Suit (equestrian sport)

Western curbs with shanks

In equestrian sports, a suit ( shank ) is the lever arms of the curb . The lever arms are located on the side of the mouthpiece of the horse bridle and are usually made of metal. When shortening the reins , they act as levers . They are either firmly or articulated to the mouthpiece. The mechanism can only unfold if a curb chain or a corresponding belt serves as an abutment.

The point of such a bit is not to increase the rein force, but such a bit also exerts pressure on the neck of the horse, whereby the position of the head can be influenced.

Bits of this type are used in dressage and western riding . In western riding, the suits are called shanks . For driving are driving curbs used.