Is there a difference between a regular rein and a curb rein other than position on the bit? If I have an extra set of reins lying around, could I use those or do I need to buy actual curb reins?
A curb rein is generally thinner and is a flat rein, without lacing on it. Any sort of rein will work for hacking or schooling at home, but you might want the proper thing for a horse show.
5 Likes
An authentic curb rein has no end buckle holding the two halves of the rein together. The two halves are stitched together.
With that said, use what’s comfortable for you. You do not have to buy an actual curb rein.
5 Likes
Thank you! My trainer suggested we try a Pelham because my horse gets quite strong O/F, but until we know if it’s going to work for him I’d rather use what I’ve got instead of buying right away. If he goes well in the Pelham, I have no problem buying a set of proper curb reins.
I actually do not like curb reins that are stitched together at the ends without a buckle. If somehow your horse puts a leg through his reins ( lowers his head to scratch his nose and steps through them, for example), simply unbuckling the reins is the safest move,rather than trying to figure out how to get your horse to lift his leg and slip it back through the reins.
7 Likes
If you aren’t used to using a snaffle and a curb rein together it is best to learn with the proper curb rein so you can feel the difference in your reins. If you can borrow a rein to use as your curb or if you have a rein that is smaller in size than your regular snaffle rein, preferably unlaced, it would be best to learn with that.
It helps to have a distinct difference in the feel of the reins, not to mention that using two snaffle reins can be unwieldy, especially if you haven’t used a pelham or a full bridle before.
4 Likes
You teach the horse that if they get a hoof on a rein or lead rope that they lift their knee and put their head down. The reins must NEVER touch the ground. A curb bit will keep going until it breaks the horse’s jaw. You do not want them ever to put a leg through it and pull.
1 Like
I would suggest trying to borrow the plain thinner curb rein as well. It can be hard enough sing two reins when you are new to using a pelham. My guy seems to prefer a pelham, but i have gnarly arthritis in my left ring finger and arthritis in my right thumb, so I would love to be in a single rein. (That and everyone always acts like I am going in the hunter ring with the worst bit ever.) Due to that I would not want to ride in two regular reins. But it could be done.
I actually have a regular-width buckle-ended flat rein on my curb rein. For whatever reason, that’s all the tack shop had when the proper one broke, and I thought “I’ll eventually replace it” but it’s been two years and it’s still there :lol: I show with it, including in equitation classes. So if you’re just trying it out to see if a bit will work for you, go for it. Two laced reins might be a bit bulky, but it’s not impossible.
Lest anyone’s head explodes, the bridle I use for Appointments has a proper thin, buckle-less, sewn-in! curb rein. And a lip strap. I honestly don’t notice a difference when riding with it versus the thicker one.
1 Like
I don’t ride in anything requiring two reins often, but when I do I often just use laced reins as my curb and rubber reins as my snaffle/straight rein. I do have a set of curb reins sitting around somewhere that are sewn together at the end, but I find the one I have too thin and I don’t like that it doesn’t have a buckle. So yes, while you see if you like the pelham, you are fine to use whatever reins you have, but I would use the thinner of the two reins as your curb.
I have curb reins that are not stitched together at the end. They have a buckle like regular reins. I prefer the way the thinner, smooth curb rein feels. Using laced reins as the curb rein can be done, and I have done that, but it felt too bulky to me. I have small hands, though, and learned using the thinner flat curb rein, so two laced reins felt “wrong” and like I had to think about not using the curb rein (as opposed to having it in use only when needed with the smaller rein), but that could be more muscle memory than the tack itself.
I prefer thinner curb reins as well- that way, for me, if my reins get twisted, they are easier to sort out. I do have small hands and the less bulk the better. Pony goes in a snaffle, kimberwicke or pelham, depending on mood and work goals.
I have an OT comment on curb reins-- out of curiosity, do they measure the same as a regular laced rein? I cannot remember… like, if an average laced rein is 54", would the curb measure the same?
to the OP, WHEN I ride in two reins, which I don’t do usually but when the fences go up to 3’6" I like to ride in a pelham, mostly on the snaffle but the curb does help, I prefer a flat curb rein and one laced rein. It makes it so much easier to gather yourself. On the flat schooling at home, you might have time, but in the ring, especially with some jumps in there, that all goes out the window.
My curb rein is a different brand from my snaffle rein, and the two are a very good match in length. So my instinct is to say “yes.”
1 Like
Thank you Dewey!
I would think they would measure the same length, unless one came from a cob sized bridle. I’ve never had curb reins that were a different length from the snaffle from the same maker, only a different width ( the curb always thinner and unlaced).
I too ride in a Pelham with the thinner flat curb rein (much more comfortable than the regular width laced reins). My curb is also a different brand than the snaffle laced rein that came with my bridle, but both measure the same length (just make sure you don’t get pony reins and you’ll be good )
I know that for showing they prefer you use proper curb reins, but when I’ve hacked a horse who uses a curb bit I’ve just used regular reins.
