Kerry Kelley Bits
Kerry Kelley bits are built for finished horses in the reining pen, cutting pen, and show pen. Mouthpiece styles include correction, spoon, milkman, snaffle, solid port, and ported chain, with cheek lengths ranging from 6 1/2" to 7".
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Kerry Kelley Bits for Reining and Show Horses
The Al Dunning horse bits available are designed in collaboration with renowned reining horse trainer Al Dunning and built for horses that are well into their training. The Correction Mouth, Correction Full Drop with Short Shank, and Correction Copper Bar are all built to give the rider more precision in refining the horse's response.
The Floating Spoon and Floating Mouth with Copper Rings give a softer feel through the bit and are suited for horses that are light and forward in the bridle. The Milkman Mouth and Milk Man Extended Port are built for horses that carry their head naturally and need a port that works with their mouth shape. The Smooth Snaffle is the lightest option in the range designed for horses being introduced to a shanked bit for the first time. The Austin Shepard Mouth, Santo Mouthpiece, and Ported Chain with Top Copper Rings are meant for riders with specific mouthpiece preferences.
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Cheek Length and What It Means
The cheek length on a Kerry Kelley bit determines how much leverage the rider has through the shank. A longer cheek amplifies rein pressure more than a shorter cheek, which is why longer shanked bits are reserved for horses that are further along in their training and responsive to light pressure. The 6 1/2" cheeks on the Smooth Snaffle and Swivel Port are more moderate, giving the rider leverage without over-facing a horse that's still developing its response.
Built to Kerry Kelley's Standard
Kerry Kelley bits are made from stainless steel with copper accents on the mouthpiece. The copper encourages salivation which keeps the horse's mouth soft and responsive. Every bit is built to a consistent standard, which is why they are a preferred choice among competitive reining and cutting horse riders who need equipment that performs the same way every time they pick up the reins.
FAQ
Who is Kerry Kelley?
Kerry Kelley is a respected American bit maker known for producing high-quality western bits used by competitive reining, cutting, and cow horse riders. The bits are built to a consistent standard and are a preferred choice among trainers and show riders.
What is the Al Dunning series of Kerry Kelley bits?
The Al Dunning series is designed in collaboration with Al Dunning, one of the most decorated reining horse trainers in the history of the sport. The bits are built specifically for finished reining horses and are available in extended, copper mouth, and standard mouth versions.
What does the cheek length mean on a Kerry Kelley bit?
The cheek length refers to the length of the shank below the mouthpiece. A longer shank creates more leverage through the bit which amplifies the rider's rein pressure. Longer shanked bits are suited for horses that are further along in their training and responsive to light pressure.
What is the difference between a correction bit and a spoon bit?
A correction bit has a port and shanks designed to refine the horse's response to rein pressure and is suited for horses that are fully trained but need more precision in their response. A spoon bit has a smooth, curved mouthpiece that distributes pressure more evenly across the tongue and bars giving a softer feel suited for horses that are light and responsive in the bridle.