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| Discussion on MILD curb bit??? Is there such a thing? | |
| Author | Message |
| Member: Sunny66 |
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| Member: Cowgrl |
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| Member: Terrilyn |
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| Member: Hwood |
Posted on Thursday, Jun 17, 2004 - 9:40 am: A curb bit has several components that add to it's ability to apply pressure to a horse's mouth and jaw.The shanks are responsible for increasing the amount of leverage and "poundage" applied by the hands. The longer the shanks, the more pressure is multiplied and the gentler the rider has to be with his/her hands. Actually, the curb doesn't work as a curb unless it has a curb chain or strap. Certainly, a leather curb strap will be milder than a chain, and a double link chain (when the links are not twisted) is much milder and smoother against the horse's jaw bones than a single link chain. The tighter the curb chain or strap, the less the rider should use his/her hands. The curb bit actually applies pressure (pinches, if you will) to the bars of the horses mouth and the underside of his jaw simultaneously . . . That is why many horses get into head throwing with a curb . . . if the rider is unaware of the amount of pressure he/she is applying by pulling back on the reins, then the horse can get a heck of a squeeze on the jaw . . . and his head tossing is a way to try to relieve that pain. Yes, one can not effectively direct rein with a curb, as when one rein is held back, the entire bit is tipped in the horses's mouth and will gouge the horse's face and pinch one side of his jaw with the chain or strap. A direct rein bit (snaffle) is designed to send a direct signal to the horse's mouth, i.e., right rein back holds horse's head to the right; left rein back holds the horse's head to the left. Much easier for the horse to understand. In either bit, the circumference of the mouthpiece, as well as it's formation (twisted mouthpiece, high port, spade), and the sensitivity of the rider in using his/her hands to apply pressure is what determines the severity of the bit. If your horse neckreins well, Aileen, he will be working more off the reins and your leg/seat cues than anything else, and there should be no need for any pressure on the bit, except maybe for a cue to halt. As always, be sure the bit is sitting correctly in the horses's mouth (doesn't hit any teeth), is wide enough for the horse's mouth (doesn't pinch the corners) and tastes good to the horse (copper and sweet iron often get a better reception than stainless steel or chrome). . . Whatever bit you decide upon, be sure you keep your signals light . . . Be consistent in your asking, and don't stop asking until you get what you want . . . give a release and praise . . . and your horse will stay light and happy. 
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| Member: Sunny66 |
Posted on Thursday, Jun 17, 2004 - 10:49 am: Wow! GREAT info!! Thanks much ladies!My trainer can cue him with seat and legs, however, I'm not sure I'm good enough yet...I've been "neckreining" him in the snaffle during cooldowns...he sort of has the idea with me in the saddle...but we need to work on it more before I actually RIDE with the curb. I was told that he needs to be lunged in the curb for him to get used to it, so I wanted to start doing that, while I'm teaching him to neckrein. btw, he's also going to the dentist (;) just in case that's an issue. Thanks again...and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions once I'm in the saddle with the curb bit!! 
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| Member: Christos |
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