Western Bits and Curb Chains/Straps

[SuckerForHorses]

I was perusing the USEF rulebook for 2015 (yes, I know they are primarily an English association, but they DO have western divisions that they cover) for rules applying to western bit mouthpieces.

One thing I started looking for was the requirement of a curb strap on leverage (curb) bits [I was looking for a different reason; I know leverage bits require a curb strap]

Interestingly enough, USEF only requires a curb strap on a curb bit in the Western Reining division; it is not required for use on curb bits in the general Western Division classes.

In the Reining Horse section it states:

RN102: 6. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required and must be at least 1/2" in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of bars, wire, and/or twists.

However, in the general Western Division, it states

Curb chains and leather chin straps may be used but must be flat and at least 1/2" in width and lie flat against the jaws of the horse.

Nowhere under the Western Division does it specify that when a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required.

I inquired with USEF about this, and the response I got was “The rule says MAY be used and describes what is allowed. Most use a curb strap but it is not mandated…Committees of experts make the rules. I would suggest you send your comments to XXX, the liaison to the Western committee and she can share them with the Western Chair, XXX.”

I’m sorry…but WHAT THE FRUITBAT???

This is the e-mail that I sent to the POC she gave me:

In the Reining Horse section it states under RN102: “6. When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required and must be at least 1/2” in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of bars, wire, and/or twists."

However, in the general Western Division, it states “Curb chains and leather chin straps may be used but must be flat and at least 1/2” in width and lie flat against the jaws of the horse."
Nowhere under the Western Division does it specify that when a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required.

A curb (leverage) bit by its very design is intended to be used with a curb strap/chain. To not make this a mandatory piece of equipment under the Western Division, but make it mandatory under the Western Reining division, makes absolutely no sense at all.
It should be a requirement under ALL western divisions that when a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required.

Thank you for taking the time to read. I look forward to hearing back.

Am I missing something???

[KIloBright]

Well, all I can say, that in stock horse breed shows, there certainly are rules, in regards to all western classes, as to curb chains/straps

There are even rules as to how that curb strap is used on a snaffle bridle, for the mere function of preventing that bit from being accidentally pulled through the mouth, and snaffle bits are the only class where that curb strap is optional, as it is non functioning, far as bit action
IF you use a curb strap on a snaffle bridle, it has to be attached between the bit and the reins, to prevent accidental possible slight curb action
Far as I know, not legal to ride without a curb strap on a curb bridle
Rules exist, as to that chain curb, lying flat, etc
Have no idea about USEF rules

[SuckerForHorses]

The USEF rule is quoted in my OP. The only specific mention of a curb strap being required on a curb bit, is in the Western Reining division. The general Western Division does not specifically state you need one on a curb bit, in fact, it says you MAY use one, which implies that it’s an optional piece of equipment.

Snaffle bits are not where I’m inquiring about a curb strap although it is optional to include a curb strap on the snaffle bit, and there is a specific location where it must be attached, and there is certain criteria that the curb strap must meet.

[SuckerForHorses]

[QUOTE=KIloBright;7960996]
Well, all I can say, that in stock horse breed shows, there certainly are rules, in regards to all western classes, as to curb chains/straps[/QUOTE]

Of course, but that’s not where I looked and found there not to be one. I’m speaking to the USEF rules only.

[SuckerForHorses]

The reason I was browsing for this rule is because we have a local horse show association that for non-breed specific classes follows USEF rulebook. This means that in the Open Western Pleasure class it follows USEF rules. We had a rider in this class, riding in a curb bit (shanked Myler), without a curb strap. It was brought to the attention of the Steward, who required the rider to correct the issue. HOWEVER, if you go to the USEF rulebook, to find the rule to back up the requirement to have a curb strap on a curb bit, there isn’t one. You can’t find it. It says “Curb chains and leather chin straps may be used” which implies that adding a curb strap to a curb bit it optional.

