HOW TO FIT A CURB CHAIN

1
HOW TO FIT A CURB CHAIN
The curb chain is an essential part of leverage
bits like pelhams and Kimberwickes or
double bridles. Adjusting them properly is key to
having the bit work the way it is intended. Curb
chains fit into the groove under a horses chin.
When the rider pulls on
the curb rein, it causes the shanks to rotate
backward and the mouthpiece to move forward. As
the shanks come back, the curb chain will come
into contact with the horses chin and apply
pressure. If the curb chain is too loose, the
shanks will come back farther, magnifying the
pressure if the curb chain is too tight, the
curb action is felt almost immediately.
The most common rule of thumb is for the curb to
come into play when the shanks are rotated 45
degrees. On most bits that means that there
should be about two fingers width of space
between the curb chain and the curb groove.
Most of the time the curb chain is just that a
length of chain. In some cases, a leather strap
is used. This is a milder alternative and you can
skip the first step mentioned below.
? To begin, attach the Curb chains to the hook
on the right hand side of bit and
untwist it until it lies flat. If the chain is
twisted, it will increase the intensity of
the pressure against the bit groove.
? Once the chain is flat, twist it one extra
half twist and attach it to the left hand hook.
2
? Make sure you can fit two fingers in between
the curb chain and the curb groove.
Tips
?
Some horses prefer the Curb chains to be
slightly looser or slightly tighter.
Always start with the two fingers measurement and
then make minor adjustments (one link at a time)
and see how your horse responds.
?
Remember that a leverage bit exerts considerably
more pressure on a horses mouth than a snaffle.
With a snaffle the amount of pressure you apply
to the reins is directly felt by the horse. With
a leverage bit, the shanks magnify that pressure.
With a short shank bit, liked a Kimberwicke, it
might only be a small increase. For example, if
you apply 5 pounds of pressure the horse might
feel seven and a half with a long shank bit, the
amount of pressure might be several multiples
of the direct pressure.