How to Use a Horse Curb Bit

The curb bit is one of the basic types of bits used on horses. It gives the rider more control than a snaffle, but takes some getting used to for both horse and rider. Care is needed when using a curb bit to keep from ruining the horse or harming its mouth.

Instructions

1. Ensure the curb bit is the right size and adjusted properly. It should be about a half-inch wider than the mouth and sit right on the corners of the mouth just making him "grin," or wrinkling the corners of his mouth a tiny bit.

2. Use the proper metal. Start with a medium width curb bit made of stainless steel, sweet iron or copper with a low, wide port and short shanks. The curb bit works on a leverage principle. The longer the shanks and the more pull on the reins, the more pressure is applied to the horse's mouth and the top of the head.

3. Adjust the curb strap properly. You should be able to rotate the shanks back 45 degrees before the strap or chain contacts the jaw. Ensure the chain lies flat and there are no barbs or rough edges.

4. Introduce your horse to the use of the curb bit gradually. Put it on the horse and let him wear it around for a while without reins to become used to carrying the bit. Stay close and monitor your horse's actions, so he doesn't try to rub the bridle off or get his foot tangled in it.

5. Ground drive your horse with the curb bit before riding with it. This will allow you to safely assess how the horse responds and allow him to get more accustomed to it.

6. Ride with a light touch. Practice touch and release. Don't keep a steady pressure on the reins, or your horse is likely to rebel. At the very least, he will become hard-mouthed, and you'll have to graduate to more and more severe bits.

Tips & Warnings

• Most professional horsemen start riding a horse in a snaffle bit or hackamore and graduate the horse to a curb bit.

• Use a curb bit that has a ring attached at the bars with a second rein for direct pressure, but only if you are an experienced rider and can handle four reins at once. Direct pressure on the bit is a little less severe than the leveraged pressure from the shanks on a curb bit.

• Aluminum bits are nice and light, but some horses don't seem to like the taste of them and they can cause mouth dryness.

• Check for sharp points or burrs where the mouthpiece connects to the shanks of the curb bit. These can irritate or even injure a horse.

• Always check your tack to ensure it is in good condition before using it on a horse.