Pelham roundings??

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Merlod

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I hack and jump my boy (strong sec D) in a neue schule D-ring, he can be quite strong but mostly manageable. I usually school in a NS loose ring but we have tried a pelham on a few occasions at bigger shows. He prefers a lozenge pelham over a straight bar - even though it's not really correct to have a jointed pelham!

I've always ridden in two reins with the pelham but I am thinking of entering a hunter trial next month and was debating using a pelham but I don't think i'll be able to manage two reins at speed over fences - would you use roundings in this instance or are they really that bad? I've noticed as well as the traditional leather roundings you can get these which say they are supposed to be more direct? Has anyone used them?
sprenger-2013-pelham-roundings.jpg
 
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Another yes go for roundings; although once jumping in your comfort zone give it a go with two reins. I always imagine I won't be able to manage my reins and yet on the course I never even think about it and always finish with all reins where they should be ... fingers and hands seem to have remarkable muscle memory :) Roundings are not the devil; they are unfortunately often used as an excuse to sock a horse in the mouth with bad hands, and since that isn't your case you probably shouldn't overthink it.
 
Not personally keen on roundings, but it sounds from your post that you are aware of the reasons behind having two reins and how to use them, and that you are aware that heavy hands has no place with a bit like a Pelham so by all means go ahead and don't worry about it.

Have fun at the hunter trial!
 
I've been told off for using roundings! But having had repetitive strain injury issues with my hands, I really can't handle two reins, have tried it and was faffing around like a granny trying to pick up her knitting, so gave up. Yes I know I'm a numpty, yes I know I should damn well learn (and/or have some lessons!), yes I know I'm an idle so-and-so for not bothering how to learn to ride with two reins..........

Have a look at the "Performance Equestrian" website: they've got some very nice roundings on there. I have tried the traditional leather roundings but found them far too stiff and unwieldy; these ones they've got there are synthetic (even better!) and they've got a loose ring to fasten the rein on, so you get a lot more movement on the rein that you do with traditional ones. Horse seems to go well in them and it means you get a much better distribution of pressure on the bit. Ideal IMO.

I've got some of the PE ones and wouldn't ever use anything else now: and the joy of them is that you can just chuck them and the bit together in a bucket to wash at the end of the day!

PS (edited) if using the PE website I think, from memory, that you have to go into "accessories" and then you should come to stuff like Roundings there. Or give them a ring, they're always very helpful and knowledgeable IME. Really nice people and good products too.
 
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If you can get them, split reins might be a better option, as you can adjust how much curb rein you want to use before you set off. Still nowhere near as precise as two reins, but less of a blunt instrument than roundings.

That being said, as long as you have decent hands, and particularly if it's only a temporary measure whilst you get used to hunter trialling, you'll probably be all right with roundings. Just be aware of their shortcomings and use them accordingly.
 
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