Curb Bit

18th century

Not on view

This is probably a driving bit, used for carriage horses. This very peculiar type of mouthpiece is described in some contemporary equestrian manuals, like L'art de la cavalerie by Gaspard de Saunier (1756), as used "for preventing the tongue from going down out of the mouth, as it happens to several horses, especially to carriage horses, because of the tendency of some drivers to maintain the reins constantly tight, weakening the jaws so that the tongue goes out."

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Curb Bit
Date: 18th century
Culture: French
Medium: Iron alloy, tin
Dimensions: H. 9 1/4 in. (23.5 cm); W. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm); Wt. 2 lb. 10.1 oz. (1193.5 g)
Classification: Equestrian Equipment-Bits
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
Object Number: 14.25.1799
Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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