Western Curb Bits Explained

If you have trouble stopping or turning your horse the answer probably isn t a more severe bit but a solid review of the basics.

Western curb bits explained.

The shank length is shorter than the western style it is about 4 5 inches. Even so snaffles are commonly used as a training tool throughout the life of horses ridden western style because of the advantages of snaffle action when applying frequent reinforcements or when conducting riding activities that require constant slight mouth pressure. Other than shank sizes there are different shapes as well. Curb bits allow the rider to give much more subtle rein aids than with many snaffles as well as encourage a horse to flex and carry.

Curb bits are a useful tool for a horse that is a strong puller such as one that becomes excited while on the trail or over jumps. But this article gives you a solid introduction to the most common english and western bits and their uses. Get top performing western pleasure bits here. 5 pounds of pressure might feel like 10 15 or 20 pounds to the horse.

These are often used as part of a double bit ensemble where the other is a snaffle style bit. Curb bits are a standard piece of gear for any western rider but the bits have a place in the english and driving world too. Which western pleasure bits should you use to train your horse. The curb bit is a leverage bit which works by amplifying the amount of pressure applied by the rider.

Some are loose jawed that is they let the mouthpiece rotate more while others are not. Correction bits are used not to correct problems but to reinforce the rein aids to an already well trained horse. Most western showing requires that older horses perform in curb bits. How to choose the right bit for your horse three main criteria should be considered when selecting a bit for your horse the riding discipline the horse and the rider.

The shank is pretty long about 8 9 inches and this allows for greater leverage. The action of the neue schule jumper. Even with a loose rein you have a lot of control. When in doubt consult a trusted trainer try several options then pick the bit that works best for you and your horse.

Understand the different types of snaffle bits and curb bits to their best advantage. Training bits snaffles show bits. The bit pictured on the right is a western style curb bit commonly known as a tom thumb with a curb chain. Actually there s plenty left to learn about all the different bits for horses.

This is a cross between the american gag and the elevator. The curb bit is more popular in western riding styles but it s also present in english. In the wrong hands like any curb bit these bits can be severe. A curb chain strap does not have to lie in the chin groove in order to be effective if you think about many western bits the curb strap is often employed further up.

Voila horse bits explained. The straighter the shank the less warning the horse has before the pressure hits it.