THE CURB-CHAIN. 



265 



of the bearing-reins falling entirely upon the upper 

 bars of the mouth. (See Fig. i t^^) These bits are 

 in general use for the trotting type of horse and 

 are used in conjuction with a snaffle. 



THE CURB-CHAIN. 



A Curb-Chain consists of a series of links of 

 steel made of different sizes and shapes, usually 

 single, although sometimes double, and always 

 of an odd number, varying between seventeen 

 and twenty-three. The links gradually increase 

 in size from the ends to the middle, at which fig. 139. 

 point of the chains for riding bits a plain round 

 ring, at right angles with the links, is fastened to receive the 

 lip-strap. The curb-chain for driving bits should not have a 

 lip-strap ring. The average length is about ten inches. The 



FIG. 140. 



use of the curb-chain is to distribute part of the pressure 

 brought upon the bit to the sensitive part of the lower jaw. 

 The more numerous the links, the smoother the chain will lie 

 on the jaw, and be in consequence less severe than a more 

 open or untwisted chain. The curb-chain is attached to 

 the eyes of the curb bit by a hook. (See Fig. 139.) 



