Pelham - a (numpty) question, only one rein?

VioletStripe

VioletStripe

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Hey!

Was just watching a TV program and saw someone riding a horse in a pelham with only one rein, no roundings. They had it simply as a curb rein (right word for a pelham?), so the rein was on the bottom ring with no snaffle rein. I know this may sound like a numpty question but I've seen it happen a couple of times, but is it right to use it like that? I was always taught to have it with roundings or two reins, never seen it with just one rein on the snaffle or curb ring! Or is it like the dutch gag fiasco all over again where people use it with only one rein on one bit, where it's supposed to be used with two? Or is it right both ways? Sorry, just pondering!! Tea and cheesecake for making it this far through my ramble! Thanks in advance if anyone can answer this :) xx
 
It is incorrect, but then again you see so many tack combinations that strictly speaking shouldn't be used together nowadays that it will probably become a new fashion trend :rolleyes:
 
i've seen this done and it looks awful, but then thats my opinon and its on pelhams that are meant to have two reins, but then i dont like riding in roundings when riding a horse with double reins as i dont think you have the option of the pressure on the bottom rein
 
the only pelham that should used with one rein is a globe pelham.

i dont think the swales should be ridden in at all (a driving bit) but thats another thread althogether.
 
I guess you could do this as long as you are light handed, in the same way as you can use a 3 ring bit with just one rein with the same consideration.

It might not be strictly correct but if the rider knows what they are doing, the bit remains stable in the mouth without the snaffle rein and it works for them, then why not?
 
:D This question always gets a variety of answers!

I ride my mare in this.
335fe820.jpg


Is there really so much difference? I don't think the curve of the shank makes a difference other than aesthetically. Both use a curb strap, and there would be poll pressure -varying depending on the length of the shank, mouthpieces come in all shapes so I'm not going there (the particular bit pictured has a myler style mouthpiece with a port)

The biggest difference I would find is that my horse is trained to accept a curb with minimal contact whereas many English trained horses are not, any bit used English style is used with more contact so could be more harsh all round (a bit is only as harsh as the hands on the rein and all that) On the other hand, the horse could accept it, respect it and an easier ride is had all round, happy horse, happy rider - if it ain't broke, don't fix it:)

Horses for courses, as always. I wouldn't say it was wrong, just not exactly how the pelham was designed to be used that's all, it looks a bit untidy but in reality is it any different to a weymouth in shape?
 
the difference is that western shanked bits are ridden with no contact. you neck rein, so the weight of the reins is the only thing on the curb

i can guess that the person the OP saw was using considerable contact not neck reining.

again weymouths are used for refinement, with a bradoon which is the main bit ridden off not the other way round.

if you only want one rein, use a kimblewick or globe pelham or split reins at a push. not a fan of roundings.
 
see it would be the no curb chain (be it leather, metal or elastic) for me that would worry me. means theres nothing to stop the bit over rotating in the mouth.
 
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