to reduce pinching and protect the tongue.

  • Lightweight construction that offers moderate curb effect for driving control.

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$80-140 CAD

3
SOFT RUBBER MULLEN LIVERPOOL

Happy Mouth Mullen Liverpool Driving Bit

Happy Mouth

The Happy Mouth Mullen Liverpool driving bit is prized for its sweetened, coated mouthpiece and simple mullen profile that encourages acceptance and steadier contact, making it especially suited to sensitive harness horses in carriage settings. Financially it sits between basic stainless Liverpool options and high-end biomechanical bits, offering a softened feel that most traditional Livers lack while remaining more affordable than the bespoke Myler MB series.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Rubber-coated comfort

  • Mullen-smooth contact

  • Rubber-coated comfort

  • Mullen-smooth contact

Review Summary

88%

"Happy Mouth mullen Liverpool is widely liked for its gentler, soft-coated mouthpiece that suits sensitive horses and everyday driving; some owners note the plastic coating can wear or crack over long-term heavy use."

  • Horse-friendly grin

  • Happy Mouth polymer mouthpiece provides a softer, more forgiving contact.

  • Horse-friendly grin

  • Happy Mouth polymer mouthpiece provides a softer, more forgiving contact.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

The Happy Mouth Mullen Liverpool driving bit is prized for its sweetened, coated mouthpiece and simple mullen profile that encourages acceptance and steadier contact, making it especially suited to sensitive harness horses in carriage settings. Financially it sits between basic stainless Liverpool options and high-end biomechanical bits, offering a softened feel that most traditional Livers lack while remaining more affordable than the bespoke Myler MB series.

  • Rubber-coated comfort

  • Mullen-smooth contact

  • Horse-friendly grin

  • Happy Mouth polymer mouthpiece provides a softer, more forgiving contact.

  • Mullen profile distributes pressure evenly across tongue and bars.

  • Rubber-coated comfort

  • Mullen-smooth contact

  • Horse-friendly grin

  • Happy Mouth polymer mouthpiece provides a softer, more forgiving contact.

  • Mullen profile distributes pressure evenly across tongue and bars.

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$80-140 CAD

4
HALF CHEEK DRIVING CONTROL

Coronet Half Cheek Driving Bit

Coronet

Coronet's Half Cheek driving bit brings a unique lateral-guidance advantage to driving and carriage curb styles: its half-cheek design stabilizes the bit in the mouth and gives clearer rein-to-rider communication during turns. Technically specialized for maneuverability rather than universal curb leverage, it is an economical choice for drivers focused on directional control, complementing Liverpool-style bits which emphasize curb pressure over lateral precision.

4
★★★★☆

  • Half-cheek guidance

  • Lateral stability

  • Half-cheek guidance

  • Lateral stability

Review Summary

80%

"Coronet half cheek driving bit is seen as a dependable, straightforward option with good durability and simple action; fit and finish vary by batch and some users prefer stainless versions to avoid corrosion."

  • Roadster-ready charm

  • Half-cheek design aids lateral guidance while keeping bit stable in the mouth.

  • Roadster-ready charm

  • Half-cheek design aids lateral guidance while keeping bit stable in the mouth.

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

Coronet's Half Cheek driving bit brings a unique lateral-guidance advantage to driving and carriage curb styles: its half-cheek design stabilizes the bit in the mouth and gives clearer rein-to-rider communication during turns. Technically specialized for maneuverability rather than universal curb leverage, it is an economical choice for drivers focused on directional control, complementing Liverpool-style bits which emphasize curb pressure over lateral precision.

  • Half-cheek guidance

  • Lateral stability

  • Roadster-ready charm

  • Half-cheek design aids lateral guidance while keeping bit stable in the mouth.

  • Straightforward stainless mouthpiece offers predictable, direct action.

  • Half-cheek guidance

  • Lateral stability

  • Roadster-ready charm

  • Half-cheek design aids lateral guidance while keeping bit stable in the mouth.

  • Straightforward stainless mouthpiece offers predictable, direct action.

