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French or dressage curbs come in short or long suits, usually 5cm or 7cm. Curb bits with short suits are also called baby curbs. However, this does not mean that this species is "softer". The short suits naturally result in less leverage, but the rein aids reach the horse's mouth much faster. With a long suit there is a little more leeway and you can dose the pressure in finer gradations. Remember: The angle of attack that results from a certain shortening of the reins is smaller the longer the suit is. This means that if you accept the reins in the same way, the "Baby" curb acts much faster and therefore more sharply. Basically, you now have to consider whether your hand is fine enough to work in millimeters and whether your horse needs more direct, clear aids, or a little more time to think.
The French double bridle differs from the usual dressage double bridle only in the shape of the rod. This is a bar that is only slightly bent upwards and has no clearance for the tongue. With all other curb bits there is little to a lot of tongue freedom. Freedom of speech is controversial these days. The FN represents the traditional idea that the "balls" of the curb put weight on the bars and the tongue is encased by the freedom of the tongue to prevent canting when the reins are pressed on one side. The more tongue freedom the bit offers, the sharper the curb appears. In addition, the horse's mouth must offer enough space, otherwise the arch will press on the palate. According to the latest findings, the tongue is more likely to be pinched due to the freedom of the tongue and the horse does not have the opportunity to push the bit up with the tongue to counteract too much pressure. If the bar is only slightly bent, this acts evenly on the entire tongue when the pressure is on the same side. With too much one-sided tightening, however, there is a risk of canting.
An exception are the broken curb bits, which are also known as driving curbs, post curbs or Liverpool curbs. They are used without a bridle. Driving curbs have up to three "eyelets" one below the other, into which the driving line can be buckled. Post curbs with two eyelets that together have the shape of a "B" are often used. The deeper the driving line is strapped in, the sharper the driving curb.
Which curb bit you want to use depends on many factors. Are you and your horse so far advanced in the training that you have already reached the so-called "curb maturity"? How much space is available in the horse's mouth? Observe your horse's reactions to the respective bit very closely and find out which curb bit your horse prefers.
Curb bits are almost always used in conjunction with a snaffle bit. The snaffle bit is similar in shape and effect to the normal working bit, but is only 1/2 to a full size smaller.
Curb reins are essential for using a curb bit. They are available as a flat version or sewn round.
What is a curb bit without the right bridle? Double bridles always consist of an English noseband with two cheek pieces for a snaffle bit and a double bridle.
Curb bits are always used with a curb chain in dressage. If you need a new curb chain, you can find it here.
