Showing - doubles v snaffles

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Scottish_Miss

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OK so am trying to understand why its correct to wear a double bridle in the show ring, surely it should be on how the horse goes and one that can go lightly, submissive etc in a plain snaffle should not be penalised! Why do they say its correct to be shown in a double? Or as seen some in a pelham which can have again a different action.

I am just curious as my boy goes lovely in his snaffle and playing in a double at home, and am questioning why its 'correct' to use a double/pelham is it just to look better???????????

I can understand it can show a degree of training to go well in a double but you can still go as well in a snaffle with less than half the ironmongery in their mouth

Thanks ;-D
 
The whole discipline of showing baffles me if I'm honest! There all a load of loons ;) :p

Sorry - not helpful at all!!

(and this is light hearted - don't want anyone ranting and raving at me ;) haha)
 
As one of the "loons" all I can say is:
Showing in a double bridle is a matter of tradition, the double bridle shows off the head to its best advantage.
A Novice can be shown in a snaffle bridle, however in reality snaffles are rarely seen at County level and above.
Pelhams and Double bridles, plus Rugby Pelhams are all seen in pretty much equal measures - use whatever suits your horse best. The only Pelham that is "discouraged" in BSHA classes is the Swales and even then, they're still permitted but you're liable to be dropped a place or two.
The bottom line is, are you showing for fun or taking it a little more seriously? Or a mixture of both?
It depends what class you are aiming for also, for BSHA (Hacks, Riding Horses, Cobs) see
http://www.britishshowhorse.org/

For Coloured horses see http://www.chapsuk.com/

For Hunters see http://www.sporthorsegb.co.uk/

more advice about showing see http://www.theshowring.info/at a glance.htm
 
Hi
Thanks jnb we are doing some county levels this year as last year went well locally. So wanted to know thoughts on snaffles, I can understand its tradition but just cant get my head around if he is light in the snaffle that should go for him rather than against.

Not a fan of rugby pelhams and know that swales can be looked upon as harsh and not a fan of how they work.

Thanks for links
 
MandyMoo - there is nothing baffling about showing. You go in, swan round a bit, stand still for quite a while chatting to your mates, then someone takes your horse off you and returns it a bit later saying "thank you, what a lovely horse", then you half untack it, take it for a wander in front of another judge who says "what a lovely a horse" , then put the saddle back on, then stand around a bit more, then wander around again in a little circle, collect rosette, go home.

Simples as the meerkat would say!




Sorry OP!
 
If your horse goes well in a snaffle, then a double would be a good option.

I like to see a horse go well ridden with a loose (even saggy) curb rein.

ETA - to be swanky, you can even ride one handed...[seemed to be a pro fashion for a while!!] yuck!
 
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Lol... funny responses brill....

Yes he is going well in double and we shall do the county shows in it as quite a few pros shall also be there.

As for riding one handed yes agree lots of that happening the now!!!!!!!! Witnessed a lot over last few weekends, one handed canter circles etc cripes!
 
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