Pelham vs Double

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Showing peeps, what is correct at county level for a small hunter. At local level I have been showing him in a Pelham with 2 reins and he has been going very well in it, but someone mentioned a double is the preferred choice over Pelham at county level, so just wanted to check. I kinda thought if it ain't broken don't fix it, as he goes so well in the double reined Pelham but have both so could practice in the double if that's correct.

thanks xx
 
If he goes well in a Pelham there's no reason he won't go well in a double, and a double bridle is the correct one for showing, always.
 
A double will usually give a bit more refinement to the feel the judge gets, which is why it is usually preferred, most horses will go happily in a double, although some do not cope with two bits it is worth trying, you may be pleasantly surprised.
 
I personally prefer a double - definitely a personal preferences only, unless a horse has a very dainty head that looks crowded by a double or hasn't got the conformation of the mouth to take it... But both are correct, however, some old school judges do still prefer to see a double in a hunter as opposed to a Pelham. Saying this, If your horse goes well in a Pelham stick to it. Much better to go nicely in what you know than struggle with a double :) besides I'm sure the HOYS hunter winners wearing Pelhams were never stopped for doing so. A good horse is a good horse regardless of what it has in its mouth :o
 
A double bridle is about the schooling, not how it looks, and a properly educated horse should always go in a double bridle - that is why it is considered correct for a well schooled hunter/riding/horse/hack/show/pony/cob to be presented going well in a double bridle, and why four year olds are supposed to be shown in a snaffle (at least that is how it is done over here, and in Dublin Horse Show).
 
Cortez said:
A double bridle is about the schooling, not how it looks, and a properly educated horse should always go in a double bridle - that is why it is considered correct for a well schooled hunter/riding/horse/hack/show/pony/cob to be presented going well in a double bridle, and why four year olds are supposed to be shown in a snaffle (at least that is how it is done over here, and in Dublin Horse Show).
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I agree completely however for me it is the overall look of the face also to take into consideration, sometimes a dainty hack face can look too crowded with even a delicate double combination. Unfortunately too many people pop a double into a 4YO too soon to force the outline, when the double, as you say is about refining what has already supposed to have been established with the snaffle.
 
Thanks guys, I'm lucky, he is very easy to ride, nice and forward and goes just as well in a snaffle as he does with the Pelham for showing as he is well schooled currently Elementary dressage and is 7 YO, so I could pop a double on him. Although I have been competing in a snaffle still in the dressage as he goes so well in it. Ill try it with my trainer and we will take a view, but yes your right I'm sure he will go just as well in it as he is always happy in the mouth and bridle, never fussy- I will just need to make sure the bits are properly fitting his mouth, which trainer can help with.

Thanks for your feedback. Xx
 
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