Hooray a positive at last! aka - I love my Pelham and I'm not afraid to admit it

Jill Crewe

Jill Crewe

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Hooray I'm so happy - bought my new Welsh Sec D just under 2 months ago and up until last weekend it's been kind of a hard slog; some of you may have seen some of my previous threads (non Christmassy name = katehemyock) about all the dental work my boy had to have done and then how once he realised he wasn't in pain anymore and actually had some fuel on board I had problems with him bucking and tanking off with me (this really put a downer on me and made me nervy of riding him).

Well I bought a pelham for him with roundings; I know some people think Pelhams are harsh and that using roundings with them instead of double reins is seen by some as a negative - but I have to say - as soon as I got on him it felt like riding a different horse. We had the most amazing hack cantering through the woods in a group (in front/in middle/at back) riding across fields surrounded by the most beautiful countryside. He was so different - no leaning on the bit, no bucking (okay maybe one small one but it was a funny one), no feeling strong. He was all nice and light and bouncy and I was beaming from ear to ear. Really felt for the first time since owning him that I had made the right choice.

I always absorb advice that people give me and over the last 2 months have gone through loads of old posts on here about people experiencing similar problems - and I agree with the general consensus that schooling/groundwork is vital instead of just whacking on training aids/stronger bits etc but putting him in a pelham has really given me the boost I needed and he seemed much happier in it. I'm sure there will still be some moments but at least now I'm not feeling disheartened. I really didn't think a different bit would make that much difference (my old pony was only ever in a snaffle so I've not had experience of trying out different ones).
 
Use the bit that makes you both happy. Well done on finding one that suits. If we are going on a whizzy hack my boy wears a pelham - I would rather his mouth hurt than my arms!
 
have to say i use a pellam with roundings for my boy as he is very strong and when i bought him was informed that he took off with no warning and to be honest his brakes weren't the best. he arrived in a snaffle and my OH suggested changing to a Pellam so thats what we did it works well and has given me brakes and steering it works for us :)
 
Well done :)

I wish pelhams were a bit more 'fashionable' sometimes... I used to get regular tutting and whispering when I was using a pelham on my new cob, because it is such a strong bit... True, but I'd rather ride lightly in the pelham and know that I can definitely stop, than have to haul on a snaffle.

Mine has a pelham in the tongue saver mouthpiece he has a snaffle in, and the curb rein is generally knotted on his neck, if attached, as my emergency brake :)

I now school in a loose ring snaffle, and either hack in the pelham with just the snaffle rein, or a gag on the snaffle ring - just gives that bit extra just in case. If we are just going on a trot round the block, I'll now go in the snaffle, as we've got the measure of each other now and much better manners :)
 
Be proud of that pelham op! I love my boy's Pelham. He isnt that strong or naughty but he is big and it helps me keep him together. He also hates a snaffle so now I do everything in a Pelham and we are both happy.
 
I usually hack my girl in a pelham as she seems to have full respect for it and I rarely have to even touch the reins to steady her. I do use two reins though.

I usually ride in a hackamore, especially if jumping or a tongue saver snaffle if I don't actually need to stop, lol. Definatley think just having that little bit (excuse the pun) extra can make alot of difference with some horses :)
 
Horses don't read the books or human 'rules' - they just say what they like by how they behave. They are all different and if the hoss likes it then that's a result - and well done you for listening to the horse. Ignore any muttering from other people.

PS I had a little horse who for some reason unknown to us hated snaffles - we tried a double and for that particular horse it was like 'coming home' - she happily wore a double or a little show pelham for the rest of her (long) riding career.
 
Big Ben said:
Can we start a "I love my pelham and roundings" club?
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Absolutely - although I feel 'gang' or 'mob' would be more appropriate than club :D:D

Haha, no I'm sure there isn't anybody out there who thinks pelham users are thugs ;) I just never thought it would make so much difference in an instant. I've done it now though being all positive...next weekend I'll get bolted off with or he'll start rearing or grow five heads.
 
Clodagh said:
Use the bit that makes you both happy. Well done on finding one that suits. If we are going on a whizzy hack my boy wears a pelham - I would rather his mouth hurt than my arms!
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If you can't ride your horse without finding a way that doesn't hurt him, then I would most cordially suggest you give up riding..........
 
