Vent about curb hooks

[Jackie_Cochran]

I just got my new set of double bridle bits (Dewsbury). Beautiful bits, nice and shiny, correctly sized (brandoon 1/4" bigger) BUT:

The right curb hook was closed so tight that it was impossible to get the chain off the hook for adjusting it since it was closed up TIGHT

AND

The left curb hook was opened so wide that the brandoon ring could easily get caught in it.

It took my husband and son (both strong guys) a HALF HOUR, several tools and a lot of banging before they finally got the right curb hook open enough so I could get the chain on or off it. Then they had to spend even more time to get the left curb hook closed enough so it would not hook itself onto the brandoon ring. Since I really wanted to change from the metal chain to an elastic curb strap this was distressing. Since I am rather old fashioned and believe that the curb chain should have the same number of extra links on each side, I was rather irate.

I have had trouble previously with too tight curb hooks during the last decade, but I only needed a little help from my husband to get them looser.

When I buy a bit with a curb chain I really want to be able to use it immediately, and not need two strong men working on the curb hooks so I can just get the curb chain on/off or adjusted.

I have been buying bits with curb chains for almost 50 years. Decades ago the hooks would be a little tight but I could get the chain on/off or adjusted without too much trouble and I DID NOT NEED the help of two strong men before I could use the bit.

Now I just have to buy a brandoon hanger and a longer pair of 1/2" reins for the curb and I will be all set for the cooler weather when my hands can handle two sets of reins. The new horse I’m riding is the first one in almost ten years I’ve ridden that has a suitable mouth for the double bridle bits and I am looking forward to introducing him to the double bridle (a really sweet 6yo OTTB gelding.)

[Christa_P]

A solidly mounted vise is your best tool with this. For the closed hook, lock one side in at the edge of the vise but not the curve or opposite side. Then use a flat screwdriver or chisel with a hammer to pry it open.

To close the open side, put it in the vise so you can use the jaws to bend it closed. Stop when it’s where you want it.

Experience from pelhams and driving bits.

[Jackie_Cochran]

Thanks Christa, that is one tool we do not have, yet. I am sure that my guys were wishing we had one while they wrestled with the curb hooks!

Seems silly to me to have to get yet another tool just to do curb hooks when it used to be so much easier decades ago.

[Tee]

I have a western curb bit that had a curb chain on it (goofy). Fought with that thing for 10 minutes before I remember the farrier was on his way. Took him 30 seconds. :eek:

[hosspuller]

The right tools for the job make it look easy.

[dotneko]

One side is usually closed these days. Keeps the chain on the bit because most people don’t even know what a lip strap is any more. We always twist the open curb chain hook out with a vise. I make my students also purchase a lip strap because, well, tradition.