curb chains

[alicep]

i did my first bit of fast work with a curb chain added to my myler comfort snaffle while out hacking last night. I dont know if it was her being spooky but she looked like a giraffe! head fixed up right and held right up in the air. Is this possibly an action caused by the curb chain or as i thought her being stupid? have ordered a tom thumb to try as well as a full cheek snaffle with hooks to work on direction.

 

[flyingfeet]

Curbs bring the head down rather than up

However unless you were using both sets of hooks with your myler, the only effect a curb will have is to prevent the bit being pulled through the mouth. Otherwise its like a kimblewick, so you need the curb reasonably tight before it does anything

 

[dozzie]

It may be that your horse didnt like the curb chain especially as it was the first time you used it. Some horses seem to take a while before they are happy. My chestnut in avatar hates the curb chain so I keep it as loose as poss on the double bridle and leave it off in her pelham. Also the little dun in avatar is used for driving and is very sensitive so I cant use the curb chain on her liverpool bit. So you need to be gentle with it and let your horse get used to it. Well, thats what I would do anyway!!

 

[AmyMay]

Yes, quite possibly your horse is objecting to the curb.

 

[alicep]

well were still trying to find the best bit for her. ive been hacking out with the curb chain quite loose for a week or so but this was the first time we had gone on the beach and did fats hacking work. i normally school in a three ring dutch gag with a lozenge (a passoa I think it may be called) which is lovely but no good hacking.

 

[loobylu]

Could you try using a leather or neoprene curb chain cover or even an elastic curb? She could be objecting to it banging on her bones.