The curb bit applies leverage pressure.
Answer: True
Curb bit: A type of bit with a mouthpiece and shanks. The headstall is attached to upper shanks and the reins are attached to lower shanks of a curb bit. Curb bits apply leverage pressure. When reins are pulled, the action of the mouthpiece and curb strap tighten on various locations in and around a horse’s mouth. Curb bit construction is modified to apply varying amounts of pressure on the tongue, lips, bars and roof of the mouth; and, by way of the chinstrap and headstall, under the chin and over the poll on the horse’s head. The poll is the area on top of the horse’s head behind the ears.
For more information on bits and bitting, read the September 2009 e-Tips article Bit Selection for Riding and Training the Horse. Also, watch the archived webcast Bits and Bitting by Dr. Holly Spooner.