Bit Advice re PELHAMS

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sophiebailey

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Hi All,

Looking for some advice with pelham bits. My tank of a horse is becoming more and more uncontrollable when asked to canter in the open (he just tucks his head in, bites down on his bit and flies like the wind, ignoring brakes + steering) He's currently ridden in a mullen-mouth single bar pelham with curb chain (with pelham roundings in single rein). I've been advised to put him in the same bit, but with a joint in the bit-bar as this will prevent him from leaning on the bit, or clamping down on the bit.

Has anybody elsed had experience with "tanky" horses and these bits? I'd love to know if it's going to make any difference or if I should trial another bit as i've also been advised to try a waterford?

Any advice greatly appreciated xxx
 
My boy is a bit like this. I tried him in a french link pelham, tranz angled one and a myler. They all seemed to work differently, there are so many variations. I found the best one though was the myler but its very pricy.

If he's tucking his head in though how about a cheltenham gag as it is designed as an elevator bit.

Out of interest what is he like when ridden with two reins?
 
IME the problem with a Pelham with a horse that tucks his head in (to evade the contact) is that it will do absolutely nothing to help with brakes and prob makes it worse.

A head raising bit will have more effect and schooling.

Until he starts to listen to you, I wouldnt canter him out.

Stronger bits aren't always the answer as they will either run from them more or get a very hard mouth.

Two reins are better with a pelham rather than roundings. Steering could be a problem in a waterford unless you can get one with Cheeks.
 
I ride in various bits for different disciplines and depending what mood he happens to be in that month. The waterford I use for jumping occasionally if he is going through a phase of leaning. If you are finding yourself being pulled down out of the saddle then this bit will help. However I find a copper roller snaffle is as good as anything as he does not want to get hold of it as much in the first place. If I am out in an open space and need a little more control then I will add a set of draw reins or market H rather than going for a "stronger bit". This may be of limited use for you as your horse tucks his head in rather than throwing it up before tanking. You could also try a proper double or one of the many varieties of dutch gag (3 ring).

I am sure many more people will be along with ideas, but what I will say it is trial and error and the solution is actually different for every horse. You would be best trying to borrow a variety from friends and keeping an open mind until you find the right combination for you both.
 
I've never ridden him in double reins as to be honest i wouldn't have a clue how to! I've never dealt with pelhams before which is why i feel very out of my depth - the horse came with this bit as the previous owners told me it was the only one he responds to but this is proving to not be the case. I don't have any opportunity to school him as we don't have a menage, but when we do trot/canter work in the paddocks on the circle he's quite well mannered and behaved and will 8 times out of 10 listen to what he's being asked to do, it's just this problem with big wide open spaces!

Thank you very much for all your advice, I guess i'd better get myself over to eBay and have a look at some bits!

:) xx
 
Your last comment has made me think you wil benefit from the two reins. When he is being good you can ride off the snaffle part of the pelham but for the times when he is being strong you can give the bottom rein a bit of a tweak. Do you have someone knowledgable who can show you how to do it, or failing that a riding instructor?

Have a look at websites that will do bit trials aswell so you don't pay full wack for a bit that does nothing :)
 
You could try the 2 rein option, try and have a lesson with it. I ride with double reins, I ride on the snaffle rein and only use the bottom one when I need brakes, you can just filter it through with your fingers

If he tucks his head in, you might do well to stay away from any bits that give poll pressure, pelham, gag etc
 
a pelham is IMO not an ideal bit for a horse which bends into the bit, however i would reccomend a jointed bit or a roller to prevent him being able to lean on it. My old man used to tank off with me although he didnt grab the bit or tuck/throw his head he was just pure power, i used a jointed pelham in double reins to bring his head in to stop him. I have no idea what bit would be good for him, maybe pop into local tack show and explain what he does and they can prob reccommend a good bit, thats what i did.
 
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