[KIloBright]

[QUOTE=SuckerForHorses;7961182]
Of course, but that’s not where I looked and found there not to be one. I’m speaking to the USEF rules only.[/QUOTE]

Yes, I know that you were not inquiring about snaffle bits, just included that info as the only place that a curb strap should be optional.
I guess you have to work with the USEF and find out why that grey area of ‘may’ is used outside of reining, applied to western curbs
Only one that can answer you, I guess is the officials at USEF, responsible for writing up those rules
Incidents, like you mention, often if pursued, help that organization to better define/clarify/amend rules

[beau159]

Very interesting, regardless.

[KIloBright]

I will give you an example I en- countered, when rules were not clear
The rule concerned turn on the forehand, as judged per stock horse rule, and judged by AEF, with the actual maneuver details not being clear, thus 'assumed, including by many judges at those open shows
I was just starting to ride equitation, per ApHC, and had up to that point, ridden open shows, which followed organizations such as AEF or took rules from various organizations, coming up with their own unique set of rules
Anyway , up to that point, I thought that the direction in a turn on the forehand, was determined by the direction the hips moved The rules were not expanded upon, and judges judging at those shows thought that this was also correct
Anyway, had to ride an Equitation pattern at an ApHC show, where a turn on the forehand to the right was asked for. if The hips were moved in that direction, could not have been in the right position to continue that pattern
Thus, i asked the judge to clarify, before that pattern was ridden. His response was, that direction was determined in which direction the nose moved, even with forehand being in place
This resulted partly in eventual clarification of the description of a turn on the forehand, as per AEF rules, when I chellenged a judge at the next open show on this detail
Yes, I know you ride as per rules at any show that the show is run under, but sometimes the details are not spelled out, and only by being proactive, asking the powers that be, are rules clarified, or something that could well be a genuine mistake, over sight-corrected

[CHT]

English riders use a three ring without a curb strap from time to time…same with those D rings with hooks (similar to a kimberwick).

Without the strap you don’t get the full effect of the action available, but I don’t think it makes the bit inhumane (might depend on the mouth piece though) or give the rider an unfair advantage, so that may be why it is not a RULE.

[KIloBright]

[QUOTE=CHT;7961711]
English riders use a three ring without a curb strap from time to time…same with those D rings with hooks (similar to a kimberwick).

Without the strap you don’t get the full effect of the action available, but I don’t think it makes the bit inhumane (might depend on the mouth piece though) or give the rider an unfair advantage, so that may be why it is not a RULE.[/QUOTE]
When I use my Kimberwick in the curb position, i have a curb strap
Yes, a very good rider and a very well trained horse, can ride effectively in a curb bridle without a curb strap, BUT, a curb /leverage bridle is designed to work on leverage, which both the shanks and curb action provide
To use a curb bit without a curb strap, is incorrect use, far as design of how that bit functions
A curb bit is called a curb, not because of mouth piece shape (ie port ), but because of leverage,and that leverage depends on the action of both the shanks and curb strap
IN my mind, it can be a safety issue, esp if you have some child riding with a curb bridle and no curb strap
When a kimberwick has the reins attached directly where the mouth piece exists, it is a snaffle. thus in that position, needs no curb strap. Once you attach the reins lower down, it acts like a curb, and thus the curb chain used on Kimberwicks
As for those three ring gismos, , again that is a combo bit, working either as a snaffle or a curb, thus use of that curb strap is dictated as to where the reins are attached
But we are not talking English even. We are talking about a western curb, and to use one without a curb strap, is incorrect use of that equipment, and thus show be spotted by the Ring Stewart
I have seen at open shows, where that curb strap is attached in the wrong position- ie, down on the lower rings where one can optionally place something to hold the two shanks together, instead of where it should be-up at the chin groove. No rule spelling it out, but a good ring Stewart or judge will spot that incorrect position
We are talking western, and if English allows curb action without a curb strap, that is immaterial. Western, it is incorrect use of equipment, and in the op’s case, often due to ignorance, which can cause a potencial wreak, esp if a child is riding with that curb

[SuckerForHorses]

[QUOTE=KIloBright;7961305]
Yes, I know that you were not inquiring about snaffle bits, just included that info as the only place that a curb strap should be optional.
I guess you have to work with the USEF and find out why that grey area of ‘may’ is used outside of reining, applied to western curbs
Only one that can answer you, I guess is the officials at USEF, responsible for writing up those rules
Incidents, like you mention, often if pursued, help that organization to better define/clarify/amend rules[/QUOTE]

Which is why I emailed USEF and am waiting on a response. I’ll update here when/if I hear back.

