pelham v snaffle

[kazhar]

I ride my lad in a straight bar pelham-for no other reason than that is what he is most comfortable in. I tried loads of other snaffles but no, pelham it is! I dont particularly need it for breaks, he is just completely relaxed in it. I have two reins as if i have roundings its too much as he is a bit sensitive in the mouth-consequently I do not ever use the bottom rein-it is just "there" as such. So why when I use a straight bar hanging snaffle, does it not have the same effect...as to me it is the same as the top half of the pelham. Im just curious as it is bugging me the only thing I can think of is the curb chain and bottom rein. I can have no contact on rein whatsoever and he is completely different in the two bits!

 

[NeverSayNever]

because unless you actually use a double bridle with 2 sep bits, the curb is never completely dis-engaged for want of a better word.

 

[kazhar]

Ah ok thankyou....I thought that would apply if I actually had a contact. Just assumed if no contact there would be no curb action as such.

 

[touchstone]

Snap! my mare is exactly the same, tried numerous snaffles, but always back to the pelham.

There shouldn't be any contact on the curb if you aren't using it if it is fitted correctly, but my theory is that they are happier with the extra weight in their mouth, the pelham will be heavier than a hanging cheek.

 

[kazhar]

well at least I know Im not the only one