Horse bits are the key to effective horse riding.  There are many dozens if not hundreds of different types of horse bit available in the market place with each one providing a different set of features which induce a particular effect on the horse’s behaviour.

Broadly speaking horse bits are divided into two categories, Snaffles and Curb bits. Snaffles allow the rider to control the horse via direct pressure transmitted through the bit i.e. the same quantity of force exerted by the rider is applied to the horse via the bit.  In the case of a Curb bit the force is increased through the principle of leverage due to the design of the bit . Very simply a Curb bit can be pictured as a capital ‘H’ where the amount of force transmitted is dependent on the length of the sides of the ‘H’, known as the cheeks.  Also how far up or down the mouthpiece is i.e. how high the ‘-’ on the ‘H’ is, or more acurately the ratio between the ‘purchase’ and the ‘level arm’ determines the forces generated on the mouth and the head .

It is essential at this juncture to point out that this fundamental difference between a Snaffle and a Curb bit, and the difference in force applied to the horse, requires that the rider carefully considers the need for a Curb bit.  They must also ensure that their skills are up to the task of using a Curb bit correctly . In fact don’t fit one without appropriate training.

It is often stated that the Curb bit gives greater control. The word control can suggest the need to inflict discomfort on the the horse to be the master and this is wrong . A better view is the Curb bit allows you to ‘instruct’ the horse in what you want more firmly, fairly and effectively with a Curb vs a Snaffle. As one develops as a rider the instructions can become more sophisticated and result in the ability to trigger a wider range of movement from the horse .  Also remember as you develop as a rider your skills will become more subtle and you will loose the somewhat narrow view that the bit ‘controls’ the horse.  For example you can guide the horse with your legs and not just yank the horse with the reins. 

More advanced riders that have begun to master the art of subtle and effortless riding sometimes look at using double bridles e.g. Weymouth bit and Weymouth Bradoon.  This combination allows fine tuning of the interaction with their horse, achieving fine levels of control and responsiveness without any of the roughness and heavy handedness associated with the Curb in the hands of an inexperienced rider. 

To summarise the Curb bit is an important tool for the more experienced rider whom is happy with the basics of riding and is now looking to get more variety of movement from their horse .  However you must be sure that both you and the horse are ready for that move. If you are sure you are ready to evolve to using a curb bit for your horse but are unsure of which type might be best always go for the mildest version and work up. . As always take advice from experienced riders and more than one if possible.

You could be a beginning rider or an individual doing your best to kit out a stable. Whatsoever the motive, you may be endeavoring to find quality  horse tack at inexpensive prices. If you recognize where to take a look as well as how to shop you may finish up having to pay a great deal less cash to acquire the stuff that you would like. All it takes is some planning, a little networking and the expertise of just what you need along with where to obtain it.

Caring for horses is without question somewhat costly. Between grooming equipment and tack, rations in addition to other supplements you possibly can wind up having to pay a substantial sum of hard cash on a recurring basis. The difficulty is that if you’re trying to get started or are functioning on a budget you might think that you’re limited in the choice of horse equipment you have got to choose from.

This is absolutely not the case. You are able to regularly locate excellent bargains on horsetack both online as well as at area tack stores. If you should resolve to search the online route, you can regularly uncover many first-rate supply shops who stock everything from grooming equipment to tack to riding outfits. If you’re going to purchase online, you must delve into the sites you’re thinking about ordering from. You want to take a look at the manufacturers they represent and figure out if they make high quality items. If they do, you will feel quite confident regarding acquiring things.

If one may get a price discount for buying a larger number of items, this is certainly where networking comes in. If you are part of a riding stable, uncover out if other horse owners will be considering ordering items at the same point in time as you are. You could be able to purchase numerous items and get a better price both on the per unit outlay as well as on the delivery and handling outlay. You may just be surprised at how inexpensive horse equipment may turn out to be once you move toward buying it in this way.

Keep in mind that if you’re evaluating costs between a shop and a website, you ought to ensure that that you take shipping and handling and any minimum order charges into account. Once seen in this way, you may possibly become aware that obtaining things from a tack shop may in fact be less expensive than purchasing on the internet.

If you make the time to shop around you will swiftly utilize a group of tried and true stores and sites that you are able to use to make all your acquisitions. A little investigation initially may save you lots of time and considerable amounts of money later.