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his mouth, so he may respond beforehand. Conversely, a very loose curb chain can be undesirable, allowing the bit to rotate in the mouth too much, causing the port, especially a high port, to become too vertical and press against the palate, which is painful, can damage the mouth in extreme cases, and can cause the horse to gape. Additionally, it can completely nullify the correct action of the curb, making its use pointless.
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chain is attached to the rings at the end of the cheek, so, as the cheek moves forward, the chain is pulled and tightened in the curb groove. Once it comes in contact with the curb groove of the horse it acts as a fulcrum, causing the cannons of the bit mouthpiece to push down onto the horse's bars, thus amplifying the bit's pressure on the bars of the horse's mouth.
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A curb chain is generally adjusted so it comes into action when the shank rotates 45 degrees back. However, skilled riders with experience with the curb bit may adjust the chain tighter to accommodate the needs of the individual horse, type of equipment, and training situation. However, keeping the
219:
Curb chains vary in width and linkage. Thinner curb chains are more severe, ones that are too thin are banned in competition, and any curb chain could cause sores if the chain is not adjusted properly and used with discretion. For horses that are sensitive or that are rubbed by the chain, a cover
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There are two undesirable consequences when using a very tight curb chain. First, the bit immediately exerts curb pressure and increased pressure on the bars as soon as pressure is applied to the reins. Therefore, a tight curb chain is much harsher, and provides less finesse in signaling the horse
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The tightness of the curb chain has a great effect on the action of the bit. If used with no or a loose curb chain, it allows the shanks to rotate more before the curb chain is tight enough to act as a fulcrum and exert pressure. This extra rotation can warn the horse before pressure is exerted on
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The curb chain applies pressure to the curb groove under a horse's chin when the curb rein of the bit is used. When the curb rein is pulled, the shank of the bit rotates back towards the chest of the horse and the cheek (upper shank) of the bit rotates forward (since it is a lever arm). The curb
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than a looser curb chain would, as the horse is never given a chance to respond before the curb chain engages. Secondly, an extremely tight curb chain causes the mouthpiece to constantly push down on the sensitive tongue, never allowing the horse relief.
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made of rubber, neoprene, leather, or gel can be used, or a leather curb strap. However, it is important that the rider check that the curb is being used correctly and is not the cause of the rubs.
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The curb chain should be applied by twisting it clockwise on one hook until it is flat, and then attaching it to the other hook. A twisted curb chain is far harsher in its effect than a flat one.
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187:, which helps keep the lip strap in place while the lip strap in turn prevents the curb chain from being lost if it becomes unhooked.
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129:'s purchase arms. It has a buckle or hook attachment and English designs have a "fly link" in the middle to hold a
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action of a curb bit. Additionally, it helps to keep the bit steady and in place within the mouth. On
English
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bridles the horse is bridled with the curb chain undone on one side, then connected once on the horse. On
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bridles, the curb chain is kept buckled to both sides of the bit.
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121:. It is a flat linked chain or flat strap that runs under the
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curb chain looser allows more accommodation for rider error.
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The main use of the curb chain is to enhance and control the
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the curb chin is attached by a ring ("fly link" (UK)) to a
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232:New York: Simon and Schuster/Brigadore Press, 1977
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46:but its sources remain unclear because it lacks
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77:Learn how and when to remove this message
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16:Piece of horse tack used with a curb bit
117:required for proper use on any type of
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93:A curb chain for a western-style bit
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843:
759:Tack accessories and training tools
13:
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14:
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1119:Category:Horse tack and equipment
947:Historic or ceremonial equipment
153:A curb strap on a Western style
23:
1045:
513:Component parts and accessories
1:
223:
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1112:Glossary of equestrian terms
821:Draw reins and running reins
281:, components and accessories
7:
101:An English-style curb chain
10:
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334:Components and accessories
230:The Whole Horse Catalogue.
125:of the horse, between the
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266:Horse equipment and tack
32:This article includes a
310:Australian stock saddle
61:more precise citations.
642:Bearing rein/overcheck
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228:Price, Steven D., ed.
215:Differences in chains
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530:Mechanical hackamore
704:Horse-drawn vehicle
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164:A curb chain on a
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34:list of references
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806:Longeing cavesson
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315:McClellan saddle
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113:, is a piece of
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38:related reading
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1084:Transportation
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1008:(horseshoeing)
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469:Kimblewick bit
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181:double bridles
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42:external links
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962:Kura (saddle)
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879:Horse blanket
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627:Breast collar
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619:Horse harness
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603:Horse harness
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560:Bit converter
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474:Liverpool bit
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447:and bit parts
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425:Double bridle
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53:Please help
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1046:Occupations
987:Hipposandal
910:Picket line
801:Bitting rig
727:Sled/sleigh
664:Horse brass
657:Shadow roll
652:Lines/reins
545:Mecate rein
459:Snaffle bit
346:Breastplate
325:Pack saddle
123:chin groove
59:introducing
898:Restraints
811:Side reins
769:Martingale
575:Tongue-tie
550:Curb chain
479:Pelham bit
413:Headstalls
402:hackamores
320:Sidesaddle
224:References
195:Adjustment
166:Pelham bit
115:horse tack
111:curb strap
107:curb chain
1023:Hoof boot
1018:Horseshoe
982:Caparison
925:Rein hook
857:equipment
796:Surcingle
684:Surcingle
632:Breeching
607:carriages
570:Lip strap
565:Bit guard
504:Bit shank
484:Spade bit
430:Hackamore
366:Saddlebag
185:lip strap
131:lip strap
127:bit shank
1135:Category
1066:Strapper
1028:Caulkins
1006:Farriery
977:Shabrack
972:Frentera
884:Fly mask
712:Carriage
499:Bit ring
489:Ring bit
454:Curb bit
356:Tapadero
155:curb bit
119:curb bit
67:May 2010
1061:Hostler
957:Barding
816:Chambon
674:Crupper
580:Sallong
464:Gag bit
398:bridles
371:Pannier
351:Stirrup
292:Saddles
279:Saddles
139:western
135:English
55:improve
915:Twitch
905:Hobble
864:Halter
855:Stable
689:Terret
637:Bridle
555:Fiador
420:Bridle
177:pelham
145:Action
133:. On
1056:Groom
826:Gogue
784:Quirt
737:Wagon
732:Sulky
722:Coach
694:Trace
540:Romal
535:Reins
525:Bosal
341:Girth
173:lever
109:, or
40:, or
869:Lead
791:Spur
779:Crop
774:Whip
717:Cart
605:and
445:Bits
400:and
394:Bits
179:and
1137::
396:,
105:A
44:,
36:,
258:e
251:t
244:v
80:)
74:(
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65:(
51:.
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