Kimberwick vs pelham.....

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Any bitting experts out there?

We have started using a slotted kimberwick on my son's pony for hunting - it is set on the top slot and gives him the brakes he needs and the pony totally respects it.

However a friend of mine said that a kimberwick is actually stronger than a pelham and should not be used on ponies - but I thought the other way round? My lad could certainly not cope with double reins and don't really agree with roundings......

The pony is normally ridden in a snaffle, but can be stronger out hunting. We have tried a 2 ring gag but the pony hated the poll action so fights it, giving my son a very uncomfortable ride.

Any opinions/alternatives?

Thanks in advance.
 
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I'd stick with the kimblewick - I like them for ponies and used to hunt my Sec D in one. Have been contemplating one for the Connie type I have now as well. I hunt my big horse in a pelham with 2 reins sometimes but it is a lot of "knitting" to deal with so I wouldn't expect a child to do that.

Use whatever works - a stronger bit is better than hauling on something less strong. If it helps, my Connie is snaffle mouthed at home but needs more out hunting. I tried him in a Dr. Bristol at the weekend which I saw described online as "very severe, only suitable for horses who become very strong out hunting or XC". I barely took a pull on the pony in it at the weekend, he was lovely in it. Surely that situation with a stronger bit is better than what I had the week before, which was a fight in every field because he got hold of the bit? I don't think it matters if the bit is technically stronger/more severe. Safety is paramount so use whatever works. My big horse is snaffle mouthed at home but hunts in either a pelham or a waterford gag on the bottom rein!
 
I used to drag hunt my pony in one - but with the snaffle style mouthpiece. I felt it was important for his safety as well as mine and others for him to have brakes. As long as your son has an independant seat and knows not to haul on the reins except in an emergency.

Paula
 
However a friend of mine said that a kimberwick is actually stronger than a pelham and should not be used on ponies - but I thought the other way round? My lad could certainly not cope with double reins and don't really agree with roundings......
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Your friend is talking utter *******s and should be avoided for all future queries on bits!!

Next time you see them, you can point out that a pelham has a long shank and has a stronger mechanical advantage than a kimblewick.

Roundings actually reduce it and turn a pelham into a bit of a kimblewick action, which begs the question if you intend to use roundings, why not buy a slotted kimblewick as it gives you more options, and is a lot neater.
 
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