A question about direct bits and curb chains?

Question

okay, i've never heard of this before, so i have to ask.

what i do know is that curb chains are used with curb bits and go with their leverage action. Where as a direct bit works more like a nut cracker (if it's jointed).

have you ever heard of a curb chain (or chain) being used with a direct bit (snaffle bits)?

Answer 1

No, I haven't. Someone might have done it at one point or another, but there is no point to a curb chain on a direct bit/snaffle since there is no leverage.

Answer 2

Buffy said it all....I would just add that the strap should be referred to as bit hobbles, as Buffy has done.  The strap doesn't function as a curb strap/chain, so it is confusing when it is referred to that way.

Answer 3

Sounds like you have a good basic knowledge of bit mechanics down - perhaps you've seen direct bits like D rings, eggbutts or loose rings with curb straps?

There are a few reasons - I use a leather "curb" strap on my d-ring bits as a bit hobble which disallows the bit to be pulled wide open and through a horse's mouth.  The strap keeps the two pieces close enough to ensure their mechanical effectiveness with the mouthpiece.

Also consider what you are seeing - because some appearing direct bits also have a small amount of leverage.  Hooks on bits, both english and western through which you attach the headstall and reins - they look like slots in an english bit or loops in a western bit - these allow application of a small amount of leverage because they hold the reins and headstall in one place - on a loose ring bit or Dring without hooks for example, the ring can slide through the loop on headstall or reins.  The reins nearly must touch the headstall on a loose rein to fully engage.  They don't have to move quite as far, but can on a D Ring without hooks.  

Adding a strap like this to a D ring or loose ring bit also can work to assist the reins in "grabbing" the bit to cause a movement just a teeny bit too.

Hope this helps - I have found a great resource on bits from the Myler brothers.  At your local tack store, or on line or at their website www.mylerbitsusa.com, there's a book and DVD set for about $20.  Watching the DVD then using the book for reference has brought me a TON of knowledge on how bits work.  It's amazing how little people actually know about them.  I bet if you purchased this, watched it, then applied the new knowledge, you'll be amazed and people will find value in your knowledge - I know they have from me.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Never heard of anthing like that.

The only thing I can think of that might fit that description is a kimberwick with the reins attatched to minimize the leverage or a pelham with a rein convertor or something. Both are leverage bits but it might be possible to set the reins so they work more like a direct bit.

I might be completely wrong but it seems possible.