Are double bridles needed for hunter showing?

[PipsqueakXy22]

Hello so new to showing here! only done two showing shows last year (only two I’ve ever done) but planning to do a couple this year.
at our next show we are entering the hunter, sports horse and pre-veteran classes.
However I went to watch a show this weekend and I noticed every single horse in the hunter class wore a double bridle. I also looked through photography of other showing shows and majority seem to wear a double bridle. I was wondering is this necessary for a hunter showing class? Are people in a double advantaged in some way?
I feel like I know the answer but I’m also not sure considering every person in the class is wearing it and would rather not show up and be disqualified or placed last for wearing the wrong gear…

Also do I need plaited reins for a hunter showing class?

 

[Cortez]

A double bridle is traditional for hunter showing. I don’t think you can be “eliminated” for not using one, but you may be placed lower down the line. Some horses are shown in a Rugby Pelham, but a proper Weymouth and bridoon is standard. The non plus ultra would be to have the bits sewn in, plain leather reins, or plaited bridoon rein and plain curb rein, and a lip strap, all plain, flat, brown leather.

 

[blitznbobs]

most horse showing is with two reins.. as Cortez says some use a rugby Pelham to mimic the look but a double is correct.there is no rule that stops you using a snaffle but it’s a bit like wearing the wrong jacket. Showing is all about the aesthetic.

 

[Orangehorse]

You can buy a separate slip head, and use a Rugby Pelham. Fasten the buckle on the off-side, as I discovered too late to my embarassment.
I have seen an ordinary pelham used too.

As above, its all about the overall look. Like wearing a tweed jacket.

 

[Clodagh]

A double bridle is traditional for hunter showing. I don’t think you can be “eliminated” for not using one, but you may be placed lower down the line. Some horses are shown in a Rugby Pelham, but a proper Weymouth and bridoon is standard. The non plus ultra would be to have the bits sewn in, plain leather reins, or plaited bridoon rein and plain curb rein, and a lip strap, all plain, flat, brown leather.

Tell me (I’m old) that people don’t ever use a curb chain without a lip strap!? .
Sorry OP. Way off your question!

 

[fetlock]

Tell me (I’m old) that people don’t ever use a curb chain without a lip strap!? .
Sorry OP. Way off your question!

They sure do. Not a new trend either - can remember lots without lip straps when I was showing in the 80s

 

[Cortez]

Tell me (I’m old) that people don’t ever use a curb chain without a lip strap!? .
Sorry OP. Way off your question!

I've hardly ever seen a weymouth being used with a lip strap, and only very, very rarely in the show ring. TBH they don't really have a purpose (yes, I do know what they are supposed to be for.....) and are never used in dressage. I have only ever put one on for big-time fancy showing where correct turn out is A Thing. I still have one though!

 

[humblepie]

A lip strap can make the head look too busy. That said I use one some times.

 

[PipsqueakXy22]

So if I just use a rugby Pelham will that be enough to help us or should I go for a proper double bridle? planning on just using the snaffle this time and hope for the best!but am considering for future purpose

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Rugby Pelhams are awful. They have an extra clunky bit of metal attaching the snaffle ring to the rest of the bit. A Show Pelham is much neater and gives you all of the leatherwork with only 1 mouthpiece.

For a hunter you do kind of need all of the leatherwork to set the head off better.

Rugby Pelham vs the neater show pelham

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Agree with Elf don't use a rugby Pelham they are horrible big bits that look untidy and are old fashioned, a Pelham is fine for showing its all I ever used on my Arab's for years the best thing about them is they have quite a lot of different mouth pieces so you can normally find something for every horse.

Then once you have got used to a Pelham you can always experiment with a double if you really want to use one.

 

[Katieg123]

So if I just use a rugby Pelham will that be enough to help us or should I go for a proper double bridle? planning on just using the snaffle this time and hope for the best!but am considering for future purpose

Is it possible to borrow some of these options to see what works for you and your horse? My horse actually preferred the double bridle to the pelham options!

 

[Love]

Is it possible to borrow some of these options to see what works for you and your horse? My horse actually preferred the double bridle to the pelham options!

Agree with this. Mine hates a jointed pelham and much prefers ported. “Show” pelhams with the loose ring are nice and neat looking. He also goes much better in a leather curb than a chain curb.

 

[Cortez]

I'd always recommend using a double bridle over any Pelham.