CULTURED COWBOY PRESENTS

Cowboy Roping Bits

There are an awful lot of opinions on what makes a roping bit. On this page, we have listed some of the more popular bits ordered as roper bits from our store. Truthfully, we need a bit that will comfortably hold our horse in the box until the go signal comes from pour leg pressure. We need to be able to easily guide our horse into roping position, whether in the arena or in the field. We want control, without hindrance of our horse.

There are bits with many features and even conflicting design, yet, each horse is an individual & I encourage you to try, and continue to try, new and differing bits to see what works best in which situations. Just like we like to change shirts, some horses like a change in bits, just to stay fresh.

A bit that tastes good, a bit that my horse can enjoy as much as I do, a bit that can be used with fingertip control is a good goal, and sometimes takes quite a few trials to achieve. And sometimes, the first bit you use is the best, almost forever! If you have a female friend running gymkhana, you can spend hours in discussion of which seems to be the next to try. Have fun with it. 

At Cultured Cowboy, If you get a bit that is absolutely not workable, as long as we can resell it in new condition, and you kept the tags in shape we can reapply them, you can exchange your bi for another with a 25% "rental fee". (And sometimes as low as 15% fee, depending on the bit.) This allows you freedom to try. In our barn, I have a weakness for all sorts of different bits that  I might need one day. 

If you are a professional, it really impresses your clients to see the variety of bits on your wall. A distinctive bit selection hanging  on a wall shows evidence that you have the tools needed to help their horse perform at it's best. I know an easy horse can work with one of a few  bits, but you make your money on horses that you can turn, where others cannot. Bits are more than steel hanging!

Sweet iron naturally rusts into a light patina, creating a sweet taste for the horse, making the bit more acceptable & increasing salivation for a supple mouth.

Duke Roper Sweet Iron Wide Ported Barrel. Stainless Steel Cheeks
This bit stabilizes both shoulders while maintaining rate. When pressure from the rein is applied, that pressure is split & is equally distributed between the mouthpiece & the curb chain. This new leverage creates a clear signal to the horse to break at the poll and raise his shoulders by signaling him to go up rather than towards the ground. This bit is show legal & great for all disciplines.  7" Cheeks, 5.5" Mouth  Wide Port  STAGE C

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 Duke Roper Sweet Iron  Ported Lifesaver. Stainless Steel Cheeks
Use this bit when you need the independent ability to lift the shoulders with a light palate pressure. When pressure from the rein is applied, that pressure is split & is equally distributed between the mouthpiece & the curb chain. This new leverage creates a clear signal to the horse to break at the poll and raise his shoulders by signaling him to go up rather than towards the ground. This bit is show legal & great for all disciplines.  7" Cheeks, 5.5" Mouth  Lifesaver Port  STAGE C

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 Duke Roper 1/2" Sweet Iron Medium Port. Stainless Steel Cheeks
This bit offers good tongue relief and is flexible enough to lift both shoulders independently. When pressure from the rein is applied, that pressure is split & is equally distributed between the mouthpiece & the curb chain. This new leverage creates a clear signal to the horse to break at the poll and raise his shoulders by signaling him to go up rather than towards the ground. This bit is show legal & great for all disciplines.  7" Cheeks, 5.5" Mouth  Medium Port  STAGE C

 

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Item#: Bit-861 Item#: Bit-861A Item#: Bit-861B
Shank Design on all Duke Roper Bits
 		 

 

 

 

 

It's called "Change Up" for a reason!  The mouthpiece is placed further forward than normal and, in doing so, this bit changes the horse's topline during the stop for faster stops with more controlled precision. This bit has a quicker signal & allows the rider to really stay in control of the horse's nose. With more lift & greater encouragement of hock engagement, the swivel cheeks also enhance lateral flexion. A must have for ropers, speed events & reined cowhorse riders. 

