MacGregor J Shank –

I spent three years on this project which was to create the shortest functional shank curb bit.

This bit has a 3 ½ inch overall length and 2 to 1 torque ratio but through its design it rides like a longer shank bit because of its feel in the rider’s hands as well as in its ability to round a horse into soft contact.   

I wanted to create the nicest curb bit possible that still produced the correct feel of a curb through the rein aids for the horse to asses and comply with as he feels the bit working in his mouth. The fault of many short shanked curbs is that they fail to communicate clearly to the horse the rider’s requests. Because of this unique design, these concerns have been overcome.

The J Shank design allows for some lateral cuing with the direct rein but its main advantage is in the bottom of the shank aligning with the rein removing the lag time found when an angled rein to shank connection is used. By aligning the rein and shank there is absolute connection through the rein aids as no angle is involved. This seems to provide clearer rein aids which removes doubt in the horse’s choices which result in cleaner communication. Because the J Shank places the rein behind the mouthpiece, a more snug curb strap is needed to prevent the bit from over rotating and misaligning the mouthpiece.

This bit was designed with western dressage in mind and it is also is my preferred bit for trail riding. Gaited horses seem to work very well in it as do young horses as they are introduced to curb bit function. The J Shank is designed for mild contact to be used as the horse interprets what he feels from the bit and rein aids and applies this to his riding actions. The rider should find this bit to be a clear communicating tool in our quest to ride on light aids.