Mystery Control
Barbada Californian-Mexican Vaquero Chin Chain
This 1800s Barbada is a heavily decorated Californian-Mexican Vaquero chin chain (or curb chain). It was attached to the curb bit of the horse's bridle providing subtle pressure and leverage under the horse's jaw, giving it cues from the rider. These heavily ornamented pieces were/are historically important in charreria (equestrian competition) and vaquero culture.
In the traditional California and Mexican vaquero horsemanship traditions, the chin chain served as a vital balancing component for highly intricate cheek configurations like the historic spade bit. In popular configurations the barbada is structurally anchored directly beneath the mouthpiece. Rather than a modern flat chain, a true 19th-century vaquero barbada is a heavy, fluidly linked, and highly artistic piece of blacksmithing.
This 15 inch/38 cm barbada features Western-style jangling hammered leaf ornamentation as well as matching Moorish influenced baubles and "butterfly" hinge with independant swivel movement.
Made of tin alloy, it weighs in at 201.6 grams.
$200.00
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