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  7. Cheek guards curb pelham bits

2025 American Buyer's Guide: Top 5 Cheek Guards for Curb and Pelham Bits, Buyer-Tested and Vet-Recommended for Comfort, Fit, and Durability

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

Attachments that shield the cheek pieces of curb and pelham bits from wear and add comfort for the horse. Commonly made from rubber or silicone and offered in multiple sizes to fit different bit cheek profiles. Cheek guards are popular among American riders because they protect leather and metal, reduce rubbing and chafing on sensitive areas, and extend the life of tack. American consumers often favor materials that stay flexible in cold weather, are easy to clean after wet or muddy rides, and come in sizes that match the diverse range of curb and pelham cheek shapes used in show, hunt seat, and pleasure riding. Practical concerns such as long winters, wet coastal climates, and a growing emphasis on horse comfort and welfare influence buying decisions; riders look for guards that combine cushioning, secure fit, and durable construction from trusted brands.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best Gentle Fit

2. Best Budget Durable

3. Best Trusted Brand

4. Best Flexible Fit

5. Best Silicone Comfort

Top Picks Summary

  1. Happy Mouth Bit Guards
  2. Coronet Rubber Bit Guards
  3. Shires Rubber Cheek Guards
  4. Centaur Flexi Bit Guards
  5. Waldhausen Silicone Bit Guards
1
BEST GENTLE FIT

Happy Mouth Bit Guards

SILVERLINE

Happy Mouth bit guards are positioned as the best-in-class for cheek guards on curb and pelham bits because their soft, molded polymer is shaped to reduce pinching and encourage a more comfortable cheek contact. They command a slightly higher price than basic rubber guards but deliver technical advantages in anatomical fit and reduced movement compared with Coronet and Shires rubber options, while offering a different feel than Centaur's flexi designs and a softer alternative to Waldhausen silicone.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Gentle mouth protection

  • Soft flexible fit

  • Gentle mouth protection

  • Soft flexible fit

Review Summary

88%

"Users praise Happy Mouth Bit Guards for their soft, durable rubber and comfortable fit on curb and pelham bits, noting they reduce rubbing and work well long-term; a minority report occasional fit issues on very narrow cheekpieces. Overall they’re considered a high-quality, reliable option."

  • Bright color grin

  • Soft, moulded rubber specifically shaped to sit comfortably around curb and pelham bit cheeks.

  • Bright color grin

  • Soft, moulded rubber specifically shaped to sit comfortably around curb and pelham bit cheeks.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Time-Saving Convenience

Happy Mouth bit guards are positioned as the best-in-class for cheek guards on curb and pelham bits because their soft, molded polymer is shaped to reduce pinching and encourage a more comfortable cheek contact. They command a slightly higher price than basic rubber guards but deliver technical advantages in anatomical fit and reduced movement compared with Coronet and Shires rubber options, while offering a different feel than Centaur's flexi designs and a softer alternative to Waldhausen silicone.

  • Gentle mouth protection

  • Soft flexible fit

  • Bright color grin

  • Soft, moulded rubber specifically shaped to sit comfortably around curb and pelham bit cheeks.

  • Helps prevent pinching and rubs at the corners of the mouth while preserving bit action.

  • Gentle mouth protection

  • Soft flexible fit

  • Bright color grin

  • Soft, moulded rubber specifically shaped to sit comfortably around curb and pelham bit cheeks.

  • Helps prevent pinching and rubs at the corners of the mouth while preserving bit action.

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$10-18 USD

2
BEST BUDGET DURABLE

Coronet Rubber Bit Guards

Sumind

Coronet rubber bit guards are market-leading for riders seeking an economical, dependable cheek guard for curb and pelham bits; their classic rubber construction provides straightforward protection at a low cost. They trade some of the anatomical refinement and advanced materials of Happy Mouth or Waldhausen silicone for clear financial value, making them a practical choice compared with the thicker, longer-wearing Shires rubber and the more flexible Centaur guards.

4.1
★★★★☆

  • Durable rubber shield

  • Secure snug fit

  • Durable rubber shield

  • Secure snug fit

Review Summary

82%

"Coronet Rubber Bit Guards are regularly described as good value — flexible, effective at preventing rubbing, and inexpensive — though some riders note they’re not as long-lasting or refined as premium brands. They’re popular among budget-conscious buyers."

  • Classic no-nonsense

  • Thicker rubber construction offers good durability for frequent use on curb and pelham bits.