 

 

Change Up 7/16" Sweet Iron Ported Lifesaver Bit
The Sweet Iron lifesaver port is a unique mouthpiece with control in between a chain mouth & a hinge port. It provides more independent shoulder control along with tongue relief, allowing the rider to help the sensitive horse in the turn. Provides  bar, tongue, palate & curb tension, while the loose ring pre-signals the horse for better balance. This bit is rated high for lift & encourages greater hock engagement.   7 1/2" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  Lifesaver Port  STAGE D

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 Change Up 7/16" Sweet Iron Cleveland Pleasure w/ Copper Roller Bit
The Cleveland Pleasure with Copper Roller gives you bar, tongue, palate & curb tension.  The wide curved shape of the Cleveland Pleasure provides softer & more dispersed palate engagement. And the sweet iron/copper combination cause salivation for a more supple mouth. Copper is a soft metal. Check for signs of wear before each use.    7 1/2" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  Cleveland Port  STAGE D

 

 

 

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Item#: Bit-778

 

 Item#: Bit-779

    The Van Hargis Transition Series bits are incredibly effective with simplicity at its finest. From his offset Dee bits (see these at offset Dee link below) to the Van Hargis Solid Cheeks Curb bit, the key in transition is to keep as many things as familiar as possible to the horse while gradually progressing to ultimate performance; step by step & bit by bit. 

Whether I'm starting a young horse, tuning a performance horse or helping a horse overcome an issue,  my first choice of bit is my smooth mouth offset Dee snaffle by Reinsman. With this bit, there is no chance of ever pinching a horse's cheeks because they are made with a unique brass bushing between the bit mount and the stainless steel rings.  -  Van 

The Van Hargis Progressive bit system is designed to gradually transition a horse from the two handed direct rein communication of the Van Hargis Off-set D-ring  snaffle to the subtle one-handed refined communication of the mild and comfortable Van Hargis all around Performance Bit. Each bit further refines the communication and prepares the horse for the next step of performance until the ultimate in communication & performance is achieved.  This is a system of champions for champions.         

 

 

Van Hargis Transition Series #2  7/16" Tapered Sweet Iron Snaffle Bit
This curb bit has the same mouthpiece as the VH Offset  D-ring snaffle with tapered smooth mouth. It is the first curb bit used after the snaffle. Just like the sweet iron snaffle, the sweet iron mouth has an easy tapered curve to promote an easily detectable  snaffle, the tapered signal while being comfortable & palatable to the horse.       8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth   STAGE B

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 Van Hargis Transition Series #2  3/8" Smooth 3 Piece Dogbone Sweet Iron Snaffle Bit
This curb bit has the same mouthpiece as the VH Offset  D-ring snaffle with the three piece dogbone. This is a great alternative to the 273 bit used after the snaffle. It is also a great mild transition bit for most high speed timed events such as barrel racing or roping.       8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth   STAGE B

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Van Hargis Transition Series #3   Sweet Iron with Stainless Roller Snaffle Bit
This bit is by far one of my (Van) favorite bits as it still offers a slight amount of independent lateral movement while gradually preparing the horse to stabilize the shoulders  and preparing the horse for a solid mouthpiece. This is probably the most versatile bit in my Progressive Bit series.       8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth   STAGE C

 

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Item#: Bit-273 Item#: Bit-273A Item#: Bit-274
Van Hargis Transition Series #4   Sweet Iron Medium Port Correction  Bit
This correction mouthpiece is excellent for the refining stages of training or schooling process. The port offers plenty of tongue relief while the three piece movement applies pressure across the bars. This is a great bit for final preparation toward getting a horse ready for a fixed mouthpiece.     8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth   STAGE D

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 Van Hargis Transition Series #5   1/2" Sweet Iron High Port Bit
This medium high port is very useful in the training program. Still on a swivel shank, it affords a horse a slight amount of pre-signal before the bit actually signals the horse. The higher port offers a lot of tongue relief although the port can apply palate pressure to the horse that does not yet have a good headset. The solid mouthpiece stabilizes the shoulders and is the final preparation bit before transitioning into a full bridle.     8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth   STAGE D

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 Van Hargis Transition Series #6   1/2" Sweet Iron High Port Bit
This is the same bit as the VH Transition Bit #5 except with solid cheeks.  This shank, does not swivel, and is for the advanced horse. It may take many months, in some cases years, to get a horse to the stage I ride (Van) a horse in a full bridle. By the time I get a horse to this point, he is so soft and responsive to any bit I use. He is stable in the shoulders & has achieved lightness & a balance that affords him the opportunity to perform any performance task while  being strong & straight.    8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth   STAGE D

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Mike Beers - 24 time WNFR Qualifier Team, Tie Down, and Steer Roping Champion. Mike has endorsed and proven Reinsman bits for quite a time now.    Truly, quality does have a style all it's own.

