what is a chain guard curb?

[Taishi]

Just been watching a video on YouTube regarding fitting a side-pull bride and I noticed she's using a "chain guard curb" though she kept calling it a "gel strap" which afaik is the same thing. So can anyone explain to me what is the purpose of these and how do they benefit the horse if at all?

 

[Kezzabell2]

I know what a curb chain is but the others, I have no idea!

 

[SpringArising]

Just been watching a video on YouTube regarding fitting a side-pull bride and I noticed she's using a "chain guard curb" though she kept calling it a "gel strap" which afaik is the same thing. So can anyone explain to me what is the purpose of these and how do they benefit the horse if at all?

It's the same thing. They're just to offer some protection from the chain to prevent pinching/unevenness.

 

[ozpoz]

curb chain guard? It is to stop the curb chain pinching the skin.

 

[Taishi]

curb chain guard? It is to stop the curb chain pinching the skin.

Ok, so whats a curb chain? ^_^; I know this seems a bit daft that I'm asking but to be honest I don't really think it has any thing to do with a chain as I've looked these up on ebay and t hey have no chains with them nor does it have one in the video and I honestly have no idea.

http://www.saddlery.biz/acavallo-ge...VKxTeb6B5uKSpG9UFomYKlqJ6aWrpIqGFcaArG_8P8HAQ

That is basically what I'm talking about and it was attached to the halter under the jaw area.

Oh wait.. nvm, I see, that is just a modified version as the older versions are actual chains.. Ok so agin what is a curb chain?

 

[Kezzabell2]

you used a curb chain with a pelham bit,

The main use of the curb chain is to enhance and control the lever action of a curb bit. Additionally, it helps to keep the bit steady and in place within the mouth.

 

[SpringArising]

Curb chains should be used for any curb or shank bits, not just Pelhams.

 

[Taishi]

See this is why I'm confused cus the person on YouTube was using a bltless side-pull, so that kind of defeats the purpose? I don't get that.

 

[9tails]

It is a curb, but the chain is in the gel. You can also get curbs in leather, I've used one of these. The curb chain guard is a guard that you fit the curb chain to on the other side to the skin so the curb chain guard is in contact with the horse.

 

[9tails]

If you're asking what a curb does, it puts pressure on the chin/lower jaw. Hackamores also have a curb, they work on both the nose and the chin and sometimes the poll depending on the shanks.

 

[dollyanna]

How about posting a link to the video so we can see exactly what it is being used for in this instance? It may just be that she is using the gel guard to give extra protection and comfort in the sidepull, or to help stop it slipping round.

 

[Taishi]

If you're asking what a curb does, it puts pressure on the chin/lower jaw. Hackamores also have a curb, they work on both the nose and the chin and sometimes the poll depending on the shanks.

Mmk, well I didn't see a hackamore on him either, as I said it was a side-pull. I was just wondering as I was curious to know of its benefits and whether I should try one as I use a cross under bitless bridle and also wondered whether it would conflict with that or be beneficial to fit better? I donno.

 

[dollyanna]

There wouldn't really be anywhere to put it on a crossunder would there? No noseband under the chin?

 

[joosie]

I would like to see the video too because I can't imagine why you would ride your horse in a sidepull - which is designed to be very mild - if you were then going to add curb action which makes it considerably stronger. I just can't picture the setup.
Are you sure it wasn't a Scawbrig?

 

[Taishi]

There wouldn't really be anywhere to put it on a crossunder would there? No noseband under the chin?

Actually the noseband does fasten under the chin so not really sure what you mean here

I would like to see the video too because I can't imagine why you would ride your horse in a sidepull - which is designed to be very mild - if you were then going to add curb action which makes it considerably stronger. I just can't picture the setup.
Are you sure it wasn't a Scawbrig?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzzj33i9xeQ it was in this video

 

[Holzdweaver]

Do you mean the Jowl strap? If so it can be used to stabilize the bridle and to stop it from moving and spinning on the horses head. I have added one onto my bridle as i use a hackamore and it stops the cheekpieces from moving up near my horses eyes.

 

[madmav]

Think she is saying jowl strap, not gel.
I have never heard of a side pull. She does go on a bit...

 

[Barnacle]

She is talking about the jowl strap - not a gel strap. Some sidepulls don't have one so the noseband sits loose and can move around a lot if not adjusted tight. With a jowl strap, it sits a little more quietly. This is a sidepull without a jowl strap: http://www.rawhideandroo.com/files/sidepull2.jpg This is one with: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51edbLo-DGL._SX300_.jpg

 

[Taishi]

Do you mean the Jowl strap? If so it can be used to stabilize the bridle and to stop it from moving and spinning on the horses head. I have added one onto my bridle as i use a hackamore and it stops the cheekpieces from moving up near my horses eyes.

Heh, maybe I was mishearing, could have sworn she said "gel strap" xD Typical yanks, you should hear how they say "hoof" its like "huff" lmao

 

[Tnavas]

Just been watching a video on YouTube regarding fitting a side-pull bride and I noticed she's using a "chain guard curb" though she kept calling it a "gel strap" which afaik is the same thing. So can anyone explain to me what is the purpose of these and how do they benefit the horse if at all?

The strap under the jowl/cheek stabilises the bridle preventing it from twisting around when you use the rein.

The lower strap is an extension of the noseband which secures the side pull rings and the front nose strap.

The cross under sidepull doesn't need anything else as it crosses under the jaw and is stable

For a curb action such that you see with a hackamore, a curb bit, a Pelham or double bridle, the curb chain acts as a fulcrum (the centre of a see saw) it allows the bit to rotate until the chain meets the jaw, then the pressure increases in the chin and puts pressure on the poll - the action encourages the horse to relax the jaw and drop at the poll.