I'm a huge pelham fan. Only as strong as the hands that us it. I'd much rather, be it short or long term, have to ask once lightly in something slightly more 'sharp', then a few times in something 'gentle'.


Incidently, my welsh goes lovely in a pelham with roundings. She is snaffle mouthed and doesn't misbehave as such, but is just so much nicer to ride in the pelham.
However...in a pelham with double reins, she hates it. Go figure ;)
 
Another vote for a pelham here :D The Current Appy has a myler ported pelham, it works a treat. I do always use two reins, as she is not good with the roundings. In a snaffle she tries to revert to giraffe mode, she is not comfortable in it. I have just bought a mullen mouth hanging cheek for dressage, as I am fairly sure that the extra stability in her mouth is part of why the pelham works so well. There is also a theory that some horses like the 'security' of the curb chain.
 
Goldenstar said:
You know you sometimes just have to do what works.
Have fun and enjoy yourselves.
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absolutely:D
My old tb came with a french link fulmer and was always fussy with her mouth, had the dentist out and he mentioned she had a low palette and suggested a pelham might be more comfortable for her, so i tried it and just like you say, it was like riding a different horse:)
I did try it with my big girl once but she hated it and it was like riding a plate of jelly:eek:
 
FestiveG said:
There is also a theory that some horses like the 'security' of the curb chain.
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I have to share though....had one horse who was tried in it [against advice...we hinted he wouldn't like it!].
Well....!
Started off, walking, doing Spanish walk. We were watching, thinking, 'Hmm...Ok....Odd...'
Owner popped him up into trot, and he carried on the same, even more.
Decided to canter him...and the little ****** was there half rearing, and still striking with his front feet, and trying to pop back into trot with his arched and down, trying to kick the curb!

Owner asked if she should jump him....we said 'Erm...NO!'.

Curb wasn't even overtight or anything, had put it on the loosest it could get away with being as knew he wasn't going to like it.....

Was highly amusing to watch though!
 
Clodagh said:
Use the bit that makes you both happy. Well done on finding one that suits. If we are going on a whizzy hack my boy wears a pelham - I would rather his mouth hurt than my arms!
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Have i just read this right? You would rather hurt your horse, than learn how to ride correctly, or train him in a way that he is safe and responsive to ride. This type of comment from this type of owner makes me sick to the pit of my stomach. Do you have no idea, how to ride a horse? Or are you just an owner who claims to love their nag, then proceed to cause them pain?

I would love to put a bit in your mouth and yank the living hell out of your face. You seriously would rather hurt your horse? ABUSE! end.
 
ChristmasSparkles said:
I have to share though....had one horse who was tried in it [against advice...we hinted he wouldn't like it!].
Well....!
Started off, walking, doing Spanish walk. We were watching, thinking, 'Hmm...Ok....Odd...'
Owner popped him up into trot, and he carried on the same, even more.
Decided to canter him...and the little ****** was there half rearing, and still striking with his front feet, and trying to pop back into trot with his arched and down, trying to kick the curb!

Owner asked if she should jump him....we said 'Erm...NO!'.

Curb wasn't even overtight or anything, had put it on the loosest it could get away with being as knew he wasn't going to like it.....

Was highly amusing to watch though!
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Oops :D That does sound interesting! The theory I was told is that there is a pressure point in the chin groove, which has a similar, but obviously much milder effect as a twitch on the pressure point on the nose, I am considering a drop nose band on the current Appy, if she gets ansty in the hanging cheek bit. :)
 
FestiveG said:
Oops :D That does sound interesting! The theory I was told is that there is a pressure point in the chin groove, which has a similar, but obviously much milder effect as a twitch on the pressure point on the nose, I am considering a drop nose band on the current Appy, if she gets ansty in the hanging cheek bit. :)
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Interesting....said horse was lethal to twitch ironically enough!
 
