Showing, pelham, double reins

[catwithclaws]

Hi all, showing isn't really my thing so thought I'd ask for advice

12 year old daughter has a WPB. They're doing a variety of classes, he's gone well in first ridden where he obviously wears a snaffle (he isn't really a first ridden but he can look like one under the right circs) but also ridden part bred classes.

Is it the case that he should go in a pelham and double reins for the part bred classes (he's got a teeny tiny mouth so a proper double isn't an option)

If he does need a pelham, what reins are best? My daughter is very petite with small hands and I'm worried they'll be too chunky.

She will obviously be having lessons in it, and is very balanced with excellent hands (as told to me by a top producer judging at her last show)

Just need a bit of advice on how it all goes. Also best turned out classes, we turn him out as a show hunter pony - would he look better in the pelham in this class too rather than the snaffle?

PS he does go very nicely in the snaffle, this is purely for what is "correct" for the show ring

 

[catwithclaws]

Any tips on improving turnout too if anyone can see something obvious?

 

[VictoriaSponge]

Depends what level you’re showing at really, they look like a lovely pairing as is.

In novice affiliated classes, snaffles are absolutely correct. In open affiliated part bread/shp classes, double reins are the norm and it would be unusual to see a pony in a snaffle, but that’s thinking about HOYS/RI qualifiers. That said, the “correct” option is whatever the pony goes best in and what your daughter is most comfortable with, especially at local level.

It may be beneficial for her to learn to ride with double reins anyway, and if you do decide to go the open route, a Pelham would be absolutely fine, I’d use the traditional sort over a rugby Pelham as they can look a little untidy. I tend to use a thin leather curb rein, with the snaffle/top rein the same but with rubber on one side. I find it makes the top rein easier to hold and far less bulky than plaited reins.

 

[VictoriaSponge]

Depends what level you’re showing at really, they look like a lovely pairing as is.

In novice affiliated classes, snaffles are absolutely correct. In open affiliated part bread/shp classes, double reins are the norm and it would be unusual to see a pony in a snaffle, but that’s thinking about HOYS/RI qualifiers. That said, the “correct” option is whatever the pony goes best in and what your daughter is most comfortable with, especially at local level.

If you do decide to go the open route, a Pelham would be absolutely fine, I’d use the traditionaltend to use a thin leather curb rein, with the snaffle/top rein the same but with rubber on one side. Your daughter

 

[catwithclaws]

@VictoriaSponge thanks so much for your reply, we are only local/agricultural, going to Sunshine Tour in September types.

Sunshine Tour obviously is a championship, but still unaffiliated so do you think he'd be better staying in a snaffle? He does go well in it (and frankly less tack cleaning for me )

 

[Nonjumper]

If you do decide to go the open route, a Pelham would be absolutely fine, I’d use the traditionaltend to use a thin leather curb rein, with the snaffle/top rein the same but with rubber on one side. Your daughter

This is what I used to do when showing my small mouthed PBA. @catwithclaws I used a Rugby Tom Thumb Pelham because it looked more like a double at first glace.

 

[Daiquiri]

If you're going with a Pelham get a show Pelham, they're much neater than a Rugby Pelham but still give you the look of a double bridle.

https://www.fyldesaddleryltd.co.uk/product/loose-ring-port-mouth-show-pelham/

 

[holeymoley]

I might get shot down for this. There was a point a few years ago that split reins were acceptable for younger children. Is this an option? It may be frowned upon now though.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I agree about using a show Pelham over a rugby much neater Fylde do small ones for ponies as mentioned, or one of mine was shown in a Pelham with a snaffle mouth piece as he preferred that over the traditional Pelham, the chain must have a lip strap as well in the show ring.

You can get quite thin reins the top rein should be laced the bottom one plain but thinner, you can also get leather reins with rubber on the inside to help with grip.

 

[Clodagh]

I showed ponies for a stud as a small and soon mastered double reins. They were just really thin leather, so not too much in my hands. Very best of luck. Enjoy!

 

[Chiffy]

My younger granddaughter is 11, she is now on a 14h pony! Moved up this year from 12.3 who she had shown for 3 years. She had a dinky little jointed Pelham on him for showing and suitable length and width of double reins. She had absolutely no problem learning to use them .
The new pony is a Working Hunter Pony and forward going so he competes in a Universal but he also shows in Coloured classes and we use a Pelham for now although he went in a double for his original owners.
Your daughter looks a nice rider and at 12 yrs old she should have no problem with double reins.
Good luck, have fun.

 

[catwithclaws]

Thanks so much everyone, you've been a big help. She already rides in half rubber reins, and we do have a pair of laced but I think they're shorter than the rubber ones.

Ugh more shopping (although of course mini CWC never turns down a trip to the saddlery )

 

[Nonjumper]

If you're going with a Pelham get a show Pelham, they're much neater than a Rugby Pelham but still give you the look of a double bridle.

https://www.fyldesaddleryltd.co.uk/product/loose-ring-port-mouth-show-pelham/

Actually this is what I had, and not a Rugby Pelham.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Thanks so much everyone, you've been a big help. She already rides in half rubber reins, and we do have a pair of laced but I think they're shorter than the rubber ones.

Ugh more shopping (although of course mini CWC never turns down a trip to the saddlery )

We need pictures of the items on pony as well please

Lovely pony by the way

 

[catwithclaws]

Just a quick update for you guys who helped me out so much a couple of weeks ago - we ended up with a baby pelham with a curved mouthpiece and a little roller (wanted as similar mouthpiece as possible to the myler comfort snaffle he usually wears)

Daughter has had lots of lessons, and picked up riding with 2 reins pretty well.

We're off to the champs on Thursday for thr weekend - wish us luck!!

PS excuse the poor pics - the first time she rode in the double reins I literally put them in her hands and we went for a walk hack just so she could get used to holding them - hence the massive hi viz