Pelhams and flash nosebands

[CastleMouse]

At a friends yard, I have seen many people riding with pelhams with roundings and flash nosebands, is it acceptable to use pelhams with flash nosebands?

 

[Kelly1982]

My friend used to do this with her pony as he was so strong but personally i wouldn't do it and i didn;t think you needed to because of the kurb

All my horses have been in snaffles though so what do i know LOL

 

[RunToEarth]

I used one on my coloured BUT only because he went through a phase of sticking his tongue out of his mouth, resulting in him biting his own tongue and skewing his head to the side.

 

[guisbrogal]

I have just done this in the last fortnight

I have ridden Ellie in a Pelham for the past two years with roundings and it is the only bit I have found so far that gives me any control of her at all. Her mouth is totally ruined from before I got her. I dread to think what she has been through really to get it as it is. She always pulls like a tank and a number of people have commented on how she opens her mouth and often sticks her tongue out. After long rides her tongue can be quite sore. (she has improved a 1000% since I got her and we have built up some respect and worked on transistions and 'other aids' )

So the other day i put a flash on her just as a 'last minute thought' and she is just so light it was unbelieveable. I literally gave a tiny half halt and she came straight back to me while galloping across an open field with her mates

.

To be honest I am not that happy using a Pelham with roundings and a flash and wanted to ask if anyone had any better ideas, but last time i asked about bits on here I was cut down for my lack of knowledge which has kind of put me off asking. But if anyone could advise me then i am more than open to suggestions.

Edited to say: That is exactly what Ellie was doing. Opening her mouth and turning her head on one side. She now rides in a lovely outline too

 

[Zebedee]

Nothing wrong with flash & pelham. How much better & safer for you AND your horse to be able to ride so lightly instead of fighting all the time.

 

[teapot]

If you feel confident enough - ride in the pelham with 2 sets of reins. The difference between roundings and having 2 reins is noticeable (well I certainly noticed it) and also means that you can ride off the snaffle but if need me you've got the abiity to use the curb as well

 

[guisbrogal]

That is how I have felt about it really. I would just like to be as kind as possible to her but of course I need to be safe too and she just didn't seem to understand 'slow down'. Maybe once she gets the feel for this then I might be able to try her in something a little less.

 

[guisbrogal]

I will definitely give it a try as I am in no way scared of her. However she really forgets that you are onboard sometimes when she is having fun

However I don't think two reins will keep her tongue in and stop her opening her mouth to evade the bit will it?

 

[teapot]

Tbh I dont know enough regarding riding with or without a flash with a pelham. Old pony I put in a pelham a.) as had no control and b.) was going showing with him and he went from a loosering snaffle & flash to a pelham with no flash. As I always thought you weren't suppose to use a flash with a pelham.

But if it works for your horse than why not? Was just a thought regarding 2 reins as you can then refine what you're asking for with the curb IF you need it

 

[Lopod]

My horse has no mouth at all, never has had since I've had him so I use a pelham, flash and roundings when I really need brakes as he will open his mouth and tank off. Prefer to use two reins when hacking and ride mainly on the snaffle rein with the curb rein as insurance. He goes best of all in a double.

 

[flyingfeet]

Using a noseband that closed the mouth with a pelham used to be frowned upon. However its more the traditional look - after all even with double bridles there is a need to keep the mouth closed, otherwise the dressage bods wouldn't all be using crank nosebands.

I have used a drop, flash and grackle with a pelham to no ill effect.

My favourite is still the grackle due to freeing up the nostrils, so our mare is currently in a 9cm shanked lozenged pelham and grackle and is unable to run away with my non-riding fit 60 yr old mother (I add this is with 2 sets of reins).

 

[rcm_73]

After reading this I was wondering if I should consider a pelham and maybe a flash? My TB gets very over excited and tanks off full speed, mouth open, tongue flying out the side. I'm constantly fighting for control in a snaffle once she takes hold it's very hard getting her back which kind of puts you off open spaces! The market harborough i use has helped, don't suppose you should use one through the top ring of a pelham though?! Without it she can bring her head right back (I'm trying to rectify what was a bad ewe neck) but maybe a running martingale would help?? Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[flyingfeet]

Well when I was playing polo I used to have a pelham with running reins (snaffle ring) and a cavesson and a drop noseband.

This was generally just at the start of the season, where without that cobbler I used to exit the field at high speed which was a bit embarassing. Generally went down to a pelham & cavesson once things had settled down.

I don't think a market harborough on the snaffle ring (you must use 2 reins) would hurt.

So if you think 2 reins is bad, you should try 3, a whip & a mallet!!