It must be a Welshie thing - my D loves his pelham - but I do disagee with roundings. It is really easy to ride with double reins, a little bit of practice and you will not look back
 
harriettb said:
Have i just read this right? You would rather hurt your horse, than learn how to ride correctly, or train him in a way that he is safe and responsive to ride. This type of comment from this type of owner makes me sick to the pit of my stomach. Do you have no idea, how to ride a horse? Or are you just an owner who claims to love their nag, then proceed to cause them pain?

I would love to put a bit in your mouth and yank the living hell out of your face. You seriously would rather hurt your horse? ABUSE! end.
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Well, you are assuming that hauling away on a "nice" and "kind" snaffle bit is preferable to using the curb action which many horses (especially cobs and other "heavy on the front end" types) respond to better?
 
EllenJay said:
It must be a Welshie thing - my D loves his pelham - but I do disagee with roundings. It is really easy to ride with double reins, a little bit of practice and you will not look back
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Its not a welsh thing. It's a human thing. Does he love it, or too scared to speak out incase it hurts? Eurgh. The sooner horse owner licences are brought out the better, may rid the world of some of you lot.
 
Cortez said:
Well, you are assuming that hauling away on a "nice" and "kind" snaffle bit is preferable to using the curb action which many horses (especially cobs and other "heavy on the front end" types) respond to better?
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I'm assuming nothing- the poster said she would rather his mouth hurt than her arms! ABUSE.
 
harriettb said:
Its not a welsh thing. It's a human thing. Does he love it, or too scared to speak out incase it hurts? Eurgh. The sooner horse owner licences are brought out the better, may rid the world of some of you lot.
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Why do you think it hurts him - it's the same mouth piece as a snaffle, and the curb rein only comes into use when needed (which is why I don't like roundings).
 
Do you know nothing, about mouths, bitting, riding and so on? If your horse is behaving with a bit in, it is generally because he is scared to act out, the bit is there to cause pain and so they comply...seriously. I can't catch my breath with some of the comments on here. From happy to hurt a horse rather than own arms, to not having a clue regards to what bits actually do, to finding a horse wanting to kick a curb off amusing. I find nothing amusing about this what so ever.

Maybe, all those who will now all band together and make ridiculous comments back should A) go do some REAL research, B) put a bit in their own mouths and C) learn how to ride. If my teenager behaved in such an inconsiderate way to her own equines, her backside would never sit in a saddle as long as she lived under my roof. Lucky for her, she has a darn sight more respect for her animals, than the collection of numpties i see here before me tonight.
 
harriettb said:
I'm assuming nothing- the poster said she would rather his mouth hurt than her arms! ABUSE.
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NO; this is real life folks - sometimes you have to train the horse: let's be clear - ALL bits work by exerting pressure: it is up to the rider to educate the horse and NOT BE the abuser by understanding HOW bits work and using them appropriately. It is not "Black Beautyland" out there.
 
Cortez said:
NO; this is real life folks - sometimes you have to train the horse: let's be clear - ALL bits work by exerting pressure: it is up to the rider to educate the horse and NOT BE the abuser by understanding HOW bits work and using them appropriately. It is not "Black Beautyland" out there.
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And you would call that training? Oh how i wish they could talk. Remind me never to send a horse your way for 'training' then...forgot what legs and seats are for have we?
 
harriettb said:
Have i just read this right? You would rather hurt your horse, than learn how to ride correctly, or train him in a way that he is safe and responsive to ride. This type of comment from this type of owner makes me sick to the pit of my stomach. Do you have no idea, how to ride a horse? Or are you just an owner who claims to love their nag, then proceed to cause them pain?

I would love to put a bit in your mouth and yank the living hell out of your face. You seriously would rather hurt your horse? ABUSE! end.
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Hear Hear !!
 
harriettb said:
Do you know nothing, about mouths, bitting, riding and so on? If your horse is behaving with a bit in, it is generally because he is scared to act out, the bit is there to cause pain and so they comply...seriously. .
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Are you for real ?
My horses behave because they are well trained , happy and confident in there work.
 
harriettb - thanks love, not sure it was necessary to call us a bunch of numpties, I do reckon that my rubber, Mullen mouth Pelham with a loose curb with a curb guard is considerable nicer than the 12mm snaffle that he constantly fights and chews.
 
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