Curb Bit

Unknown

early 17th century · Iron alloy · Arms and Armor

This was considered as a gentle bit for starting young horses with the curb bit (bit with a leverage effect). Indeed, according to contemporary equestrian manuals, the long straight shanks (the levers on the sides of the bit to which the reins were attached) and the jointed mouthpiece with simple canons made for the most gentle combination in a curb bit. If the long shanks look impressive, their length in fact reduces their reaction time and would actually have been blocked at some point by the horse’s chest. 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. The elegant pierced decoration is typical of East German spur maker’s workshops during the 16th and 17th centuries. Despite their name, spur makers made not only making spurs, but also small equestrian hardware like bits, stirrups, muzzles, cavessons or curry-combs.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Iron alloy

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942