[SuckerForHorses]

[QUOTE=KIloBright;7961884]
When I use my Kimberwick in the curb position, i have a curb strap
Yes, a very good rider and a very well trained horse, can ride effectively in a curb bridle without a curb strap, BUT, a curb /leverage bridle is designed to work on leverage, which both the shanks and curb action provide
To use a curb bit without a curb strap, is incorrect use, far as design of how that bit functions
A curb bit is called a curb, not because of mouth piece shape (ie port ), but because of leverage,and that leverage depends on the action of both the shanks and curb strap
IN my mind, it can be a safety issue, esp if you have some child riding with a curb bridle and no curb strap
When a kimberwick has the reins attached directly where the mouth piece exists, it is a snaffle. thus in that position, needs no curb strap. Once you attach the reins lower down, it acts like a curb, and thus the curb chain used on Kimberwicks
As for those three ring gismos, , again that is a combo bit, working either as a snaffle or a curb, thus use of that curb strap is dictated as to where the reins are attached
But we are not talking English even. We are talking about a western curb, and to use one without a curb strap, is incorrect use of that equipment, and thus show be spotted by the Ring Stewart
I have seen at open shows, where that curb strap is attached in the wrong position- ie, down on the lower rings where one can optionally place something to hold the two shanks together, instead of where it should be-up at the chin groove. No rule spelling it out, but a good ring Stewart or judge will spot that incorrect position
We are talking western, and if English allows curb action without a curb strap, that is immaterial. Western, it is incorrect use of equipment, and in the op’s case, often due to ignorance, which can cause a potencial wreak, esp if a child is riding with that curb[/QUOTE]

Exactly.

[CHT]

It isn’t up to the rules to make sure people use tack correctly. It is up to the rules to make sure people use tack humanely, and in some cases to ensure a level playing field. That was my point. Sure, it may cause a wreck if a child is using a curb without a curb strap when the horse needs one…but it might also cause a wreck if a child is over horses or has too mild a bit…that isn’t the reason for the rules.

There are many cases of tack being used incorrectly (such as my post about standing martingales and figure-8s). Not in the rules you can’t do it, even though most people would agree it is really stupid.

[KIloBright]

well, I guess common sense is assumed, as to use of a curb bit, and without a curb strap, is counter to common sense
Further more, very loose or no curb chain can cause a western bit esp, to rotate too far and cause painful pressure:

‘a very loose curb chain ( or none ) can be undesirable, allowing the bit to rotate in the mouth too much, causing the port, especially a high port, to become too vertical and press against the palate, which is painful, can damage the mouth in extreme cases, and can cause the horse to gape. Additionally, it can completely nullify the correct action of the curb, making its use pointless’

a well trained horse receives ‘signal’ with a curb bit, allowing that horse to respond before bit contact comes into play. This is not possible if a curb strap is not used. It also nullifies any reason for riding with a curb, and can be very in humane
Therefore, there is a responsibility of officials , like the ring steward and show committee to address this in correct use, which arises out of ignorance, by that rider not understanding as to how a curb bit functions
There are times you have to rule against ignorance

[SuckerForHorses]

I received a response from USEF just now:

Thank you for your letter regarding the use of chin straps. The language currently in the rule book in the Western section should read “When a curb bit is used, a curb strap or curb chain is required and must be at least 1/2” in width, lie flat against the jaw, and be free of bars, wires, and/or twists." We are taking steps to correct this oversight and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

Glad they are clearing up that oversight!