Kimblewick vs Pelham question

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Tirna

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I've been riding my 7yo Cob X in a mullen mouth pelham with roundings, solely for fast group hacks and fun rides as he's prone to tanking in 'exciting' situations. He schools, jumps and does slower hacks fine in a snaffle. I'm aware that pelham roundings are often frowned upon, as there's no way to distinguish between the snaffle and curb action, but being honest I find riding with two reins difficult to adjust to!

I've thought about maybe trying a slotted kimblewick for the faster work, but I cant see how this would be much different to or kinder then the pelham with roundings in terms of curb action? Is there really any difference? Maybe due to the shorter shank length of a kimblewick? I'd be interested in people's opinions. Or should I just suck it up and persevere with two reins in the hope that i'll get used to it?!
 
Tirna said:
I've been riding my 7yo Cob X in a mullen mouth pelham with roundings, solely for fast group hacks and fun rides as he's prone to tanking in 'exciting' situations. He schools, jumps and does slower hacks fine in a snaffle. I'm aware that pelham roundings are often frowned upon, as there's no way to distinguish between the snaffle and curb action, but being honest I find riding with two reins difficult to adjust to!

I've thought about maybe trying a slotted kimblewick for the faster work, but I cant see how this would be much different to or kinder then the pelham with roundings in terms of curb action? Is there really any difference? Maybe due to the shorter shank length of a kimblewick? I'd be interested in people's opinions. Or should I just suck it up and persevere with two reins in the hope that i'll get used to it?!
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I'm not sure how much difference there is - i used to ride in a kimblewick, switched to a pelham with double reins some years ago - I now feel weird riding without 2 reins, so I say persevere! I school in a dressage legal snaffle but hack/hunt/XC in pelham and double reins as my Welshie much prefers a low ported mouthpeice. Most if the time I ride only off the snaffle but the curb is useful especially for fast work in company. I can stop of the smallest half halt now instead of having my arms pulled out my sockets. So much nicer for her IMHO
 
Tirna said:
I've been riding my 7yo Cob X in a mullen mouth pelham with roundings, solely for fast group hacks and fun rides as he's prone to tanking in 'exciting' situations. He schools, jumps and does slower hacks fine in a snaffle. I'm aware that pelham roundings are often frowned upon, as there's no way to distinguish between the snaffle and curb action, but being honest I find riding with two reins difficult to adjust to!

I've thought about maybe trying a slotted kimblewick for the faster work, but I cant see how this would be much different to or kinder then the pelham with roundings in terms of curb action? Is there really any difference? Maybe due to the shorter shank length of a kimblewick? I'd be interested in people's opinions. Or should I just suck it up and persevere with two reins in the hope that i'll get used to it?!
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For my horse it made the world of difference from the pelham to kimblewick
 
If your horse goes nicely for you in a pelham with roundings and you are happy with it, don't worry about what other people think, just listen to what the horse is telling you. On the other hand, you could always use two pairs of reins but leave the curb reins alone unless you need the extra control they can give you.
 
I have used a Pelham with roundings for years. He's happy, I'm happy, my Olympic jump trainer is happy. Don't really care about what anyone else thinks.
 
Pelhams - with and without roundings - are really enjoying a resurgence right now. You are right that a few years ago there was a general view that a pelham with roundings is a "blunt" tool because you can't get the refined conversation with the horse that you do if there are two reins. But I don't think that is still a current view - certainly I have seen quite a few top riders (BS and BE) now using a pelham with roundings. It is true that you can get a more nuanced conversation with two reins - but the same is true of a double bridle vs a snaffle alone and no-one screams for all snaffle riders to be in a double!

If your horse goes well as he is then leave it. The difference in action with a kimblewick - assuming you don't also change the mouthpiece) is that there will be a bit more poll pressure. Otherwise its pretty similar.
 
Thanks everyone for your inputs. I too have noticed number of top eventers (WF-P in particular) using roundings, I think that furthered my curiosity! I'll continue to have a play with two reins, but won't worry too much now if I'm unable to adjust. My horse seems happy and I have control which is all that matters!
 
Personally I find it impossible to feel the contact properly riding with roundings on a pelham, I think with a Kimblewick the severity is probably similar to a pelham with roundings but you would have a more direct contact, less "muffled". But if roundings work for you then I wouldn't worry!
 
My horse is always hacked in a pelham with roundings, if it works and your horse likes it then carry on as you are :)

I only ever put two reins on for showing so it looks better, and for hunting incase I need to use the curb a little more!

Of course if you want to have a play with two reins just have a go until you get used to it, it's pretty easy once you get it :)
 
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