Curb chain query

[Harry Houdini]

Hi, I was trained the BHS way to have the curb hook inside the bit ring on each side but I've been reading old books that have the hook and chain on the outside of the offside bit ring, threaded through, and fasten to the hook on the inside of the nearside bit ring. Is this because most people are stronger with the right hand? Or have I been doing it wrong all along?

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Curb chain on Pelham should be fastened outside on both sides

 

[planete]

Pony club advice on fitting a curb chain on a Pelham:

. I had also heard of putting the chain through the bit rings but have never done it, preferring it fitted and adjusted to come into action as it would on a double bridle.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

This is how I fit mine on a basic Pelham, as taught by the likes of Sybil Smith, Pauline Voss and Valerie Millwood. I was taught that this has a more moderate effect on the horse or pony.
The photo below isn't a good one though as the chain is too short.
The more recent way is to hang without going through the bit rings.

Other forms of Pelham which dont have the upper bit ring, they are fitted in the groove.
Always with a lip strap.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

I always use a lip strap too ?

 

[Spotherisk]

At 1:05 in that PC video she demonstrates exactly why the chain should be fastened through the rings! She flexes the reins and the hook instantly gets trapped between the ring and the soft corner of the mouth, pinching the horse.

For anyone in doubt fit it then flex the rein whilst on the ground, you can easily see which will be more comfortable.

The lip strap does stop it riding up but won’t stop the pinching.

 

[Harry Houdini]

Curb chain on Pelham should be fastened outside on both sides

Oops!

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Oops!

?

 

[Harry Houdini]

Pony club advice on fitting a curb chain on a Pelham:

. I had also heard of putting the chain through the bit rings but have never done it, preferring it fitted and adjusted to come into action as it would on a double bridle.

But it wouldn't be an issue with a Weymouth as there is only the curb rein ring. I obviously wouldn't have it through the bradoon ring.

 

[planete]

At 1:05 in that PC video she demonstrates exactly why the chain should be fastened through the rings! She flexes the reins and the hook instantly gets trapped between the ring and the soft corner of the mouth, pinching the horse.

For anyone in doubt fit it then flex the rein whilst on the ground, you can easily see which will be more comfortable.

The lip strap does stop it riding up but won’t stop the pinching.

But she is bringing the hand holding the rein inwards under the horse's chin, not something that could happen when you are in the saddle.

 

[ycbm]

I've never heard of doing them outside before, and never seen it done. I think it looks dreadful, if looks matter, and that if the curb action is too strong you can use a leather one. For hunting, I replaced the hooks with small carabiners after having a disaster losing one.
.

 

[catkin]

Hi, I was trained the BHS way to have the curb hook inside the bit ring on each side but I've been reading old books that have the hook and chain on the outside of the offside bit ring, threaded through, and fasten to the hook on the inside of the nearside bit ring. Is this because most people are stronger with the right hand? Or have I been doing it wrong all along?

another thought - is it a way to counteract the twist in a curb chain? even if it is flat (as it absolutely should be!) the links all go one way.
Some years ago you could get curb chains that the links on left and right sides were in opposite directions that was supposed to make the chain lie flatter and more evenly.
I'm no engineer so don't know if this is a thing or not.

 

[Otherwise]

another thought - is it a way to counteract the twist in a curb chain? even if it is flat (as it absolutely should be!) the links all go one way.
Some years ago you could get curb chains that the links on left and right sides were in opposite directions that was supposed to make the chain lie flatter and more evenly.
I'm no engineer so don't know if this is a thing or not.

It could be but then you still have the same problem with a weymouth. Sprenger made them, think they were something like £50 a curb chain!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

another thought - is it a way to counteract the twist in a curb chain? even if it is flat (as it absolutely should be!) the links all go one way.
Some years ago you could get curb chains that the links on left and right sides were in opposite directions that was supposed to make the chain lie flatter and more evenly.
I'm no engineer so don't know if this is a thing or not.

This is why I prefer a double link chain as it sits better than a single link one.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

I have leather they are easier altogether ?