All About Curb Straps and Horse Bit Accessories

Curb Chains and Straps

Many Western-style horse bits require a curb chain or curb strap to achieve proper leverage or enhance training. Western Curb straps can come in a variety of combinations from just a stainless steel chain attached with curb hooks, leather straps that buckle onto the bit with a chain in the center that goes under the horse’s chin, to embellished curb chains for the show ring with silver plating or etched designs. Curb chains can come with single or double chains, the latter offering extra leverage. Harness leather curb straps have no chain and just smooth leather that is perfect for everyday use, trail riding, or for a horse that doesn’t need the chain action but uses a bit that requires a curb strap.

English style curb chains and straps are similar, but typically come as either just a plain chain or a thin rolled-leather strap. Some English bits, such as a Pelham or Kimberwick, use a curb chain or strap for extra leverage and control as the chain can be tightened or loosened as needed for your horse’s needs.

Horse Bit Accessories

Horse bit accessories are a must-have to keep on hand in every barn. A great way to keep your horse bits clean, fresh, and looking new is by using bit cleaning products. If you have a horse that likes to chew on their rubber bits, or maybe they have a sensitive mouth, you can use a latex bit wrap to add cushion, reduce rubbing, and smooth over rough edges on coated bits that have been chewed on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Curb Straps and Bit Accessories

What is a curb strap for horses?

A curb strap or curb chain for horses is a piece of leather or stainless steel chain used to attach to the shanks of a curb-style bit, from underneath the horse’s chin. A curb strap helps prevent a bit from rotating in a horse’s mouth more than a rider desires and reduces the amount of pressure that is applied to the roof of a horse’s mouth.

Do you need to use a curb strap?

You only use a curb strap on horse bits that are designed for a curb strap. Bits like snaffles, loose ring and D-ring bits do not use curb straps. Some types of bits need a curb strap, such as a Pelham or Kimberwick bit.

How long should a curb chain be?

The general rule of thumb when using a curb strap or curb chain on your horse’s bit is that when the reins are pulled back, the cheek pieces, or shanks, of the bit can’t move backward more than 45 degrees. Some riders go with the rule of being able to always fit two fingers between the horse’s chin groove and your strap or curb chain. This is the most common way to measure that your strap is the correct length for both English and Western bits.

What's the difference between leather and chain curb straps?

A curb chain is usually used on a horse that gets heavy or pulls as the chain can give you extra leverage and lift when needed. The chain should always lay flat when put on the bit so that all of the links are facing the same direction for a smooth appearance all the way from end to end. If your chain gets tangled you will need to flatten it out. A smooth leather curb strap is a great way to prevent the bit from rotating too far in the horse’s mouth, without the harshness of a chain.

What horse bit accessories do I need?

If you have horses or a busy stable, you should always have extra horse bit accessories such as curb chains, curb straps, rein keepers, bit keepers, and latex bit wrap on hand as you never know when you might need them. Horse bit cleaner and polish is another great product to keep your horse bits clean and disinfected between use.