Using Curb Bits for Horse-Riding

Where Pressure Is Applied

A curb bit works on three points of the horse’s head when the reins are pulled: the mouth, the chin, and thepoll. Like a snaffle, there is some pressure placed on the bars of the mouth when the reins are pulled. Depending on the style of themouthpiece, there may also be action on the tongue and the roof of the mouth.

Unlike the action of a snaffle, that only places pressure within the mouth, the shanks of a curb bit act as a lever. This pulls down the crown of the bridle, puts pressure over the poll, or the top of the horse’s head, and pulls the curb chain or strap forward against the horse's chin.

The Role of the Curb Strap

The curb strap not only creates pressure but also prevents the bit from rotating too far around in the horse's mouth. This is especially important with ported bits, where theportmay rotate harshly against the roof of the horse's mouth. Some (mainly English curbs) may have a lip strap to prevent the horse from chewing at the shank. Some bits will have a strap, wire, or chain that connects the bottom-most rings on the shank, called a hobble, to prevent the shanks from spreading too far or being pulled together. These keep the shanks more stable.

Curb Bit Styles

有一个巨大的各种各样的限制一些风格,English and Western, but the principal actions are the same for both. The cheekpieces, come in many different styles (shanks and purchase) and lengths. The different mouthpieces and cheekpieces affect the action and severity of the bit.

Cheeks may be straight or curved, and the shape of the cheekpieces affects the leverage action. The cheekpieces may be solidly attached to the mouthpiece or may swivel. Cheekpieces may be straight, slightly curved, almost half-circular, or S-shaped.

Some curb bits may have a straight mouthpiece, while others may haveports,keys, rollersor different types of materials and combinations of metals. Ports provide room for the tongue and, depending on the design, may act on the horse's palate. Spoons are similar to ports in that they are solid and act on the roof of the mouth more assertively.

Curb Bit Materials

Various metals such as copper or sweet iron (rust) are thought to encourage the horse to salivate, resulting in a more responsive mouth. Various synthetic mouthpieces are designed to make the bit more comfortable for the horse. Jointed mouthpieces increase the pressure on the bars of the mouth with a nutcracker action when the reins are used. A common example of this is theTom Thumb, often erroneously referred to as asnaffle bit.

Range of Severity

Curb bits can range from very mild, such as the very short-shankedkimberwicke(kimblewick), to very severe, such as a high-ported long-shanked correction bit. The severity, however, is not in the bit itself but how it is used. In the wrong hands, the mildest snaffle bit or shortest shanked curb can be very severe.

Excessive pulling and jabbing can be very painful for the horse, resulting in behaviors such ashead tossing,rearing,rooting, andbalking. Eventually, your horse will become numb to the bit and difficult to control.