Neck reining relies on subtle, well-timed cues delivered through the horse’s poll and mouth. The following five bits represent a spectrum from early-stage training to advanced performance, each designed to enhance neck reining communication in Western disciplines such as reining, barrel racing, and cutting. In this guide, you’ll find design details, ideal applications, and how to choose the right bit for your horse’s training level and goals.
| Product | Brand | Stage | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 713 Sharon Camarillo Short Lifter Gag Bit | Reinsman | Stage C | Poll-pressure control for neck reining and performance refinement |
| 836 Ported Mullen D & L Reiner | Reinsman | Stage D | Expert neck reining with enhanced leverage and balance |
| 535 Mike Beers Blue Steel Ported Chain Bit | Reinsman | Stage D | High leverage with balanced ported mouth for advanced cues |
| 537 Mike Beers Classic High Port Bit | Reinsman | Stage E | Refined correction and precise headset positioning |
| 533 Mike Beers Blue Steel Chain Bit | Reinsman | Stage D | High leverage with a large chain mouth for even pressure |
Note: The following sections provide concise overviews of five neck-reining oriented bits from Reinsman. Each product emphasizes different leverage, mouthpiece design, and cheek length to suit rider experience and horse responsiveness. Images and product pages link to Amazon for further details.
713 Sharon Camarillo Short Lifter Gag Bit
The 713 is a Stage C gag bit designed for horses already responsive to neck rein and poll pressure. It emphasizes controlled lift and balanced gag action to help riders refine headset and overall carriage without resorting to heavy mouth pressure. The 7-inch short lifter cheeks provide moderate leverage, and the 3/8-inch sweet iron mouthpiece with a 1 3/8-inch medium port offers tongue relief and comfort during more demanding courses, such as barrel racing or timed events where quick, accurate cues matter.
Riders using this bit typically appreciate its ability to fine-tune neck rein transitions while maintaining calm, steady contact. Proper fit is essential to avoid over-leverage or pinching, especially with horses that have a sensitive mouth or a tendency to lean. Pairing the bit with progressive training and leg cues helps maintain harmony between horse and rider as performance demands increase.
- Stage C gag bit for poll-pressure communication
- 7″ short lifter cheeks provide balanced leverage
- 3/8″ sweet iron mouth with a 1 3/8″ medium port for tongue relief
836 Ported Mullen D & L Reiner
The 836 is a Stage D curb bit designed for experienced riders and seasoned horses seeking refined neck reining communication. It features an extended 8-inch stainless steel D & L Reiner cheek for increased leverage and lateral control, combined with a smooth 3/8-inch sweet iron mouthpiece and a 1 3/8-inch medium port. The ported mouth offers tongue relief while promoting a balanced feel across the bars, aiding in consistent headset and collection during high-level maneuvers, spins, stops, and transitions.
In advanced training and competition settings, the 836 supports subtle, precise cues without abrupt pressure changes. It is important to ensure proper fit—especially cheek length and mouthpiece size—to prevent discomfort over long training sessions. Regular conditioning and gradual introduction to complex patterns help riders maximize the benefits of this Stage D design.
- Stage D curb bit for expert control
- 8″ stainless steel D & L cheeks for leverage
- 3/8″ sweet iron mouth with 1 3/8″ medium port
535 Mike Beers Blue Steel Ported Chain Bit
The 535 is a Stage D curb bit aimed at riders who require crisp, quick cues in neck reining and advanced performance riding. It uses 8-inch blue steel cheeks to provide high leverage and a ported mouthpiece that measures 5 inches with a 1 1/4-inch port, balancing comfortable tongue relief with effective bar pressure. The result is a bit that encourages vertical flexion, better collection, and a controlled headset during fast, agile maneuvers typically seen in roping, reining patterns, and other high-energy Western disciplines.
This design suits experienced horses well, especially those that respond to subtle, well-timed pressure changes. As with any advanced bit, fittings must be precise to avoid mouth irritation or discomfort from excessive leverage. Gradual conditioning and a structured training plan help riders exploit the benefits of the 535 while preserving the horse’s willingness to respond to neck reining.
