Curb your Enthusiasm, or not.
stacey |
Curb chains are one of the smallest, most unnoticed, pieces of tack we put on our horse, but did you know that they can actually have a large impact on how your bit performs? Changing the type of curb can change the way your horse feels the pressure under his chin. Read on to learn more about the types of curb chains.
Curbs come in many styles, but the broad categories are leather straps, chains, and solid metal curbs.
Leather curbs are the mildest, and my choice when introducing a horse to shank bits and curbs. They are also a great tool to use on snaffle bits to keep the rings from pulling through the horse's mouth, and are even available in special designs just for that purpose.
Chains add just a little bite. The amount of bite depends on the chain you choose. A thin chain with single links is much more severe than a thicker chain or one with doubled links (each link runs through two others instead of just one).
There is also a style that has two chains welded side by side. Anything that makes the chain wider and gives it more contact points against the horse's jaw spreads the pressure out and makes it less severe.
The last kind are solid curbs. The Power Curb is the best example of these. They look harsh at first glance, but when compared to a thin chain, they don't add a whole lot more bite. The biggest difference is that it gives the bit a firm feel, and are best used with short or medium shank bits.
Want to know more about how a curb chain actually signals your horse? Click here: https://www.coolhorse.com/blog/how-curb-chain-works-your-horse
Need help adjusting your horse's curb? Learn more here: https://www.coolhorse.com/blog/adjusting-curb-chain#overlay=node/96/edit