How does everyone do them up? I was always taught to put the chain flat, then put it through the ring on the bit and then put one link on the hook. howrver, I’ve seen it done a few ways and in wondering what way is correct or if there is more than one correct way. Thanks!
That’s how I was taught in pony club-- but depending on the horse/ length of the chain I sometimes do it straight from clip to clip (and if possible I get rid of the hooks and use those little carabiner type clips that screw/ unscrew-- way less likely to fall off than hooks and then you don’t need a lip strap.) The big thing is that it needs to be flat and an appropriate tightness.
I actually rough my mare’s curb chain slightly for horse shows. She has super sensitive skin and when I had it flat, it pinched her quite badly. I haven’t had an issue with twisting it once to rough it, she doesn’t mind, and no pinching! Just have to use my hands carefully and judiciously. At home, the chain is flat and I have a fleece cover over it (it’s actually a seat belt cover for infants, so softer than most curb chain covers).
Those with torches and pitchforks, give me a head start on running since I won’t pass a jog and will probably trip before you catch up to me anyway 
Don’t worry Supershorty. We’ve got your back.
I wish that in my day, I had the lovely position on a horse as you do and I know that you wouldn’t get that mare around if you were hurting her. Anyone who’s ridden a gung-ho TB mare knows that.
I always put the curb chain on hook to hook. I didn’t know anyone who did otherwise.
[QUOTE=skydy;8406230]
I always put the curb chain on hook to hook. I didn’t know anyone who did otherwise.[/QUOTE]
Me too. Does anyone have a photo of the other way?
Oh, and always a lip strap, for no other reason than that was what I was taught. 
I use a lip strap and adjust the chain the same as the OP
[QUOTE=Tiffani B;8406255]
Me too. Does anyone have a photo of the other way?[/QUOTE]
Same here. I don’t think I understand what the above mean about putting it through the ring on the bit?
Learned this first in Pony Club (UK) - when the curb chain is being used with a pelham or kimberwick, it goes from the hook through the topmost most ring (pelham) or the D (kimberwick), flat across the chin with lipstrap, through the ring or D on other side, and onto the hook. For the curb in a double bridle that does not have a ring, it just goes from hook to hook.
here is a picture of the curb going through the ring of the bit
here is one going hook to hook
I personally switch it up depending on curb chain length, but prefer it going through the rings. I also always cover my curbs in vet wrap or latex unless the horse needs more curb action
Interesting, thanks for sharing! I’ve never seen it done through the ring before.
[QUOTE=Canterwell;8406377]
Learned this first in Pony Club (UK) - when the curb chain is being used with a pelham or kimberwick, it goes from the hook through the topmost most ring (pelham) or the D (kimberwick), flat across the chin with lipstrap, through the ring or D on other side, and onto the hook. For the curb in a double bridle that does not have a ring, it just goes from hook to hook.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. That explains it. I was taught to use a full bridle and not a pelham.
What is the purpose of going through the ring on the bit? I always go hook to hook, putting it through the ring looks like it is going to affect it more when reins are applied, plus keep the rings against the horse’s face. But I honestly don’t know.
[QUOTE=x;8406544]
What is the purpose of going through the ring on the bit? I always go hook to hook, putting it through the ring looks like it is going to affect it more when reins are applied, plus keep the rings against the horse’s face. But I honestly don’t know.[/QUOTE]
It lifts it off the chin groove a little if you have a sensitive horse, and also keeps it very still without being loose. It doesn’t come into action quite as quickly as one from hook-to-hook either, if they were done up with the same tension. It works nicely if you’ve got one that tends to be reactive to the curb chain.
Thanks, I’ve never seen that before!
[QUOTE=Kat.;8406380]
here is a picture of the curb going through the ring of the bit
here is one going hook to hook
I personally switch it up depending on curb chain length, but prefer it going through the rings. I also always cover my curbs in vet wrap or latex unless the horse needs more curb action[/QUOTE]
The first way, with the curb going through the ring of the bit, is what my trainer has had me do lately. I’d never seen it before either!
I’ve always gone hook to hook, always with a lip strap.
Filing this under the ‘you learn something new every day’.
I wish I had known this when my now retired horse was showing. Seems like a good way to keep the hooks from poking their cheeks.
[QUOTE=ybiaw;8406397]
Interesting, thanks for sharing! I’ve never seen it done through the ring before.[/QUOTE]
IME it’s virtually always done through the ring of the bit, I had just never noticed before because I was taught to do hook to hook way back in the day.
When I innocently tacked up with the curb hook to hook, a former trainer told me that this wasn’t 4-H and demonstrated how to do it through the bit.
That tends to stick with you. :eek:
What’s a lip strap? Pony goes in a Pelham, flat chain, two finger space under her chin.
shorty- does roughing it bring it into action with less effort? I do love reading about you and your horses :).
