Many horses go on a curb bit. My nomenclature for some of them has been criticized (particularly the snaffle-mouth curbs). However, our intention is to make distinctions in both design and use of these bits for the novice who wants to understand them. Some friends of horse-pros.com have helped to fine-tune the details of some of them. Others are waiting for someone more familiar with them to help us out.
The curb chain or strap is mounted in the chin groove under the horse’s chin between the bit shanks of the bit. It steadies the bit within the mouth (keeping it centered), and it controls the lever action of the reins. It keeps the bit shanks from bit from over-rotating. The curb strap acts as… Read More Curb Chain
A Bit Shank is the bar that has a ring that attaches to the bridle headstall at the top (headstall loop), the bit in the middle and and the rein ring on the other end. The length of the shank is important, as the longer the shank below the bit (lever), the more pressure is… Read More Bit Shanks
Horse Bit Leverage Explained Leverage is the pounds of pressure transmitted through a horse’s bit per pounds of pressure from a rider’s hands through the reins. If a rider pulls on the reins with one pound of pressure and the horse’s bit transmits one pound of pressure so that the horse actually feels one pound… Read More Bit Leverage
Solid High Ports such as Cathedrals and spooned ports make contact with the palate of the horse – some in more severe ways than others. The rider’s soft hands are critical here. The balance of a Spade, Spoon or Cathedral bit is critical, as they must be ridden straight-up neutral to keep the spoon off… Read More Spade Bit – Cathedral Bits
This information is gleaned from my own experience, research and input from friends of this blog. It takes “a village” to get it all right. Don’t hesitate to chime in if you want to add to or object to any information here. Introduction to Broken-Mouth Curb Horse Bits As the horse progresses and acquires more… Read More Curb bit w/Snaffle Mouth
Curb bits are suited for more mature horse (4 to 5 years old) with the capacity of accepting more pressure from the bit and more pressure on their face. Curb Bit leverage magnifies the pressure from the rider’s hands to the horse’s face (see Leverage). While a snaffle bit exerts only as much pressure on… Read More Curb Bit Basics
Introduction to Pelham Horse Bits The pelham bit has one rein (split) or two-rein capability. It has a large D-ring directly attached to the mouthpiece for a snaffle rein and a curb loop at the bottom of the shank for a curb rein. The snaffle rein is used most often for general riding, lateral turns,… Read More Pelham Bit
The Kimberwick is one of the most popular types of Pelham Bits. It has one rein (split) or two-rein capability. The rein attached to the snaffle loop acts like a simple snaffle bit and is used for general riding and lateral movement while the lower rein (the one with a shank to magnify pressure) acts… Read More Kimberwick Bit