How important is chin straps?

Question

for horses

Answer 1

They render shanked bits virtually useless without them...

Snaffles in a emergency situation will pull through the mouth without a chin strap to help hold the jaw.

Answer 2

Yep, I ride in a snaffle only and don't use one--

Answer 3

A snaffle bit can work without totally fine without a chin strap.  The use of a snaffle is not improved or accentuated with the chin strap as the snaffle works on the corners of the horse's mouth with a direct pull from the rider.  A chin strap on a snaffle does only one thing - and that is it stabilizes the bit so it isn't pulled through the horse's mouth if you are pulling really firmly on one rein.  Snaffle bits with large ends are difficult to pull through a mouth, anyhow, but some with smaller ends can slip right through and then you don't have any control of the horse.  So in my opinion it's probably not essential you use a chin strap if you're riding a broke, calm horse with a snaffle, but it still is probably a wise choice, especially considering there is no disadvantages of a chin strap and they cost only $5 or so!

Now, a leverage bit works on a totally different principal.  When you're using a leverage bit, and pull back on the reins, the chin strap works as a pressure point.  The horse feels pressure under its chin when using a leverage bit, it also feels pressure on the bars of its mouth, its tongue and even the roof of the mouth (depends on the type of leverage bit)  You can use a leverage bit without a chin strap, but basically you've turned that leverage bit into nothing more than a straight pull type snaffle bit, and that can make it very ineffective and even uncomfortable.  It becomes more difficult to stop or turn a horse in a leverage bit without a chin strap.  How tightly or how loosely the chin strap is fastened also changes how it works.

That is why horse shows will not allow you to show in a leverage bit without a chin strap, its a safety issue.  And some judges will check to see how tight it is.

Answer 4

Depends on the bit...they are essential with shanked bits...without a curb strap...there is nothing to leverage with therefore making them useless....with a snaffle...you can get by without one...but there is then nothing to keep the bit from sliding through the mouth..unless you use rubber donuts on the bit...