What's the best way to switch from a snaffle to a curb?

Question

I have a mare that I want to show western. She has been trained in a smooth snaffle, and is quite light in it, however I need to switch to a curb to show. What is the best way to do this? Do horses normally have problems initially, or do they take to it pretty well?

Answer 1

Curb kicks are a bloody way to kill someone.

Answer 2

They make bits called "transition bits" specifically for this purpose.  There are a few different types, so I've included a website so you can choose.  I've found these to be a great, easy way to help your horse make the transition.

http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/tack/...

Answer 3

Move her to a Kimberwick with double reins.  The shank's shorter than a pelham and still has some leverage.  Start off by using more of the snaffle rein, then gradually move her to the curb rein.  Once she's used to using JUST the curb rein, then you can move her to a longer shanked bit.

Answer 4

do it slowly  please help me now http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?...

Answer 5

because she is so light in the snaffle, i would use a bit like an Argentine snaffle, which is a bit that has shanks, but a snaffle mouth. what i use is a bit that has stylish shanks but has a dog-bone mouth, so it is very mild. if you can, buy a cheap bit that has shanks, a snaffle mouth (or dog-bone, whichever you prefer) and rings on the side where you can attach reins to give a snaffle feel. try it out, with the reins on the snaffle rings at first, and see how she likes it. then as you move through her training, move the reins down to the lower rings and work her with that and a loose curb strap. and if she likes it and is doing well in this kind of bit, you can go for the more expensive showy type bits that have the stylish shanks and such. you dont need to use intermediate bits to get the job done, but make sure she knows how to neck-rein before switching to a curb.  

Answer 6

i mean you could do that, but it wouldn't be very nice.

it is expensive but this is the way to do it,

you start SLOWLY moving up with bits that are more and more like a curb from a snaffle

maybe 2 or 3 maybe even 4 bits to make that adjustment.

use them for a few days each more if you need to depending on how much time you have

Answer 7

Don't use a Tom Thumb NOT a good bit to use a transitional bit, it will send mixed signals!!!! I have never had a horse have a hard time switching to a curb. I have never used a transitional bit to witch mine. I just start using the curb slowly. I don't because I think it cuts out a step that I have not needed to use.

*****edit******

Chad & I talked, he was going to reanswer, but could not. Here is what he was going to repost:

What I meant, and should have said was that I don't believe in the harsh curbs that I see used - with the long, long shanks and the deep curves in them. I like the Tom Thumb because when used correctly, it is an easy bit. I've used them for many years without any trouble. However, in the hands of someone who is not familiar with them, they can be very harsh. (Like most things with horses.)

One problem I think this person may have in transitioning from a snaffle to a curb is that they'll need to teach neck reining for the curb to be most effective, since it's more a stopping bit and not a turning one like the snaffle. Which was the main reason I suggested the Tom Thumb. It will allow more direct style reining (like the snaffle), while hopefully encouraging a light hand. If you'll do me the favor of passing this along to the questioner, I'd be grateful.

Answer 8

Try a Tom Thumb with a loose curb strap at first.  Gradually tighten the curb strap every few rides until it is just tight enough to lay against the underside of the chin when the shanks of the bit are at a 45 degree angle to the horses mouth.   Be careful to pull on the reins before you actually get on to ride to make sure your horse isn't going to overreact and try to rear to get away from it.  Depending on what breed your mare is and how old she is you can show her in a snaffle until she is 5 in the QH and Pant and App shows.

Answer 9

I agree with the last answer. But i suggest that you don't use a tom thumb bit, they can be really harsh and cruel if not used properly.

Answer 10

well i rode in both, more snaffle then curb.  any bit can be mean in the horses mouth and you can ride in a curb and not have it be a harsh bit, you just have to have softer hands.

i used (perfer to use) a kimberwicke bit.  there you have a choice, you can go to the "most" server curb of that bit to a direct bit. . . all in the same bit that you dont have to change your bridle/bits out.

good luck in whatever you choose, but i just love the kimberwicke.