Pelhams

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vicksey

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Just wondering what people think about pelhams.

My MW cob is currently ridden in a is a full cheek French link (use to be in a kimblewick), which I love for the assistance it gives me with steering. My lad still can be a little strong (nothing dramatic or dangerous I cant handle) and a little heavy on the forehand when schooling. But It has been suggested to try a pelham to try and promote some lift and a better outline but I have never used this bit before and have been told they can be quite strong bits. Very confused, advise / opinions welcome.
 
most bits can be harsh in the wrong hands.

would you be using it with double reins or d rings?

If you use double reins and always ride on the curb then yes - they can be excessively strong, if however you ride correctly and only use the curb when needed - i.e. to "curb" an overly strong horse then a pelham is a useful tool.

I used to ride my old TB in a full cheek french link and found it a brilliant bit, previously he had been hunted in a vulcanite pelham, single reins with d rings. All this acheived was that he glued his chin to his chest and tanked anywhere he wanted. The french link meant he couldn't do this and we had both steering and brakes!
 
Thanks, I would ride it with D rings. Do you think it would help re: steering anyomore than the full cheek does?
 
I think probably not to be honest. When my TB was in his pelham I had no control at all when he took off -no brakes no steering. Rather scary really.

If you can control him in the French link then I would be disinclined to muck about with bits.

The boring answer is that lessons with your instructor are what is needed - ultimately his being a little strong and heavy on the forehand are both training issues that need to be worked through. A different bit will mask the problem not deal with it.

Sorry - that came out really preachy and condecending but honestly not meant that way. :o
 
No not at all, thanks, I completley agree re the schooling, I was going to put that in my previous post. Will listen to my instincts and stick with what is working :)
 
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