A question about curb chains / straps

[PapaFrita]

Umm, feel really daft asking this, but how do they work? Is it their purpose to restrict the movement (angle) of the curb bit? Does putting the curb on looser/tighter make the action more/ less severe? OR does the tension increase/decrease poll action???????
Most horses at our yard wear curbs (in the manner of western horses) and people seem to think that the curb has to be really tight to make the bit effective?
Would appreciate some patient soul explaining the mechanics of the curb bit plus strap/chain. Thankies very much.

 

[flyingfeet]

A curb puts pressure on the back of the horses jaw - either in the curb groove or higher if set on a hackamore / gag.

Its all a case of leverage - so the tighter the curb the sooner it comes into action. The longer the shanks on the bit the more pressure is applied.

In english riding, you would ideally leave around two fingers space between the curb the horse. Do this up tighter makes it more severe, but means that you stop more on the curb than the bars of the mouth. So it can be useful if yo have a sore mouth, or want to give the mouth a rest.

However jumping with a tight curb is a bad idea, as they will not appreciate it if you catch them in the mouth with a tight curb.

You can also vary effectiveness with the type of curb -the double link english curb is actually the most severe, then the wide link polo chains are milder due to larger surface area. Then leather curb straps tend to be less sharp and finally elasticated curbs are very mild.

 

[PapaFrita]

Okeedokee, thanks for that

most helpful

 

[oldbear]

If the bit has a high port having the chain loose would cause the port to hit the roof of the mouth.
Always check for the correct tightness ie when the reins are pulled gently the bit should be at 45 degrees.
So to answer not always having a loose chain is kinder.......

 

[Tia]

[ QUOTE ]
If the bit has a high port having the chain loose would cause the port to hit the roof of the mouth.


[/ QUOTE ]
Good point Oldie - most of the crowd I go around with use Tom Thumbs (no port).

 

[PapaFrita]

Yes, that does make sense.
Do you mean that the bit should be at 45 degrees before the curb comes into action. And 45 degrees from where?

Sorry

Can you tell I don't use curbs???

 

[Tia]

The bit lies naturally at 45 degrees in the horse's mouth. LOL!!

Wasn't sure how to answer your next question because I do believe you are having a bit of a blonde moment......

45 degrees from level. Pull on the shanks and it will go to a higher degree unless the curb is tight.

 

[helenandshadow]

As far as i know, the curb chain should come into action when the bit is at 45 degrees from the vertical.

 

[PapaFrita]

Oh dear , I so seem to be having rather alot of those lately

I do understand now though, thanks Tia

 

[PapaFrita]

Hokeydokey, thanks

 

[oldbear]

Good to see you back Tia..
Missed your wit and wisdom .............