Mike Beers Large Chain Mouth Roper Bit
This bit offers a lot more than good looks, starting with a unique no-pinch headstall ring. Excellent balance for better feel. Medium leverage with a tight curb, to low leverage with a loose curb. Can be used from the latter training stage, showing, pleasure, on through some serious competition. A very comfortable mouth for a horse and easy to pack. Applies tongue pressure for head set. Will help to lift front shoulders & get the rear end down.   6" Cheeks, 5" Mouth    STAGE C 		Mike Beers Large Chain Mouth Roper Bit
This bit has that classic look with blackened steel shanks. Starting with a unique no-pinch headstall ring. Excellent balance for better feel. Medium leverage with a tight curb, to low leverage with a loose curb. Can be used from the latter training stage, showing, pleasure, on through some serious competition. A very comfortable mouth for a horse and easy to pack. Applies tongue pressure for head set. Will help to lift front shoulders & get the rear end down.   6" Cheeks, 5" Mouth    STAGE C

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 Mike Beers Ported Chain Mouth Roper Bit
This bit features a unique no-pinch headstall ring. Excellent balance for better feel. Medium leverage with a light curb, to low leverage with a loose curb. Excellent bit for later training, showing, pleasure, and on through competition. Mouthpiece uses tongue pressure for a different cue & adds more bar pressure than a straight chain for harder mouthed horses.   6" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  1 1/4" Port  STAGE C
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Item#: Bit-553 Item#: Bit-554
Mike Beers Large Chain Mouth Roper Bit
Designed with excellent balance and the leverage needed for serious competition. A chain mouth may look severe, when it is actually a comfortable mouth to pack. Excellent for horses that are high headed when bit pressure is applied. Helps to break a horse at the poll to get the nose in and head down. When in competition, this bit will lift the rear end for stronger turns & powerful stops.   8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth    STAGE D 		Mike Beers Classic Large Chain Mouth Roper Bit
This bit has that cowboy look with blackened steel shanks. Excellent balance & the leverage needed for serious competition. A chain mouth may look severe, when it is actually a comfortable mouth to pack. Excellent for horses that are high headed when bit pressure is applied. Helps to break a horse at the poll to get the nose in and head down. When in competition, this bit will lift the rear end for stronger turns & powerful stops.   8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth    STAGE D 		Mike Beers Ported Chain Mouth Roper Bit
Excellent balance and leverage needed for serious competition. Mouthpiece uses tongue pressure for a different cue & adds more bar pressure than a straight chain for harder mouthed horses. A slight amount of palate pressure for a different cue to stop. Great for horses that want to run into your hand against the bit.   8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  1 1/4" Port  STAGE D
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Item#: Bit-533 Item#: Bit-534
Mike Beers Classic Ported Chain Mouth Roper Bit
This bit has that cowboy look with blackened steel shanks. Excellent balance and leverage needed for serious competition. Mouthpiece uses some tongue relief with cue in a different area & adds more bar pressure than a straight chain for harder mouthed horses. A slight amount of palate pressure for a different cue to stop.    8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  1 1/4" Port  STAGE D 		 

 

