Rugby Pelhams

lizijj

lizijj

Well-Known Member
Joined
27 August 2008
Messages
260
Visit site
Hi, have had to buy a Rugby Pelham (horses mouth prefers to double) for our county show. I keep reading various ways of holding the reins and wondered which most people do. Also, does anyone hack out in this bit? He has always been ridden in a lozenge snaffle, not usually strong, but wondered if hacking out in the Pelham would do any harm??

Thanks :)
 
I love these bits, work wonders with my cob. I've used mine for hacking and schooling as well as a cob class at a local show. They're great bits.

I was taught to hold the snaffle rein as you usually would and then bring the curb rein up inside the snaffle to hold curb rein between the fingers above the usual ones. Sorry that's not a particularly clear description but I can't seem to explain what I mean too well! Basically the two reins should cross with the curb on the inside and held higher in the hand than the snaffle. Hope that makes sense.

Ps for what it's worth I think no matter what bit you use it can do harm, it all depends on the hands holding the reins at the other end. If you're sensitive and sympathetic to your horse this bit won't do any more harm than any other. If you're heavy with your hands you may find your horse reacts badly.

Hope it goes well. :) x
 
I always like to hack show horses in their doubles/pelhams not just school in them, it helps get them more forward and confident going into the bridle which is what the judges want when they ride.
 
Thanks for that, will take him out for a spin in the bit tomorrow. I'm pretty light handed anyway and 'try' as we all do... to ride through my seat. I was nervous about riding him in spurs (got a blasting from my pony club instructor 20 years ago about using them, never used them since) but have been hacking in them and they have actually made a more enjoyable ride for both of us. He's a lazy horse and I hardly make use of the spurs, but there is less leg flapping and use of the schooling whip than usual. He has been much more forward going and I have even had to use the brakes, which is very unusual! :)
Final question, the curb chain has a good 2 inch clearance. How can the curb chain cause any problems hacking out? Thanks!
 
The spurs sound like a good idea, dont forget the judge does not wear them so your horse needs to be really off the leg if it is going to give a good ride and do well. Most judges like a horse, I think yours is a hunter, that takes a hold, not strong but powerful and giving the feel it could hunt all day with ease.

The curb chain sounds rather loose, I like them fairly snug, just because it is loose does not make it kinder but almost more sharp when it comes into play or it can move into the wrong place and again be uncomfortable.

If he is very light it may be worth trying a leather one on him.
 
And don't forget to add a slip head for the loose ring. When I'm judging I hate seeing the rings flap about, a slip head stops this and makes it look more like a double bridle.
 
Perissa said:
And don't forget to add a slip head for the loose ring. When I'm judging I hate seeing the rings flap about, a slip head stops this and makes it look more like a double bridle.
Click to expand...

I would second the slip head. I like mine although I don't use it at the moment as we are not showing but have hacked and schooled in it.
 
Yes he is in the Ridden Hunter :), can you show in a leather curb? Got a slip head and he looks the part! :), think everything else is sorted other than:
He is rubbish trotting up in hand - any tips for improving this? It's down to his idle look out on life..... No fear of crops/whips/helicopters etc (which is why the spurs have been so good!)
How much weight does he need on him? At the moment, he would be classed as healthy - can't see ribs, no apple bum or cresty neck, can 'just' feel ribs with hand though. Are showing judges still after fatter horses?
Should I show him in a numnah - found the old fashioned type through H&H Forum! and an old school plaited leather girth. I can't afford a new saddle, so it is my GP Albion - could take the knee rolls out though???

Thanks :)
 
Best way is to have the bridoon rein (snaffle) on the outside of the little finger and the curb rein between little finger and next. You can then either sepperate them to come out between thumb and index finger together or the snaffle between thumb and index and the curb between index and middle finger.

For practise put your curb rein onto your usual bit and work out which way you find more comfortable.

The rein poutside the little finger is the one that can affect the bit the most because it is able to move freely.
 
bikerchickone said:
I was taught to hold the snaffle rein as you usually would and then bring the curb rein up inside the snaffle to hold curb rein between the fingers above the usual ones.

Hope it goes well. :) x
Click to expand...

never seen this method used? how can you effectively use the curb if it it in the fingers above the normal rein ones????

Ive always been taught, curb rein where you normally hold the reins and the sanffle rein on the outside of your little finger that way you can tweak both reins independently.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top