Pelham - mullen mouth v ported

[royal]

Hi all,

Can someone explain the different action of the two mouthpieces please?

Would a horse that leans in a mullen mouth still lean in a ported?

Thanks

 

[MrsMozart]

You'd have to try it to find out

. The port gives more space for the tongue.

 

[teddyt]

Agree with Mrs M. The port may give more space for the tongue but you have to make sure that there is sufficient room in the mouth to take the port, otherwise it may hit the roof of the mouth.

Straight bars can make a horse lean, especially with pelhams. Maybe try a french link as an alternative mouthpiece rather than a port. If the horse still leans then you need to address other issues (rider/level of training/excessive curb action, etc), which arguably should be looked at first anyway!

 

[royal]

Thanks you two..

She doesn't lean in any other bit or mouthpiece, its not a schooling etc issue...the pelham is for showing and she leans in the mullen mouth, have tried a french link pelham, which she doesn't lean at all in, but she just doesn't go well in it!

could the answer be double bits? As you get the jointed bradoon, which I use more than the curb and the straight bar weymouth for a little curb action when needed?

 

[teddyt]

Worth a try if you have access to a double bridle without buying one just for trail and error. You will have to train her in it, so she understands the different action though. Try it several times.

It may not work if its the straight bar she objects too though, as the weyouth will also have a straight bar. Im also not a fan of single jointed bits, although you could get a french link bradoon. There is such a huge variation in types of weymouths and bradoons that it could open up another can of worms!

 

[royal]

Thanks teddy....I guess it is trial and error, I'd just like to find a combination that she can show in, that obviously she goes well in, but not only for the show side of it, but to make her happier in her mouth too...this could get expensive!!!