Curb Bit –Understanding Curb Bit

A curb bit is a variety of bit, which is a part of the bridle that goes in the mouth of the horse, that uses lever action. It consists of mouthpiece, curb chain and shank. It has one ring on each side of the purchase arm of the shank and one on the bottom for the lever arm of the shank.

It works on several parts of the pony’s head and mouth, which differs it from the snaffle bit. The bit mouthpiece is the part of a curb bit where the curb chain, shanks and straps are attached. It rests on the bars of the mouth of the pony in the sensitive interdental space where there are no teeth.

It acts on the bars, tongue and roof of the mouth of the horse. The curb chain, which is the flat linked chain or strap, is attached on either side of the mouthpiece close to the corners of the mouth. This places pressure from the shank to the jaw groove. A curb chain is used to control the lever action of the curb bit.

Also, it helps keep the bit steady and in place within the mouth helping to hold the lip strap in place . The bit shank refers back to the side piece or cheekpiece of a curb bit. It adds leverage and place pressure on the poll thru the crownpiece of the bridle. Depending on the length of the curb’s bit shank, the curb can amplify rein pressure numerous times over.

Shanks are often made of metal and are designed either straight or curved. Curb bits come in different styles like Weymouth curb, grazing bit and spade bit, which are the most typical types. A Weymouth curb features a straight shank and a solid mouthpiece with a low port. A grazing bit has shanks that are turned back, generally, nearly ninety degrees. A spade bit is a vaquero designed curb bit with straight, highly decorated shanks and a mouthpiece with straight bar, a narrow port with cricket and a spoon.

The severity a curb bit can cause is based on many variables,eg the length of the shank. The longer the shank, the more leverage is made and so the worse the bit can be. Another variable that can add to the severity is the dimensions of the port, which is the area in the middle of the mouthpiece that’s generally a little raised. The bigger the port, the more terrible is the bit.

The tightness or looseness of the curb chain also is affecting the seriousness of the bit. The tighter the curb chain, the more pressure will be felt by the pony when the rider uses the rein. When the chain is tightened, the shank does not come back as far and more pressure is felt sooner with this adjustment. However, when the curb chain is loose, the shank comes back farther when the rider pulls the rein but the horse doesn’t feel the strain on the chin area as soon or as much.