How to Use a Curb Strap with Western Tack

The curb strap is an integral part of the curb bit system as it used with a Western tack bridle. The curb strap provides the leverage necessary to control your horse. Made up of a mouthpiece and two shanks on opposite sides of the mouthpiece, the curb strap connects between the upper openings of the shanks and is placed under the horse's mouth when the bridle and bit are placed on the animal. Commonly made of leather or flat chain, the curb strap applies upward pressure on the horse's jaw when the reins are pulled.

Things You'll Need

  • Curb bit
  • Curb strap
  • Reins
  • Bridle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install the curb strap on the bit and adjust it properly. According the Cultured Cowboy website, you should be able to slide four fingers, laid flat against your horse's jaw, under a properly adjusted curb strap or chain. Check this when the horse is standing steady and the reins are held in the normal riding position.

    • 2

      Pull the reins to communicate a stop or whoa to your horse. According to the Info Horse website, the port of the bit should touch the roof of the horse's mouth first to alert the animal of an upcoming command. The port is the curved or U-shaped segment in the center of the curb bit mouthpiece. Ports come in a variety of sizes. Choose a bit with a port sized to touch the roof of the mouth, with smaller ports applicable to smaller-mouthed horses.

    • 3

      Pull further on the reins to continue the command to stop. As the reins are pulled, causing the lower ends of the curb bit shanks to move backward, the curb strap is pressed against the underside of the horse's jaw, creating upward pressure. The upward pressure of the port of the curb bit and the curb chain is the signal to come to a complete stop.