 
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Mike Beers Wide Port Chain Mouth Roper Bit
Great looks, excellent balance, and a no pinch curb. This bit has a medium leverage. The mouthpiece adds a lot of tongue relief and slight palate pressure to cue a horse to stop. The mouth / shank combination works well on horses with a good mouth & natural rate.   6" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  2" Port  STAGE E 		Mike Beers High Port Chain Mouth Roper Bit
Excellent balance, and leverage for serious competition. This mouthpiece adds a lot of tongue relief and good bar for control. Great bit for horses that try to run into your hand against the bit. Longer shanks for more control.  8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  2" Port  STAGE E 		Mike Beers Classic High Port Chain Mouth Roper Bit
This bit has a cowboy look with blackened steel shanks. Excellent balance, and the leverage needed for serious competition. The mouthpiece adds a lot of tongue relief and good bar for control. Slight palate pressure helps cue  for a stop. Great bit for horses that try to run into your hand against the bit. Longer shanks for more control.  8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  2" Port  STAGE E
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Item#: Bit-536 Item#: Bit-537
Mike Beers Trainer Bit 5/16 Small Twisted Sweet Iron Snaffle Mouth
This bit is very effective in training or schooling a horse. This mouthpiece will soften the corners of the lips & bars and is very effective for lifting the front end, or shoulders of a horse. Longer shanks for more control.  8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth    STAGE E 		Mike Beers Pro Header with Copper Roller Bars
This bit excels in the vertical control needed to stop or back your horse while maintaining the control needed to head a steer.    8 1/2" Cheeks, 5" Mouth  1 3/4" Port  STAGE E

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Item#: Bit-868

 

Cowboy Shank Bit
1/2" Sweet Iron Medium Port
Designed for horses that try to lip a bit, the mullen relief in the mouthpiece makes it comfortable and easy to pack. You will like the way the headstall rings set back on this bit. It helps move the bridle back away from the eyes. This bit has medium to good control.  7" Cheeks, 5" Mouth 1.5" Port

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Cowboy Shank Bit
1/2" High Port Sweet Iron
with Copper Roller
Designed to set the headstall back away from the eyes, this bit has very good balance.  Copper roller adds a little tongue pressure for better control and is excellent for nervous horse that like to play with the bit.  It helps break a horse over at the poll for a good head set.  7" Cheeks, 5" Mouth 2" Port.

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Solid Pleasure Bit
7/16" Sweet Iron Forward Sweetwater Port with Extra Mullen Relief
The Solid Pleasure bit, sometimes called a "sweetwater" bit, is exactly what it says. The forward sweetwater mouth makes this bit very easy for the horse to carry. The shape of the port along with the extra mullen relief is comfortable for the horse as it provides tongue relief while distributing any pressure evenly across the horse's mouth. 7" Cheeks, 5" Mouth

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Item#: Bits-630

 

 Item#: Bits-658

Item#: Bits-672

Rutledge Roper Bit
Sweet Iron Low Port
Often misunderstood, it looks to be severe but when ridden with a medium to tight curb the mouthpiece will lay flat on the bars, over a wide area, touching more and many new nerves.  Often used successfully on horses with damaged tongue or bars, the unique floating shank allows the curb to be drawn from side to side for another totally new feel.  Many riders who have tried this bit say it works OK the first day, better the next day, better the next and by the end of the week cannot believe the control they have regained.  7" Cheeks, 5" Mouth 3/4" Port.

Swivel Polo Bit
Low Port Sweet Iron Mouth
Swivel shanks are a horseman's dream come true.   It adds lateral control to the quick rate and collection already offered by the traditional Polo bit.  Not only for competition, this bit is a welcome addition to any trainer's collection to collect and control young horses.  7" Cheeks, 5¼" Mouth 3/4" Port.

 

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Loose Seven Shank 1/2" Medium Port Sweet Iron with Copper Roller
Designed for a horse that tries to lip a bit. Good leverage for control. Shank also swivels from the mouhpiece to enhance lateral control. Mouthpiece has a roller - good for the nervous horse that likes to play with the bit. Adds some tonge pressure to help break a horse over at the poll for better head set. Achieve more control than with a normal medium port.  8" Cheeks, 5" Mouth 1.5" Port.

 

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Item#: Bits-657

 

Item#: Bits-714

Item#: Bits-622
Short Lifter Bit
3/8 Sweet Iron Medium Port
A great option to aid the rider aligning the horse's body. Loose mouthpiece and independent shanks make this an excellent transition bit from the ring snaffle to the leveraged bit & an excellent choice for pasture or trail riding.  7" Cheeks, 5" Mouth 1 3/8 Port.
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Item#: Bits-713

 

Introduction to Horse Bits  |  General Rules for Choosing a Horse Bit  |  Try Something New

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