What’s wrong with this photo?
Last week we talked about correct adjustment of the curb (chin strap or curb strap). In this photo the curb is adjusted too tightly which causes it to have constant contact with the underside of the jaw. This tight adjustment is forcing the bit to remain in a backward rotation and the mouthpiece to apply constant pressure to the horse’s tongue, bars, and lips. The brakes are essentially always on.
Other downfalls are the horse is uncomfortable and may throw his head or set his head below the vertical in an attempt to escape the constant tightness. He won’t be able to learn to carry the bit correctly when the curb is too tight.
When the curb is adjusted correctly and the reins are pulled a forward rotation of the bit occurs which causes the curb to tighten. In turn this causes the horse to drop his head and carry it more vertically and he slows down or stops. When he does this it releases pressure on his chin and mouth. This release also occurs when you release pressure on the reins.
