Horse riding bits include the Curb bit.
A Curb bit usually makes up the second part of a double bridle and can also be used alone.
They act upon the bars and tongue exerting pressure on the curb groove by use of the curb chain.
A small amount of poll pressure can be applied and depending on the size of the port pressure to the roof of mouth can also be applied.
In order for the bit to work correctly a curb chain must be used.
A lip strap is also used when showing.
The bit cheeks determine the severity of action of horse riding bits.
The longer the cheeks above or below the bit, the greater the severity. Short cheeks will reduce poll pressure.
Fixed cheek curb bit
A strong bit designed for horses with plenty of room space to house a bit.
The fixed cheeks eliminate pinching.
The bit should be fitted with a curb chain and lip strap may be worn.
Tom Thumb curb bit
This bit has a thin mouthpiece so ideal for horses with small mouths and large tongues.
The bit also has short cheek pieces, which makes the bit slightly less severe in it’s action.
Curb bit Sliding cheek
The bit has a thin mouthpiece so ideal for horses with small mouths and large tongues.
The sliding cheek allows the mouthpiece to ride up in the mouth with more poll pressure occurring when this happens.
Bit pics German dressage Weymouth
The bit has fixed cheeks and a port.
It is thick and hollow with medium length cheeks.
It is a popular bit for dressage but also used in other disciplines and regarded as a fairly kind bit.
Bit types Globe cheek pelham
The globe has a ported or jointed mouthpiece.
This bit is often referred to as a globe Pelham but there is no ring for the snaffle rein, so it really is a curb bit.
Banbury curb bit pics
The cheek pieces move independently of one another, with the bit being able to revolve and slide up and down.
Curb chains are available in various designs and materials.
They can be found in a single metal, double metal, leather and elastic.
A curb chain needs to lie flat against the curb groove.
Double link curbs are more comfortable for the horse and less likely to pinch.
For horses that dislike metal a leather curb strap can be softer. An
elasticated curb is ideal for the sensitive horse.
Rubber chain guards are also available, designed to prevent chaffing of the chain.
The
Jodhpur polo curb chain has a large central triangular piece of metal, which sits central on the curb groove.
This chain exerts a considerable amount of pressure on the jawbone.
If this chain slides upwards it can loose its effect and can dig into the horse’s skin.
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