Best Rubber and Leather Bit Guards for Curb and Pelham Bits: 2026 UK Comparison of Shires, Korsteel, Nunn Finer, Bobby's and Zilco
Published on Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Bit guards are small rubber or leather discs that sit between the bit cheek and the corner of the horse's lips, cushioning the contact and stopping the pinching and rubbing that can sore a horse over a long session. For everyday schooling and hacking on a curb or Pelham, the Shires and Korsteel rubber guards are the sensible buys; Nunn Finer costs more but uses a softer compound that suits a sensitive horse, and Bobby's leather guards are the pick if you want something that matches traditional tack in the ring. In the UK's damp conditions, and with guards being washed often, a compound that resists perishing and holds its shape makes a real difference to how long a pair lasts. This guide compares five widely available options, from low-cost everyday rubber through to traditional leather designs. Riders tend to overlook this category until a horse comes in with a rubbed lip, yet a reliable pair costs little and saves a lot of discomfort.
Top Picks Summary
Shires Rubber Bit Guards
Shires Rubber Bit Guards are a UK-focused, value-minded option that balances durability and affordability for curb and Pelham bits. They stand out in this 2026 UK roundup for wide availability and consistent performance, offering a lower-cost alternative to premium makers like Nunn Finer while matching Korsteel and Zilco on basic grip and protection. For riders who prioritise cost-effectiveness and a dependable fit for everyday schooling and hacking, Shires is a sensible mass-market choice.
£6 – £12
Nunn Finer Rubber Bit Guards
Nunn Finer Rubber Bit Guards are the premium, performance-oriented choice in this list, with a refined rubber compound and finish tailored to minimise chafing and provide a precise fit on curb and Pelham bits. While they sit at the higher end of the price range, their superior comfort, finish and longer lifespan make them cost-effective over time compared with cheaper replacements like Shires or some Korsteel models. For competition riders and sensitive horses needing the best blend of protection and tidiness, Nunn Finer leads here.
Bobby's Leather Bit Guards
Bobby's Leather Bit Guards provide a traditional, high-quality leather alternative to rubber guards, offering a classic look and breathable feel for curb and Pelham bits used in turnout and show situations. Though generally priced higher and requiring more maintenance than rubber options like Korsteel or Zilco, they deliver a smarter appearance and softer contact against the horse's skin, making them attractive where presentation matters more than raw grip. For riders pairing leather tack with traditional bridles who prioritise style and comfort, Bobby's is the refined choice.
These five guards were selected for their fit on curb and Pelham bit cheeks, their effectiveness at preventing lip pinching and rubbing, and their availability through reputable UK equestrian retailers. The line-up spans rubber and leather, budget to premium, so riders can match a guard to their horse, their discipline, and the UK climate.
Bit Guards and Bit Keepers: What Actually Goes on a Curb or Pelham
A bit guard is a disc of rubber or leather with a slit or hole through the middle. You stretch it over the bit's cheek ring or mouthpiece so it lies flat against the horse's lips, keeping metal off skin at the one place a bit is most likely to rub. It is a different fitting from a bridle keeper (the small leather loop that holds a strap end down) and from a curb chain hook or fastener (the metal fitting the curb chain attaches to). All five products compared on this page are guards. Fit is the whole game: a guard that is too large for the cheek rotates out of position in work, and one that is too small tears at the slit when you force it on.
Rubber guards are the everyday choice — they rinse clean with the bit, cost a few pounds a pair, and swap easily between bridles
Leather guards look tidier against traditional saddlery but need the same conditioning as the rest of your leatherwork
Guards are sold in pairs and stretch over the bit cheek, so check the cheek ring diameter or fixed-cheek width before ordering
Softer compounds sit more kindly on a thin-skinned horse; firmer rubber holds its shape longer under daily use
Inspect the slit each time you tack up — perishing and splitting start there, and that is where a guard fails
Wash guards along with the bit after riding; grit trapped between guard and mouthpiece is itself a cause of rubbing
A guard treats the symptom. If a horse is repeatedly rubbed, have the bit's width and the bridle's fit checked as well
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bit guards suit daily curb and Pelham use best?
For everyday riding and training, Shires Rubber Bit Guards are a sensible choice: soft rubber cushions the contact to reduce rubbing and chafing, and they come as an affordable, widely available pair (rated 4.1).
How do Nunn Finer Rubber Bit Guards reduce chafing?
Nunn Finer Rubber Bit Guards use a high-quality soft rubber with precise moulding plus a smooth finish to minimise rubbing while keeping accurate rein action; they're rated 4.6.
Are Korsteel Rubber Bit Guards better value than Shires?
The two sit at broadly the same money, so it comes down to feel: Korsteel uses firmer rubber that resists abrasion and holds its seat, while Shires is the softer, more widely stocked option. Shires is rated 4.1 and Korsteel 4.2.
Do bit guards fit standard curb and Pelham bits?
Yes. Rubber and leather bit guards fit over the cheeks of most standard curb and Pelham bits, including stainless designs; measure your bit cheeks before buying as fit can vary on unusual bit shapes (ratings: Korsteel 4.2, Nunn Finer 4.6, Shires 4.1).
Conclusion
Choosing a bit guard comes down to how often you ride, the look you want against your bridle, how much maintenance you are happy to do, and your budget. The five here span the practical range: Shires, Korsteel and Zilco are the everyday rubber options at broadly similar money, Nunn Finer is the premium rubber pick, and Bobby's leather guards are for riders who want a classic finish. Each has its place — rubber is cheap, washable and effective for daily work, while leather looks smart for the show ring but needs occasional conditioning. For dependable everyday protection, the Shires or Korsteel rubber guards are sensible go-to choices; Nunn Finer suits sensitive horses needing a softer, longer-lasting compound, and Bobby's suits those pairing guards with traditional tack. To narrow your options by material, price, or fit, explore our related comparisons or use the site search.