Mild Western Curb Bits

Progression to curb bit.

Mild western curb bits.

The curb bit refers to bits that have a lever action through the use of shanks and a curb strap or chain. The design and configuration of the curb bit are endless. This bit is a broken mouthpiece snaffle with shanks and a curb strap or chain hokana believes that the tom thumb is a mild nonintimidating bit that can acquaint the young horse to the different feel and leverage of a curb bit. Remember in western riding body position leg cues and reining have the most significance and the bit becomes a means of signalling rather than control.

The length and straightness of the shank can either increase or decrease the pressure and can affect the quickness of western bits. You ll see these bits with copper plastic and metal mouthpieces. Berlin leather 6 buffalo leather 1 classic equine 10. In all it s a very mild bit.

Finesse comes with progress towards use of a curb bit. With a curb the horse will feel a tightening on their jaw from the chin strap. You typically need to communicate with the reins using just one hand when barrel racing so a western bit is ideal. Curb bits are commonly seen during barrel races but that doesn t mean you have to use these bits.

However the thom thumb does come in short shank or long shank variety. A mild curb bit may be much more comfortable for your horses than a snaffle especially if it means the rider will use less pressure and the horse has less pressure on his tongue. I have my mare in it for western and she goes back and forth nearly daily between this a snaffle and bitless. Since it has short shanks it appears to be a mild bit but the jointed mouth adds to the severity.

And the long shank is a bit more. Since it has shanks and uses leverage it is a curb bit. Once you take contact off on drapey reins well then you really are listening to other than the bit action itself so for most horses what kind of bit snaffle curb or broken mouth curb that won t make much difference any of them will work some better than others depending on the rider and horse s training. The exact style of the bit depends on how well the horse responds to your cues to turn and to stop.

Two of the most commonly used mild western bits are the basic curb bit and the thom thumb. Curb bits 123 correction bits 34 gag bits 16 hackamore 13 curb chain accessories 33 brand. Instead it allows small increments in pressure so that an altogether lighter touch is possible. You can use two hands with the curb bit but it is designed to ride one handed.

That of course depends largely on the rider and the type of riding he will do. Curb bits place pressure on the bars tongue jaw and poll.