Question re bridle for showing in hand...thanks

[Hippona]

My OH usually rides his cob mare in a pelham with roundings and one set of reins...

He fancies doing an in-hand class at a local show this weekend, and rather than buying a load of stuff he may never use again..i just wondered...

Is it acceptable to show her in her usual bridle ( its a nice chunky black Stubben) with her usual bit, and 2 sets of reins over her head?

If so, numpty question - which set of reins is the thinner one, the top or the bottom?

Thanks peeps

 

[carys220]

If it's just a local show I don't see the problem.

Alternatively, would it be possible to just change the bit to a snaffle? This will be more comfortable for horse and leader and will make her head look better.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

Yes that will be fine. The thinner reins go on the curb (bottom).

 

[Hippona]

Yes, I do have spare snaffle I could use...only thing is its jointed and she prefers a rubber straight pelham....will have to have a dig around in my spares box.

Thanks very much

 

[carys220]

I'm sure she will be fine with a jointed snaffle. I used to do this with my fell pony who was ridden in a rubber pelham.

Try her with it a few times before the show, she will probably just chew at it and play a bit but as long as she's not going to be ridden in it she shouldn't object.

 

[conniegirl]

actualy it is perfectly fine to use his pelham with 2 reins over the head, this is the correct turnout for cobs over the age of 4 at county shows so perfectly acceptable at local level too