maxapple
Well-Known Member
I'm hoping to start doing working hunter pony with my welsh x arab pony. Can someone explain how pelhams work - and what bit you use with them. I'm a total novice as far as this particular bit is concerned!
Pelhams
- Thread starter maxapple
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Silverspring
Well-Known Member
You can't use another bit with a pelham, I think you may be thinking double bridle which is a weymouth and bradoon.
The pelham can be used in WH or even better a rugby pelham which looks like a double from a far and has the loose ring quality of a loose ring snaffle.
The basics of how it works is snaffle rein (top held between pinky and ring finger as normal) works like normal snaffle curb rein (bottom held between ring and middle finger) acts to flex the horse either downwards or to the side. should be used heavily if the horse is well schooled, just held as part of the overall contact. The curb puts pressure on the bottom jaw and also stops the shank of the pelham over rotation and making the poll pressure useless...
I'm making it sound far more complicated than it is! I would suggest getting a lesson or 2 in it if you're not accustomed to double reins.
The pelham can be used in WH or even better a rugby pelham which looks like a double from a far and has the loose ring quality of a loose ring snaffle.
The basics of how it works is snaffle rein (top held between pinky and ring finger as normal) works like normal snaffle curb rein (bottom held between ring and middle finger) acts to flex the horse either downwards or to the side. should be used heavily if the horse is well schooled, just held as part of the overall contact. The curb puts pressure on the bottom jaw and also stops the shank of the pelham over rotation and making the poll pressure useless...
I'm making it sound far more complicated than it is! I would suggest getting a lesson or 2 in it if you're not accustomed to double reins.
maxapple
Well-Known Member
Thank you - I like the sound of a rugby pelham.
I'm actually riding my friends pony at the moment who is in a pelham - but she has roundings which means I don't need to worry about the reins.
So - the mouth piece (bit) is the straight bar one then?
I'm actually riding my friends pony at the moment who is in a pelham - but she has roundings which means I don't need to worry about the reins.
So - the mouth piece (bit) is the straight bar one then?
Silverspring
Well-Known Member
You get a choice of mouth pieces, usally jointed (normal snaffle single joint) mullen (straight bar) or ported (the one with the dent in the bar for the tongue) it really depends on the horse's conformation and preference what they go in best. If he's used to a joint snaffle try the jointed pelham first, less likely to lean and go heavy on it.
Also for the curb I would use a leather strap on elastic one, not only are the chains a pain in the ass to keep twist free they can be quite strong on a horse that doesn't need a pelham.
Also for the curb I would use a leather strap on elastic one, not only are the chains a pain in the ass to keep twist free they can be quite strong on a horse that doesn't need a pelham.
CrazyMare
Well-Known Member
WHP or WH can acctually be in any suitable bridle - so you will see ponies in snaffles with a grackle for example.
I personally use a NS lozenge pelham, with a curb chain.
To start with I usually hack the horse out in its new bit/double riding gently. We also use an elastic or leather curb to start.
I personally use a NS lozenge pelham, with a curb chain.
To start with I usually hack the horse out in its new bit/double riding gently. We also use an elastic or leather curb to start.