Curb Straps
On a shanked bit, a curb strap keeps the bit in place and provides the
leverage the bit was designed to have. On a snaffle bit, the curb serves as a
hobble, keeping the rings attached to each other so the bit can more effectively
transmit the rider's signals. It also prevents the bit from being pulled through
the horse's mouth when doing a one-rein stop.
We currently offer four different styles in several leather choices. See pictures
below.
This style is often called a bit hobble. It is rarely used on a shanked bit,
like a half breed or a spade, but it can be if properly adjusted. We offer them
in a lightweight red latigo (my personal recommendation because of their
flexibility), and in English Bridle
leather. The ones made of bridle leather are available in black, dark brown,
medium brown, burgundy, chestnut and tan to match all of our headstalls. Harness
leather ones are available also to match those headstalls as well.
This style is one of my own design and is only suitable for use on a snaffle
bit. It attaches to the bit with leather buttons. My husband teaches all of his
horses to pick up the bit on their own so that anyone (even children) will be
able to bridle them. He loves this curb because he can unbutton one side and get
the strap out of the horse's way until he learns how to pick up the bit. It is
only available in lightweight latigo because of way the leather buttons are made.
These are typically used on shanked bits, but can also be used with a snaffle
if you want a dressier look than the Grass Knot or Signature straps. They are
made with English Bridle leather and are available in all six colors to match
our headstalls; black, dark brown, medium brown, burgundy, chestnut and tan. The
heel bar buckles are available in brass, chrome on brass and stainless steel.
The Manx curbs are a button-on style without the tails like our Signature
curbs. Therefore we named them after a cat with the same missing appendage.
These were designed to meet a client request and we liked them so much we
decided to offer them as a standard design. These are only available in a
lightweight latigo and are not adjustable so they are only suitable for a
snaffle bit.
Below are photos of all four styles. Please click on photos to enlarge.
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A grass knot curb strap made of light latigo. |
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Here is a curb strap design I call the Cowboy curb strap. Many working
cowboys use some variation of this as it is simple yet functional. It looks
a lot like a grass knot curb strap, but the small piece of leather in the
center allows it to be adjusted so the two tails are always the same length.
These are available in both snaffle and bridle bit length, so please specify
which you prefer.
Colors available- from top to bottom- Tan,
dark brown, burgundy and black
Snaffle length- $18
Bridle length- $20 |
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We now offer our signature curb
straps in the four colors shown above in the photo of the Cowboy curb
straps.
Remember these curb straps are really bit hobbles and the length can't be
adjusted after they are made, so they are suitable only for snaffle bits. If
you need a shorter bit hobble for a smaller horse, we would be happy to make
a custom one that will fit properly.
$18
|
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This is our single buckle curb. The curb strap on top
is done in dark brown, and the bottom curb is medium brown. The leather loops are
handmade in our shop out of the same leather used to make the curb and the high quality heel bar buckles are available
in brass, chrome and stainless steel. |
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Our manx curb is a more streamlined
version of the signature curb strap. Like the signature curb, it can only
be used on a snaffle bit. |
