What does a curb chain do for a horse?

The curb chain limits the pressure on the upper palate of the horse's mouth as the mouthpiece rotates. The pressure under the chin also pulls the bit down against the bars of the horse's mouth, amplifying the rein aids.

What is the purpose of a curb bit?

A curb bit is a leverage bit, meaning that it multiplies the pressure applied by the rider. Unlike a snaffle bit, which applies direct rein pressure from the rider's hand to the horse's mouth, the curb can amplify rein pressure several times over, depending on the length of the curb's bit shank.

Why use a curb strap with a snaffle bit?

Skip the curb strap.

The only reason to use a curb strap on a snaffle is if you tend to pull one of the snaffle's rings through your horse's mouth. If you do use a curb, be sure it's a leather one, adjusted loosely in front of your reins—never behind your reins.

What is the difference between a snaffle and a curb bit?

Snaffle bits have a single ring on each side, which applies direct pressure to the sides of the mouth. Shown is an eggbutt single-jointed snaffle. A curb bit has a shank or lever on each side. A shanked bit is considered a curb bit regardless of whether it has a solid or jointed mouthpiece.

Is a curb bit harsh?

While a lot depends on the rider and how the horse bit is being used, curb bits are generally considered to be more “severe” than snaffle bits because they apply more rein pressure. For this reason, snaffle bits are more commonly used than curb bits.

Doing up a Curb Chain

What is the most comfortable bit for a horse?

A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse's tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled. Continue to 2 of 15 below.

Can you neck rein with a snaffle?

With a snaffle, you can apply lateral (side) and vertical pressure without causing your gelding any pain or discomfort. Some people do switch to a shanked bit once their horses are trained to neck rein, but I've found a smooth snaffle bit can offer great control for the horse's entire life.

How tight should a curb chain be?

A good rule of thumb: you should be able to slip a finger or 2 between the curb and chin if adjusted correctly (A). If you've made an adjustment in your curb always check before getting on by pulling the reins back to see that the curb makes contact with the chin within 25 to 30 degrees of shank movement (B).

Can you ride one handed with a snaffle bit?

While the snaffle bit is not designed for one handed riding, I still think it is important to be able to do everything you can do with a shank bit in the snaffle first.

What is a gag bit for horses?

Equestrian Gag Bits and Elevator Bits are used for leverage on horses who lean or pull, allowing the rider to maintain balance and control.

Is a Hackamore harsher than a bit?

Hackamores are not more humane because there is no bit in the horse's mouth. Hackamores can be very harsh, causing severe pain to the horse's sensitive face. The shanks on some hackamores can be over eight inches long (20cm). With the force of leverage, it is possible to damage a horse's face.

Is a curb chain used with a snaffle bit?

A curb strap may be flat leather or may include a chain in the center of the buckles. Both sides attach to a snaffle bit on the two rings on either side of your horse's mouth. The purpose of the curb strap when used with a snaffle bit is to keep the bit centered and from slipping through your horse's mouth.

Where does curb chain go on bridle?

The curb strap is attached to the bit on your bridle. There are hundreds of different variations of bit and even the same general type of bit may be designed differently by different manufacturers. Remember that the curb chain is designed to go underneath your horse's chin when the bit is in his mouth.

Do snaffle bits need a chin strap?

They act on the tongue, lips, and corners of the mouth without altering the degree of force applied to the bit from the rider's hand. If the rings are large enough and appropriately shaped, or the snaffle has full or half cheek-pieces, most snaffle bits do not need a chip strap.

What does a full cheek snaffle do?

Full Cheek (Fixed Cheek)

The full cheek snaffle needs to sit snugly in the mouth to prevent lateral movement of the mouthpiece and improves the deliverance of the steering and turning aids.

What does plow rein mean?

"If you want to go to the right, you pull on the right rein. If you want to go to the left, you pull on the left rein," he says. "Some people refer to this as 'plow reining' a horse."

What are Romel reins?

Romal reins are an extension of braided material attached to closed reins and can be found in many western events from reining, working cow horse and ranch riding to western pleasure and trail. Trainer Jay McLaughlin regularly uses romal reins with his reining and reined cow horses.

Where should a curb strap be placed?

The curb strap should be attached loosely, but not loose enough that the horse could get it in her mouth. It should be attached close to the mouthpiece of the bit with the reins attached behind the curb strap. In this way the curb strap does not move up the rings when the reins are picked up.

Where do horses like to be touched?

4- Many horses like to be rubbed on the neck, shoulder, hip, or on the chest. Some horses enjoy having their heads and ears rubbed. Horses often groom each other on the whither, so this would be a good place to try too. 6- If your horse does not want to be pet or moves away, do not be upset.

Why does my horse kick out when asked to canter?

Kicking out under saddle can be strictly a behavioral problem, but can also be a sign that the horse is uncomfortable high in the hind limb. Horses that kick out a hind limb, particularly at the canter, may have specific but sometimes very subtle lameness or neurologic conditions.

What bit is slightly stronger than a snaffle?

The Bevel provides more brake-power so is ideal for those horse's needing something slightly stronger than a snaffle. This is a great bit for a novice horse at a competition! A great Bevel bit to choose is the Shires Bevel Bit with Jointed Mouth RRP £14.99.

Why do Western riders use curb bits?

Curb bits allow the rider to give much more subtle rein aids than with many snaffles, as well as encourage a horse to flex and carry their heads on the vertical, like dressage horses, which are ridden in a ​double bridle with both a curb and snaffle bit in their mouths.

What is the least harsh bit for a horse?

Loose Ring French Link Snaffle

A French link snaffle has two joints connected via a “lozenge” in the center of the mouthpiece. Considered one of the mildest snaffle bits. Pair it with the most forgiving cheekpiece (O-ring or loose ring) for the gentlest action.