  • Classic no-nonsense

  • Thicker rubber construction offers good durability for frequent use on curb and pelham bits.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Coronet rubber bit guards are market-leading for riders seeking an economical, dependable cheek guard for curb and pelham bits; their classic rubber construction provides straightforward protection at a low cost. They trade some of the anatomical refinement and advanced materials of Happy Mouth or Waldhausen silicone for clear financial value, making them a practical choice compared with the thicker, longer-wearing Shires rubber and the more flexible Centaur guards.

  • Durable rubber shield

  • Secure snug fit

  • Classic no-nonsense

  • Thicker rubber construction offers good durability for frequent use on curb and pelham bits.

  • Simple, slip-on design that protects mouth corners and reduces pinching.

  • Durable rubber shield

  • Secure snug fit

  • Classic no-nonsense

  • Thicker rubber construction offers good durability for frequent use on curb and pelham bits.

  • Simple, slip-on design that protects mouth corners and reduces pinching.

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$8-15 USD

3
BEST TRUSTED BRAND

Shires Rubber Cheek Guards

Shires

Shires rubber cheek guards offer a trusted, mid-market balance of durability and fit for curb and pelham bits, often using a thicker rubber compound that extends service life without a premium price tag. They sit between Coronet’s budget-focused option and Happy Mouth’s anatomical approach, providing a cost-effective, robust alternative to Centaur’s flexi guards and a more traditional rubber feel than Waldhausen silicone.

4
★★★★☆

  • Reliable everyday shield

  • Easy to clean

  • Reliable everyday shield

  • Easy to clean

Review Summary

80%

"Shires Rubber Cheek Guards are generally seen as sturdy and practical for everyday use on curb and pelham bits, offering solid protection at a reasonable price; a number of users find them a bit bulkier than silicone alternatives. They’re trusted for routine stable use."

  • Steady cheek hug

  • Reputable equestrian brand offering reliable rubber cheek guards designed for curb and pelham bits.

  • Steady cheek hug

  • Reputable equestrian brand offering reliable rubber cheek guards designed for curb and pelham bits.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Shires rubber cheek guards offer a trusted, mid-market balance of durability and fit for curb and pelham bits, often using a thicker rubber compound that extends service life without a premium price tag. They sit between Coronet’s budget-focused option and Happy Mouth’s anatomical approach, providing a cost-effective, robust alternative to Centaur’s flexi guards and a more traditional rubber feel than Waldhausen silicone.

  • Reliable everyday shield

  • Easy to clean

  • Steady cheek hug

  • Reputable equestrian brand offering reliable rubber cheek guards designed for curb and pelham bits.

  • Durable compound resists cracking while providing consistent protection from rubbing.

  • Reliable everyday shield

  • Easy to clean

  • Steady cheek hug

  • Reputable equestrian brand offering reliable rubber cheek guards designed for curb and pelham bits.

  • Durable compound resists cracking while providing consistent protection from rubbing.

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$12-25 USD

4
BEST FLEXIBLE FIT

Centaur Flexi Bit Guards

Centaur
🏠 Local Product

Centaur Flexi bit guards are notable for their low-profile, highly flexible thermoplastic design that minimizes pinching on curb and pelham cheeks while offering longer fatigue life than conventional rubber. Their technical advantage is superior flex and resilience under repeated motion, making them a good mid-to-upper-market choice compared with the softer Happy Mouth polymer and the grippier, higher-priced Waldhausen silicone, while often costing more than plain rubber guards like Coronet.

3.9
★★★☆☆

  • Ultra-flexible design

  • Featherlight comfort

  • Ultra-flexible design

  • Featherlight comfort

Review Summary

76%

"Centaur Flexi Bit Guards are appreciated for their flexibility and low price, making them a good temporary or occasional solution, but reviewers commonly mention issues with stretch and slower wear compared with higher-end silicone guards. Good value but not the longest-lived."

  • Springy cheek smile

  • Flexible, slightly thinner material conforms to irregular bit cheeks for a secure fit on curb and pelham bits.

  • Springy cheek smile

  • Flexible, slightly thinner material conforms to irregular bit cheeks for a secure fit on curb and pelham bits.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

Skill Development & Mastery

Centaur Flexi bit guards are notable for their low-profile, highly flexible thermoplastic design that minimizes pinching on curb and pelham cheeks while offering longer fatigue life than conventional rubber. Their technical advantage is superior flex and resilience under repeated motion, making them a good mid-to-upper-market choice compared with the softer Happy Mouth polymer and the grippier, higher-priced Waldhausen silicone, while often costing more than plain rubber guards like Coronet.

  • Ultra-flexible design

  • Featherlight comfort

  • Springy cheek smile

  • Flexible, slightly thinner material conforms to irregular bit cheeks for a secure fit on curb and pelham bits.