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$50-90 CAD

5
PREMIUM COMFORT MYLER LIVERPOOL

Myler MB 36 Liverpool Driving Bit

Myler

The Myler MB 36 Liverpool driving bit is the market leader for biomechanical refinement in carriage curb styles, with Myler's patented mouthpiece geometry and pressure-redistribution features that promote clear, light cues for advanced driving disciplines. It commands a premium price because of its proven fit and performance advantages over generic Livers and coated mouthpieces, making it the top pick for drivers seeking the most effective balance of control and horse comfort.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Contoured-mouth comfort

  • Tongue-relief port

  • Contoured-mouth comfort

  • Tongue-relief port

Review Summary

92%

"Myler MB 36 Liverpool is rated a premium choice for comfort and refined pressure distribution, often improving responsiveness in sensitive horses; buyers accept the higher price for the well‑engineered mouthpiece and consistent results."

  • Precision steering grin

  • Myler mouthpiece geometry provides tongue relief and reduces interference.

  • Precision steering grin

  • Myler mouthpiece geometry provides tongue relief and reduces interference.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

The Myler MB 36 Liverpool driving bit is the market leader for biomechanical refinement in carriage curb styles, with Myler's patented mouthpiece geometry and pressure-redistribution features that promote clear, light cues for advanced driving disciplines. It commands a premium price because of its proven fit and performance advantages over generic Livers and coated mouthpieces, making it the top pick for drivers seeking the most effective balance of control and horse comfort.

  • Contoured-mouth comfort

  • Tongue-relief port

  • Precision steering grin

  • Myler mouthpiece geometry provides tongue relief and reduces interference.

  • Engineered to promote relaxation and acceptance with refined curb action.

  • Contoured-mouth comfort

  • Tongue-relief port

  • Precision steering grin

  • Myler mouthpiece geometry provides tongue relief and reduces interference.

  • Engineered to promote relaxation and acceptance with refined curb action.

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$220-380 CAD

What Research and Equine Science Tell Us About Curb Bits, Pressure and Comfort

Equine biomechanics and veterinary dentistry research has clarified how bit geometry, mouthpiece thickness, material and cheek design affect pressure distribution, salivation and behavioral response. While formal studies on driving-specific curb bits are fewer than for ridden bits, the principles established by peer-reviewed work on oral tissue pressure, tongue clearance and rein mechanics apply directly to driving setups and paired-team dynamics. For beginners, understanding these core findings helps select curb bits that reduce hotspots, support consistent signals along long lines and integrate safely with harness hardware.

Pressure distribution: Studies show that wider or thicker mouthpieces lower focal pressure on the bars and tongue, reducing the risk of pain and soft-tissue injury when used correctly.

Port and tongue space: Research on tongue relief indicates that small ports can improve tongue clearance but may increase poll and curb chain load if used improperly; balanced fit is essential.

Material effects: Rubberized or composite mouthpieces (used by brands like Happy Mouth) increase salivation and can moderate sharp pressure, though they wear faster than stainless steel and may change handling over time.

Cheek design influences control: Biomechanical analysis finds that half cheek and Liverpool-style cheeks change the angle and leverage of rein signals—important for paired driving where synchronized cues are critical.

Harness integration and long lines: Laboratory and field observations emphasize that consistent rein geometry and secure attachment points reduce accidental pinching or asymmetric pressure during turns and transitions.

Fit and training matter most: Multiple equine welfare reviews conclude that no single bit is universally best; correct fit, adjusted curb chain length, and driver skill are the strongest predictors of horse comfort and safe carriage handling.

Across Canada the five curb bits spotlighted here meet the practical needs of drivers who prioritize balance, reliable attachment and consistent pressure distribution. The Korsteel Liverpool Driving Bit and the Zilco Butterfly Driving Bit are durable, competition-friendly choices; the Happy Mouth Mullen Liverpool Driving Bit offers a gentler, rubberized option for sensitive horses; the Coronet Half Cheek Driving Bit provides predictable lateral control for paired teams; and the Myler MB 36 Liverpool Driving Bit stands out as the most balanced choice for a wide range of Canadian driving conditions and team combinations. We hope you found what you were looking for — if you want to narrow results by material, cheek style, or mouthpiece type you can refine or expand your search using the search box.

Discover More
  • Show Curb Bit Designs
  • Training Curb Bit Models
  • Everyday Riding Curb Bit Options
  • Western Discipline Curb Bit Collection
  • English Dressage Curb Bit Collection

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