Pelham Vs Kimblewick

suef1

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This may be a really stupid question but what is the difference? I would assume that the pelham is more harsh because the shanks are longer and therefore use more poll pressure- is this right? And if I use roundings will there be a significant difference in the severity between them?
Use a kimblewick for SJ and XC but horsey is getting stronger and stronger XC and the bigger we go, the more control I need for combinations etc. I dont want to put her in anything much more severe so just after peoples opinions on moving up to a pelham.
She is TB, head goes up when jumping. Tried her in 3 ring gag and this was too harsh for her, she didnt want to go forward.

What do you reckon?

Thx
 
I had the head up when jumping problem and horse was in a 3 ring gag which did not help as they have a head raising action.

So on the advice of Heather from neue schule I swapped to a jointed pelham - jointed as my horse leans. I jump with roundings as I cannot keep track of double reins XC.

It may be worth a try as pelhams have a definite head lowering action, but i can certainly recommend Heather's bitting helpline.
 
Yeh, maybe a jointed pelham might be a good try, Less for them to grab onto. I show in a rugby pelham and he still goes forward into it, I'm going to be hunting him in it as well this year purely because I think its kinder having a stronger bit where you have to ask once, than a weak bit where your constantly hanging onto their mouths!!
 
it all depends.... do u use 2 reins on the pelham? if not its pretty much the same as the kimblewick....

which type of kimblewick do u use?? slotted? or the normal?

both bits are normally harsher than a 3 ring gag.
 
I prefer a vulcanite/rubber pelham and roundings...it gives good control over my big horse, and doenst make him throw his head up.
IMO Jointed pelhams are less effective on a horse with less mouthroom as the nutcracker effect of the joint delivers pressure in the wrong place, wheras the bar delivers it evenly and rubber pelhams are a bit softer meaning you can be a bit firmer with your hands if necessary.
 
Use a normal kimblewick at the mo, no slots. Its straight but ported as she needs the tongue room and isnt good with jointed bits. I would use roundings if I used a pelham so do you reckon it would be just the same as the kimblewick in that case?
 
yes, there isnt a huge amount of difference, im a big fan of the kimblewicks, with the slotted you have to ways to set it, on the slot nearest to the curb.. using the reins here willl give you more curb action, if your horse is strong and dosnt like to much curb the lower slot is ideal. it does give more poll pressure though,

again it is much lighter than a pelham, ive never come across one thats ported and covered in anything though. id say its quite a sharp bit, if your horse is very sensitive in the mouth it may not suit, id give one a try though!
 
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