Which curb bit configuration is prohibited?

• A. Curb bit without a curb strap
• B. Curb bit with a curb strap
• C. Snaffle bit
• D. Hackamore

Answer: (A)

A curb bit relies on a curb strap to counteract leverage and keep the bit properly positioned. The strap sits under the jaw and ties the shanks together so pressure from rein aids doesn’t push the bit too hard against the horse’s chin and bars. Without that curb strap, the curb bit can exert excessive, uncontrolled pressure, which is not allowed. So the curb bit configuration without a curb strap is prohibited. The other options aren’t curb-bit configurations: a snaffle bit isn’t a curb bit, and a hackamore is bitless, so they fall outside this category.