tack

The illustration above shows what happens when a snaffle bridle is used without a throatlatch. When the reins are pulled, the bit is pulled up in the horses mouth causing the cheek pieces of the bridle to bow out. This can cause the bridle to have enough play to slide over the ears of the horse and fall off, especially if the horses head is lowered or he goes to shaking his head. A properly adjusted throatlatch will prevent this from happening. There should be no more than a few fingers width between the horse jaw and the throatlatch. If the throatlatch is too loose it will not be any better than not having one at all. However, be cautious not to over tighten a throatlatch, because when a horse flexes or tucks his head, a too tight of throatlatch could compromise air supply.

Why would someone use a curb strap on a snaffle bit when a snaffle bit does not work off of leverage? For safety of course! The strap keeps the bit centered in the horses mouth, and prevents the bit from sliding through the horses mouth when you pull on one side. A curb strap when used with a snaffle should never be made of chain, it moves too much, and can bang on your horse’s chin and drive him crazy. Also, if the bit does get rotated in the mouth the chain could injure your horse’s lips or bars of his mouth. So, stick to leather, nylon, string, or even baling twine ( not wire) for your curb straps. Your strap should be adjusted so it can not flop over his chin, but not so tight that is makes contact with the curb area of your horse’s jaw, and put unnecessary pressure on the bit. Your reins should attach behind the curb strap, just like the drawing shows.