Veteran showing question-Pelham or not?

[jennieve]

Thinking of showing my 18 yr old Connie. I always ride in a snaffle. Did ride in a Pelham a few years ago for a couple of local showing classes. If I do Veteran classes would he me marked down in a snaffle? do I need to go and borrow a Pelham?!
Many thanks

 

[humblepie]

Go with what your horse will go better in.

 

[Cortez]

Why not put him in the correct bridle, a double? Any correctly trained horse that goes well in a snaffle should go just as well in a double bridle; I have NEVER had a horse not go well in a double bridle when they were ready for it (usually at 5 years of age).

 

[Hey Hey]

Personally if the shows are only local, i think that your horse will be fine in a snaffle. For higher level shows a double is correct however if you believe your horse will be more comfortable in a pelham, then a pelham is fine. But for local, non qualifying shows, a snaffle will be fine. If the judge marks you down, politely ask why and what you can do better. If it is the issue with the bit, then you will know for next time.
Goodluck

 

[jennieve]

Thanks for your replies.
It's a VHS qualifier. He goes well in a snaffle and I've never needed to ride in a double. The idea scares me! Just wasn't sure if it was 'the done thing' to enter a qualifier in a snaffle?
Maybe this one in a snaffle, and I'll try a double before the next,.

 

[Limbo-the day-]

If its local stick with a snaffle


Good luck

 

[zoelouisem]

Thanks for your replies.
It's a VHS qualifier. He goes well in a snaffle and I've never needed to ride in a double. The idea scares me! Just wasn't sure if it was 'the done thing' to enter a qualifier in a snaffle?
Maybe this one in a snaffle, and I'll try a double before the next,.

If its a VHS quailifier then double/pelham is correct and you will get marked down for not having one. Have a lesson in a double its not nearly has hard as you think it is. The key is to getting proper reins, most people try in there normal reins which are far to thick when at least one set of the reins should be thinner makes life alot easier.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

If your pony can't cope with 2 bits in their mouth due to lack of space then go for a Show Pelham - all the leatherwork, one mouthpiece.