  • Minimizes interference with rein aids while preventing metal-to-skin contact at the mouth corners.

  • Ultra-flexible design

  • Featherlight comfort

  • Springy cheek smile

  • Flexible, slightly thinner material conforms to irregular bit cheeks for a secure fit on curb and pelham bits.

  • Minimizes interference with rein aids while preventing metal-to-skin contact at the mouth corners.

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$9-20 USD

5
BEST SILICONE COMFORT

Waldhausen Silicone Bit Guards

Waldhausen

Waldhausen silicone bit guards are positioned as the premium option for cheek protection on curb and pelham bits, prized for hypoallergenic silicone, excellent grip and easy cleaning that together reduce slippage and skin irritation. They generally carry a higher price but justify it with long-term durability and comfort advantages over rubber options like Coronet and Shires and a firmer, grippier profile compared with the more flexible Centaur and the softer Happy Mouth designs.

4.4
★★★★☆

  • Soft silicone padding

  • Hypoallergenic safe

  • Soft silicone padding

  • Hypoallergenic safe

Review Summary

90%

"Waldhausen Silicone Bit Guards receive consistently strong reviews for their soft, high-quality silicone, durable construction and neat fit on curb and pelham bits; users report long-term comfort for horses and minimal slippage. They’re frequently recommended as a market-leading choice."

  • German-made wink

  • Soft silicone construction provides high comfort and cushioning for horses sensitive to bit pressure.

  • German-made wink

  • Soft silicone construction provides high comfort and cushioning for horses sensitive to bit pressure.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Waldhausen silicone bit guards are positioned as the premium option for cheek protection on curb and pelham bits, prized for hypoallergenic silicone, excellent grip and easy cleaning that together reduce slippage and skin irritation. They generally carry a higher price but justify it with long-term durability and comfort advantages over rubber options like Coronet and Shires and a firmer, grippier profile compared with the more flexible Centaur and the softer Happy Mouth designs.

  • Soft silicone padding

  • Hypoallergenic safe

  • German-made wink

  • Soft silicone construction provides high comfort and cushioning for horses sensitive to bit pressure.

  • Designed to fit snugly on curb and pelham bits while resisting sweat and UV degradation.

  • Soft silicone padding

  • Hypoallergenic safe

  • German-made wink

  • Soft silicone construction provides high comfort and cushioning for horses sensitive to bit pressure.

  • Designed to fit snugly on curb and pelham bits while resisting sweat and UV degradation.

Order Now

$14-28 USD

What Research Says About Bit Guards and Horse Comfort

Scientific and veterinary literature has documented that mouth and facial soft tissues are susceptible to pressure and friction from bits and cheek hardware. Research in equine veterinary and biomechanics publications supports the idea that adding a compliant layer between metal and soft tissue can reduce localized pressure peaks and abrasion. While cheek guards are not a substitute for correct bit fit or professional dental and tack checks, evidence-backed principles of pressure distribution and soft-tissue protection explain why many riders and clinicians recommend them as a preventive accessory.

Pressure distribution: Biomechanics studies indicate that cushioning materials help spread peak contact forces over a larger area, lowering the risk of focal tissue damage.

Reduced chafing and lesions: Clinical reports in equine veterinary practice associate soft coverings with fewer rubs and abrasions where bit hardware contacts the horse.

Material performance: Laboratory testing of common materials (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and food-grade silicone) shows differences in flexibility and resilience at low temperatures, which matters for American climates.

Hygiene and safety: Research on tack hygiene emphasizes materials that tolerate routine cleaning without degradation; silicone and high-grade rubber typically perform well with mild detergents and drying.

Complementary to fit and care: Studies and veterinary guidance consistently note that accessories like cheek guards are most effective when used alongside correct bit sizing, regular oral exams, and proper bridle adjustment.

In United States, cheek guards are a small investment that protects tack and promotes horse comfort across disciplines and seasons. The five main options covered on this page are Happy Mouth Bit Guards, Coronet Rubber Bit Guards, Shires Rubber Cheek Guards, Centaur Flexi Bit Guards, and Waldhausen Silicone Bit Guards. For riders prioritizing full cushioning and consistent performance in cold weather, Waldhausen Silicone Bit Guards stand out as the best overall choice among these five because of their softness, long-term resilience, and easy cleaning. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search to compare sizes, colors, or user reviews and find the guard that fits your bit and horse best.

Discover More
  • Bit Guards for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Bit Covers and Sleeves for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Bit Keepers and Fasteners for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Replacement Parts and Repair Kits for Curb and Pelham Bits
  • Transport and Storage Accessories for Curb and Pelham Bits

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