Curb Chains and Straps for Your Horse

Whether you use a western curb bit like the grazing bit, Tom Thumb or the various correction bits, or an English curb bit such as a kimblewick, pelham or the curb bit of a double bridle, it is important that it always be used with a curb chain or strap.

What is a Curb Chain?

Curb chains can be fastened to various types of bits as part of the tack equipment used to ride a horse. Attached to the bit inside the horse's mouth, the curb chain rests underneath the groove of its chin, and prevents the bit from rotating too much while limiting pressure on the upper palate of the horse's mouth.

Some driving bits like the Liverpool are curb bits. Many hackamores have shanks, and they should also be used with a curb chain or strap. The curb chain or strap looks fairly insignificant on a bit, but it's essential to ensure that the bit is both effective and comfortable for the horse.

Appearance

Often, curb chains are used on English bits and bridles, while straps are more commonly used on western bits. However, both straps and chains are available for either. A strap, whether it is made of leather or synthetic, is the mildest form of curb strap. Chains come in varying link sizes and thicknesses and there are many different types of chains available.

The finer chains may be used for horses that are pullers, but for general riding, a strap or medium-linked chain is sufficient. Regardless of the thickness of the chain, they should always be turned so that they are laying flat, like a watch band. This might take a few turns to get a tangled chain flattened out. One end of the chain on an English bridle will be left on the right hook attached to the bit. Once the bridle is on the horse, you turn the chain until it is flat and even, and then hook it onto the left chain. The right hook is commonly squeezed closed, so the chain doesn't fall off. There is also a larger center link that a "lip strap" can be threaded through. The lip strap prevents the horse from grabbing the bit shanks and keeps the chain from detaching if it comes unhooked. Leather English curb straps will have a few links of chain on each end of the leather portion, so they can be done up exactly like the chains.