Curb Bit early 17th century German 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 horses 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 makers 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.. Curb Bit. German. early 17th cent