- Stage D bit for expert riders
- 8″ cheeks deliver high leverage
- 5″ ported mouth with 1 1/4″ port for balanced pressure
537 Mike Beers Classic High Port Bit
The 537 is a Stage E curb correction bit intended for riders working with seasoned horses requiring exact communication and tailored cues. Its 8-inch cheeks provide maximum leverage, enabling rapid, refined responses during complex neck-reining tasks. The mouthpiece features a 5-inch mouth with a 2-inch high port, promoting substantial tongue relief while applying careful palate pressure to encourage vertical flexion and improved headset positioning. This setup is well-suited for correctional work, advanced patterning, and refined control in high-level competition settings.
Because Stage E bits deliver stronger cues, riders should approach with a progressive plan that emphasizes soft hands, consistent rein contact, and gradual introduction of high-port pressure. Proper alignment with the horse’s comfort zone is essential to prevent over-correcting or unintentional resistance during training sessions.
- Stage E correction bit for advanced riders
- 8″ cheeks for maximum leverage
- 5″ mouth with 2″ high port for tongue relief and pressure distribution
533 Mike Beers Blue Steel Chain Bit
The 533 is a Stage D curb bit designed for riders who demand refined communication with educated horses. Its 8-inch cheeks increase leverage for clear, quick responses, making it a reliable choice for neck reining, rodeo, and other Western disciplines that require precision and consistent cues. The blue steel large chain mouth measures 5 inches in length with a 7/16″ diameter, offering a flexible, forgiving feel that conforms to the horse’s mouth to deliver balanced pressure across the mouth and bars.
This bit suits riders who have developed a confident, light rein habit and want reliable feedback without harsh pressure. Proper fit and routine maintenance help preserve mouth comfort and long-term performance, especially during long training days or competition weekends.
- Stage D bit with high leverage
- 8″ cheeks for strong control
- 5″ large chain mouth with 7/16″ diameter for even pressure
Buying Guide
Choosing the right neck-reining bit depends on rider experience, horse temperament, and training goals. Below are essential considerations to help you compare options and select a fit-for-purpose bit.
Key purchase considerations
- Riding experience and training goals: Start with Stage A for green horses or riders new to direct reining, then advance to C, D, or E as coordination and responsiveness improve.
- Stage level alignment: Match the bit’s leverage and cue strength to the horse’s sensitivity. Higher-stage bits (D/E) demand smoother hands and a well-conditioned horse.
- Mouthpiece material and port height: Sweet iron promotes saliva and cooperation; copper blends may also aid acceptance. Port height affects tongue relief and palate pressure; larger ports enable more space but require controlled handling.
- Cheek length and leverage: Longer cheeks increase leverage and can drive the horse’s headset more quickly. Shorter cheeks offer subtler cues and are generally gentler for less experienced horses.
- Porgressions in training: Introduce higher-stakes bits gradually, allowing the horse to adapt to new pressure patterns without harsh transitions.
- Poll versus mouth pressure: Decide whether poll pressure, mouth pressure, or a combination best suits your horse’s responses and your style of neck reining.
- Fit and comfort: A properly sized mouthpiece and cheek length prevent pinching or tension points. Look for a comfortable fit across the lips and bars, and ensure the bit sits evenly in the mouth.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and inspection of seams, mouthpiece wear, and cheek integrity extend bit life and safeguard your horse’s comfort.
Stage-based guidelines
| Stage | Typical Mouthpiece | Common Uses | Rider Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Smooth snaffle or Dee; no leverage | Starting horses; direct reining basics | Beginner |
| C | Sweet iron; moderate port | Refining neck reining; balance and lift | Intermediate |
| D | Ported mouth; longer cheeks | Advanced cues; precision in spins, stops | Advanced |
| E | High port; strong leverage | Correction; refined headset and control | Expert |
When evaluating options, consider how each bit will interact with your horse’s mouth size, tendency to lean, and sensitivity to pressure. For neck reining specifically, focus on bits that emphasize poll or neck pressure with a comfortable mouth feel. A well-chosen bit should complement your riding technique, not overpower it, and should support consistent, humane communication during practice and competition alike.