Curb Bit

Unknown

18th century · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

This driving bit was used for horses pulling carriages and sleighs. The large rings prevent the bit from pulling through the horse's mouth. The triangular loops on the purchases attached the bearing reins, connected to the horse's collar. They were used to prevent the animal from lowering its head, and, for aesthetic reasons, to adjust all the horses' heads to the same level. Driving bits are usually more rigid compared to riding ones, as the voice and the hand are the only ways of communicating with the animal.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942