Curb Bits: A Lesson in Leverage (Episode 153) - Herm Gailey: A Lifetime with Horses

The unifying principle of all curb bits is leverage. The strength lever is determined by the purchase to length ratio. In this video we explore the concept of leverage in curb bits.
About Herm Gailey:
Herm Gailey has spent a lifetime with horses. He is a nonprofessional rider who starts and trains his own horses to successful careers in multiple disciplines. Away from the show ring Herm retains a deep respect and appreciation for good reliable trail riding horses and believes that all horses benefit from this type of riding.
There is nothing for sale here. If these videos allow one person to avoid fear, frustration, or injury or help one horse get a better deal, then that is payment in full.
Filming and production by Kim Gailey-Fitting
Video Camera Company: Canon
Microphone Company: RODE
Song Credit: "Devil's Son" by Enter the Haggis
(www.enterthehaggis.com)

[@melanierandolph6953]

I think this was a great informative video for those that don't know about bits, fulcrum leverage port. Some folks don't really know what to buy when they are first time horse owners and no one tells them. Keep up the good info.

[@cubsfan910]

I don't think I ever really understood bits until now. Great video! Thanks so much

[@sassy6292]

The whole bit subject could be a university course! The ported bits have to be fitted to the individual because of the width of the bars of the horses mouth. I don’t think that folks really understand that, sadly. Herm could you talk about the utility of a d ring as opposed to a smooth full ring bit. I heard that a horse is more apt to pick up a d ring more so than a full ring. Is this true in your experience and if so then why. What is it about the difference of those two bits and how they behave? Also, I’ve heard so often that trainers change out bits on their horses as a habit so that the horse doesn’t develop a workaround to just one bit. I have a new head stall rigged up with a d ring bit so that I can work my mare on long riens but I haven’t actually used it yet. She has a long shank snaffle bit that we have been using for many years and we are both very happy with this set up. Perhaps I should ride in the saddle with the d ring bit on it sometime. She was started in this rig so I am less likely to use it in saddle work but now I’m wondering.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Not to over simplify, but the best bit is the one that works the best for your horse. If she is comfortable in the bit that you’ve been using long-term there’s no critical reason to change. On the other hand, a little different feel can be a good thing. As you’re aware many trainers routinely rotate bits to educate their horses mouth in different ways. So, all option should be open. Just make sure your horse is comfortable and responsive and things should work out fine.

[@TroyReinholdt-fz2ds]

Thanks for your time! The Pirches height directly increases leverage does it not? Like you I didn't pay attention in that class.
Short pirches less leverage Tall pirches more leverage. The longer the shank seems to slow down the action by requiring more length of rein movement. I'll have to go back and experiment again.
Always enjoy your videos sir like you I'm an old guy too.
Troy/ Riding and Driving coach @ Connections Boarding Stables, Salinas Ca.

[@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses]

Just to clarify, short purchase equals more leverage. Long purchase equals less leverage. The more similar the Iengths of the lever arms are the less leverage . Recall the bit that I showed with equal purchase and shank. That bit has a one to one leverage ratio. That means relatively little strength if any in the lever itself. The other bit that was 3 to 1 with the purchase being smaller had much more strength to the leverage action. Hope this makes sense.

[@TroyReinholdt-fz2ds]

@@hermgaileyalifetimewithhorses Thank you for your response your one of my favorite Cowboys. Pirches being longer in my mind creates mote Leverage? Will be fun to test that again it's been awhile. I do regret skipping that clas in school!
Troy/ Riding and Driving Coach @ Connections Boarding Stables, Salinas CA.

[@bryanmontgomery4050]

Longer purchase will always deliver less leverage, physics.

[@johnjacobs4207]

Leverage does nothing but cause a fight. You can do anything you want to with a ring snaffle and the principle of bend.