Swales Pelhams...

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royal

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What does everyone think of them basically?

I've been recommended to use one (by the bit bank) for showing my horse (at county level)...

Be interested in hearing your thoughts....
 
Thanks for that - they basically seem like they are pure snaffle action from the top cheek ring and curb action from the bottom...so if they are basically a pelham without the poll action, I was thinking they might be actually kinder than a 'standard' pelham...

Its just at £60 a go, I thought I should find as much about them as possible before I try for it...

Do you get your horses normal size in them or do you have to go bigger?
 
I looked into using a swales but was put off by 2 things. I read it would stop any horse in its tracks, so thought that sounded a bit harsh. And I also read that some judges mark people down for using them - this was on search for a star forum - not at lower levels either. So, I think we will stick to the jointed pelham.
 
I think we have one for my share horses - no problems with it but is a harsh bit so needs to be used sensibly. very popular at shows - google them they get a good write up
 
Binky......care to expand on the 'just no'?!?!

cally - have googled it many times and come up with 99% adverts for them, no matter how many different conotations of the words including swales pelham I try!!

Micky - I have been led to believe that they are widely used in showing at higher levels - but have no hard evidence either way!!

Horse won't go in a jointed pelham (uurrgghh!) and leans terribly in a mullen/ported so I'm a bit b*ggered really!!
Other option is I suppose a neue schule waterford pelham......?
I don't think my girl likes poll action hence why this was recommended to me...

ho hum.....!
 
This is very reliable

The Swales Pelham

The Swales Pelham is designed to give control specifically for strong horses that are inclined to lean down. It is not suitable for a Novice rider or horse that does not fully understand the aids. It is extremely popular bit with the showing and driving fraternity and is often used in other disciplines for faster work on an experienced horse that is “over enthusiastic”. This is the only Pelham that removes poll pressure (the head lowering aid) as the cheeks are attached to the inner rings. That emphasis the action on the curb and exerts more pressure on the jaws causing the lifting action. The mouthpiece we have incorporated is a very gentle upover curve that allows tongue room and gives gentle bar pressure. The Swales is a traditional design that has proven extremely beneficial in the right hands over many years.
 
I found that with my mare, who has a large fleshy tounge -- not much room for a double bridle, and zero respect for a pelham of other design, the swales was a great tool to help her learn to canter. She had a tendency to drop on to the forehand and tank off motorbike style. Had lessons for yonks, lots of pole work, transitions etc etc etc and we just were making the slowest ever progress (like none). Instructor suggested a double bridle -- I came out with swales - and it was like a Eureka moment for my girl. She wore it a few times and it made a biggggg difference.
 
They do seem to be the "in" bit for showing at the moment. They can be harsh but also very good on strong horses that do not like poll pressure or need lifting. They can be a quick fix for this problem.

A very experienced judge rode Stinky last year in his first season - he was just 5. Stinky was going through a stage of going very low (but not heavy) in his pelham and he advised a double and not a Swales as it was far too harsh for him. Hence this year Stinky will be shown in a double instead of a pelham which is just right as 90% of the time he is ridden off the top rein with the occasional squeeze on the bottom rein to steady and engage him.

Just make sure you are using the bit because it is right for the horse, and not what everyone else is using as a fashion as you may be better in a double or a pelham.
 
I am looking into this as well , as I have a 15.2hh hunter who runs off in any type of pelham including a waterford pelham. The double bridle he finds too much in his mounth and constantly has his tongue out - even at rest.
I have been recommended this by a few judges, especially hunter judges, but then others have said its too strong a bit.
I have been told the work should be put in at home - but he is a totally different animal at home.
The other bit I was recommended was a sam marsh - not sure what anyone thinks of them ??
 
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