Curb Chains

[horsy]

Ok, this makes me sound really thick, but why do pelham bits always have a curb chain? What does it actually do? And how tight are you supposed to have it? All Beths seems to do is annoy her, and me!
horsy
xxx

[Palomino]

Please correct me on this anyone if I am wrong.
I think that they are used for extra contol as pelhams are used od horses which tend to be strong.
The correct fitting on a curb chain is very important as a curb chain can break a horses jaw if fitted too tightly. It should only come into action when the horses head is at an angle of 45% when it is on the bit. Otherwise it should hang away from the jaw in a curve.
As for it annoying your horse you should have her bridle checked to see if if it fits properly and have her teeth checked. If there is no phsical discomfort it may just be she doesn't like the bit. It may then be a good idea to experiment with different bits to find one which the horse (and you) like.
Lastly it may be a good idea to ask someone at your yard whose horse has a pelham to see whether you horses curb chain is fitted cporrectly.
Good luck.
Palomino.

[Graymalkin]

The curb chain applies pressure to the curb groove - but some horses don't get on with a traditional curb chain. Assuming the one you've got is a good fit, have you tried anything like a curb guard or an elasticated curb, rather than the metal chain? Are you using roundings, in which case the curb may be coming more into play than the horse needs or likes?

[skewbald]

it might be that all ther links in the curb chain arn't lying flat it should sit in the groove of the chin

[Wally]

Don't use roundings, they do away with all the advantages of a Pelham.

Make sure the chain is lying flat and isn't so loose as it jingles and irritates the horse. But remeber the tighter you have it the quicker it will come into play. Be light with the curb rein. Some horses just like a soft leather strap instead of a chain, some a bit of strong elastic.