Traditional cob showing bit

bubbilygum

bubbilygum

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Hello all,

I am going to a little show this weekend with my traditional cob, and entering (amongst classes like Best Mane and Tail!) the coloured class and the veteran class. I'm going in hand as we haven't been to any shows for a few years and I would like to see how he behaves before I jump on board!

I have my outfit sorted (hacking jacket, riding hat, yellow shirt and tie, dark trousers and jodphur boots and leather gloves) and my horse has a nice new thick cavesson bridle, but I am unsure whether I should use my rugby pelham, loose ring snaffle or hanging cheek snaffle? Which would be most correct?

Tea and biscuits if you made it this far and have any hints or tips - we are a bit rusty!
 
bubbilygum said:
Hello all,

I am going to a little show this weekend with my traditional cob, and entering (amongst classes like Best Mane and Tail!) the coloured class and the veteran class. I'm going in hand as we haven't been to any shows for a few years and I would like to see how he behaves before I jump on board!

I have my outfit sorted (hacking jacket, riding hat, yellow shirt and tie, dark trousers and jodphur boots and leather gloves) and my horse has a nice new thick cavesson bridle, but I am unsure whether I should use my rugby pelham, loose ring snaffle or hanging cheek snaffle? Which would be most correct?

Tea and biscuits if you made it this far and have any hints or tips - we are a bit rusty!
Click to expand...

I'm not a showing person, but I would say a pelham with two reins (NOT with roundings!) is more correct.

(I won't start my usual rant about people using pelhams/ doubles because it looks better for showing when they and the horse would be better in a snaffle!)
 
Polotash said:
I'm not a showing person, but I would say a pelham with two reins (NOT with roundings!) is more correct.

(I won't start my usual rant about people using pelhams/ doubles because it looks better for showing when they and the horse would be better in a snaffle!)
Click to expand...

Thank you Polotash - I did think the pelham was correct but wasn't sure if it was overkill for inhand and more suitable for ridden classes.
 
inhand a snaffle or pelham is equally correct. At local level the same goes for the ridden. Avoid the hanging cheek though.

As an aside (replying to polotash ;)), the horse should be properly bitted for showing, they should accept use of the curb- which is why a double is correct. Pelhams creep in mainly in native showing where the mouth is too small for 2 bits. We've never had bitting issues, they accept either a snaffle or a pelham/double depending on the situation. Its part of the backing process, yes there is compromise, but sometimes you have to say, no, you accept this and get on with your job, stop fussing.
 
Thanks all - I will stick his snaffle on for this one and go and have some fun!

We are only doing four classes (coloured, veteran, handsomest gelding and best mane and tail!) and I'm not too fussed about bringing any rosettes home (except in handsomest gelding of course, if we don't win this I will be having a word with the judge :rolleyes:) but equally I didn't want to turn up in completely the wrong gear!

I will try and share some pictures of us if I can convince my other half to come and take some :D. I have reverted to my 12 year old self, I'm so excited!
 
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