Curb chain getting caught over top (snaffle) ring on pelham

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blood_magik

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Has anyone else had this happen?

The curb chain on my big guy's pelham is deliberately left loose (either on the last or second last link) on my instructor's orders but recently the chain has been getting caught over the snaffle ring and the extra curb action is sending Beau into a tizzy.

I'm going to talk to my instructor tomorrow but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas? Google doesn't appear to have anything of use on the subject.
I don't want to tighten the curb chain as the current set up is working well for us in terms of brakes and control for jumping.
 
If its on that loose that its getting caught on the bit rings, surely its not actually creating any curb action so cant you just remove it? Total novice here though so I may be getting the wrong end of the stick!! :p
 
ihatework said:
Why would you use a pelham with a curb chain that loose?
That aside, add a lip strap and it should solve the issue
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the curb does come into play when it's needed - it's loose so that I can check him for jumping but I'm not able to interfere enough to stop him moving forwards.
If its tighter then I've found that he won't move forwards and we end up coming to an abrupt halt about a stride after the jump.
It's not conventional but it works for us.

and thanks guys, I knew there would be a simple solution I hadn't thought of.
 
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sounds like you need a lip strap as said above. ;) Are you using two sets of reins or one set with roundings?

ets: technically you should loop the curb chain through the snaffle ring anyway so that the hooks can't pinch. This would stop the catching. I must admit I don't do it "correctly" though. :eek:

http://e-venting.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/IMG_4531.jpg
 
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whisp&willow said:
sounds like you need a lip strap as said above. ;) Are you using two sets of reins or one set with roundings?

ets: technically you should loop the curb chain through the snaffle ring anyway so that the hooks can't pinch. This would stop the catching. I must admit I don't do it "correctly" though. :eek:
Click to expand...

I didn't know that - you learn something new every day. :smile3:
No, I'm naughty and use roundings. I'm having enough trouble getting round a course of jumps with one set of reins as it is. :tongue3:
 
blood_magik said:
I didn't know that - you learn something new every day. :smile3:
No, I'm naughty and use roundings. I'm having enough trouble getting round a course of jumps with one set of reins as it is. :tongue3:
Click to expand...

ha ha! yeah, every day's a school day eh?! I remember the first time I saw it I thought they were mad, but turns out I do it wrong! (and probably always will!) :D

I would say to try doing the curb up through the snaffle ring, and invest in a lip strap. I would also urge you to give double reins a shot. I used to think they were a handful, but my hands feel empty if riding something on a single rein now! Double reins mean that you can be much more selective with the curb rein, only riding off the snaffle unless you need a bit more brake power!
 
whisp&willow said:
ha ha! yeah, every day's a school day eh?! I remember the first time I saw it I thought they were mad, but turns out I do it wrong! (and probably always will!) :D

I would say to try doing the curb up through the snaffle ring, and invest in a lip strap. I would also urge you to give double reins a shot. I used to think they were a handful, but my hands feel empty if riding something on a single rein now! Double reins mean that you can be much more selective with the curb rein, only riding off the snaffle unless you need a bit more brake power!
Click to expand...

I've just ordered a lip strap. :smile3:

I've never jumped in double reins - just the thought scares me. :tongue3:
I could pop a spare set of reins on his pelham tomorrow and have a play. It would be good practice anyways.
Thanks for your help :smile3:
 
No probs. ;) Probably best to practice double reins on the flat for a while before launching round a course of jumps! you'll soon get used to it and it'l become second nature. Best thing I ever did was ditch the roundings!

Like I say, I rode another horse the other day with a single rein: my hands felt so empty and I was instinctively looking for the curb rein to pick up!
 
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