Curb Bit
According to contemporary equestrian manuals, this was a bit designed for large horses with a hard mouth, a thick tongue, thin lips and non-sensitive bars (part of the horses’ jaw without teeth). The gooseneck canons of the mouthpiece were meant to give more freedom to the tongue. The banquets, the parts of the cheekpieces where the mouthpiece is attached, can be opened to switch out the mouthpiece — a feature particularly appreciated on dressage bits in Germany.
If the very long shanks look impressive, and would logically add more leverage effect, and so more strength, they would actually have been blocked at some point by the horse’s chest, reducing their impact. Curb bits were also at this time used with a very light hand, the well-trained horses responding by anticipation to the slightest move of the reins. This bit was very likely used for horse training and dressage.
If the very long shanks look impressive, and would logically add more leverage effect, and so more strength, they would actually have been blocked at some point by the horse’s chest, reducing their impact. Curb bits were also at this time used with a very light hand, the well-trained horses responding by anticipation to the slightest move of the reins. This bit was very likely used for horse training and dressage.
Artwork Details
- Title: Curb Bit
- Date: 17th century
- Culture: German
- Medium: Iron alloy, tin
- Dimensions: H. 18 in. (45.7 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 1.4 oz. (1400.5 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1776
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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