Pelham bit for my pony?

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nellellie

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I am going to do a show soon in August and i have been told i cant use a flash bridle/band during it. My pony goes on the bit better if she has a flash to keep her mouth closed and concentrated. Because of i was wondering if i should change from a jointed snaffle to a jointed pelham?:confused:
 
It may be the jointed action that the horse is trying to avoid.
My horse used to open his mouth when he was ridden in a jointed snaffle, he went OK in it apart from this.
A friend recommended that I try a bit that took pressure off his tongue, so i tried a Sprenger correction bit..Bingo! no more mouth opening and he goes better than he ever did:) it turns out that he was just trying to avoid pressure on his tongue (which is quite fleshy).
So it may be better to find out if there is a reason your horse does this.
 
Its just that a tried a french link bit the other day and its seems to soft on her mouth as she was not listening and not slowing down at all, it was not quite like her at all even though i know she is a strong pony
 
Yeah, agree with above poster to try different bits rather than trying to find a flash replacement to tuck her head in with. It sounds like she doesn't like the jointed action of the bit which most ponies don't due to a low palette. When you strap her into this with the flash so she can't get away from the discomfort she'll tuck her head to try and relieve this which may be why she feels like she's on the bit better when really she's just evading the discomfort. I'd try ported bits or french links of various mouth piece metals until you find one she accepts nicely.
 
When did you last have her teeth checked? If she has no pain issues and is still not "on the bit" and you have no brakes then it may be a schooling issue. She sounds as if an MOT by vet and dentist and saddler may be due if she is not great on one rein. Also if you cannot use a flash then check the rules for the show as if it is a particular showing class or a dressage class then you may not be able to use a pelham either.
 
She has had her teeth done quite recently. I have had some riding lessons at my Riding Club and he said that she finds it hard to go on the right rein rather than the left. Also we have had an Equine physio and she did some stuff with her muscles. She is 17 yo now, so she is getting a bit older. I think i am allowed a flash bridle for the show so all is well hopefully!
Thanks every1:)
 
nellellie said:
She doesnt actually go on the bit though. .
Click to expand...

I think that may prove the point then hun.

If you didn't get on with the french link (mine didn't either) try a ported mouth , maybe a cambridge snaffle.

A strong horse is a strong horse no matter whats put in it's mouth.

You need acceptance of the bit rather than trying to pit your strength against it.
By trying to force acceptance by strapping the mouth shut is not the way at all.
What kind of riding club recommends gadgets rather than schooling?
 
GingerCat said:
I think that may prove the point then hun.

If you didn't get on with the french link (mine didn't either) try a ported mouth , maybe a cambridge snaffle.

A strong horse is a strong horse no matter whats put in it's mouth.

You need acceptance of the bit rather than trying to pit your strength against it.
By trying to force acceptance by strapping the mouth shut is not the way at all.
What kind of riding club recommends gadgets rather than schooling?
Click to expand...

My riding club doesnt
 
hi nellellie. what kind of pony is it that you have? and what bit do you usually ride in? how long have you had her?

twenty questions!! ;) there are so many bits out there to chose from, and it might take a bit of time, but you'l soon find one that suits your pony. ;) my horse never liked metal or jointed bits. when i broke her in i had her in a straight bar (happy mouth) loose ring snaffle, flash noseband and martingale... and she still had her head in the clouds, and i had no steering or brakes.... i played around with bits and ended up with her in a mullen mouth pelham. she took yo it straight away and ive never looked back. she's 17 now!

where abouts are you? what show you going to?? xx
 
nellellie said:
I am going to do a show soon in August and i have been told i cant use a flash bridle/band during it. My pony goes on the bit better if she has a flash to keep her mouth closed and concentrated. Because of i was wondering if i should change from a jointed snaffle to a jointed pelham?:confused:
Click to expand...

Try her in a normal unjointed pelham with a Cambridge mouthpiece - use two reins as it is for the show ring.

This is the correct way to fit the curb rein so that the chain stays in the chin groove
Pelhamchainthroughring.jpg
 
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