Why isn't a pelham dressage legal at the same levels as a double?

[Sol]

So... out of curiousity, why aren't pelhams dressage legal? Yes, they aren't quite as clear as a double, and not 'traditional', but surely they would be far more comfortable for many horses? Surely they cannot be any stronger than a double, and if anything aren't as clear as a double....
I'm only talking about at Elementary and above by the way, I don't mean at prelim/novice

Hoping someone who knows a lot more about dressage can inform me, because it seems perculiar!

Sol x.

 

[Kallibear]

Dunno but I've heard a top dressage rider complaining that snaffles aren't allowed higher up - she has one horse with a small mouth that finds a double too much and goes perfectly in a snaffle, so why the need for all that metal work in their mouth? - surely the whole point of dressage is obedience with the lightest and least aids?

 

[Steorra]

Kallibear - I've always thought that was a bit odd too. Ah, the hypocrisy of dressage.

Sol - I would like to think that it's because a Pelham (even with two reins) is less subtle than a double. In reality I wonder if it's just 'because'.

 

[Booboos]

Kallibear: at least in BD you can use a snaffle at any level including GP. I think FEI expects a double from PSG onwards.

Sol: I am not sure, but intuitively it looks like you can ride in a double on the snaffle only and use the curb only when needed, whereas in the pelham this wouldn't be possible? Might be talking rubbish though

 

[Sol]

Yep, it's all crazy!

Booboos - it's possible? Might have to test it out later Although still, this seems silly reasoning, as why would it really matter when you have the curb there either way anyway?

Steorra - isn't a snaffle also less subtle though in that case? I wouldn't be surprised if you were right about it being 'just because.'

 

[posie_honey]

'just because'
i'm pretty sure that the correct answer

 

[Steorra]

Yep, it's all crazy!

Booboos - it's possible? Might have to test it out later Although still, this seems silly reasoning, as why would it really matter when you have the curb there either way anyway?

Steorra - isn't a snaffle also less subtle though in that case? I wouldn't be surprised if you were right about it being 'just because.'

Yep, it's all crazy!

Booboos - it's possible? Might have to test it out later Although still, this seems silly reasoning, as why would it really matter when you have the curb there either way anyway?

Steorra - isn't a snaffle also less subtle though in that case? I wouldn't be surprised if you were right about it being 'just because.'

Interesting. I guess it depends on the shape of the bit. A ported bit (even a Pelham on the snaffle rein) exerts more pressure on the bars of the mouth. I know there are ported snaffles out there but they're not dressage legal - I have always assumed for this reason (again, assuming there is a reason!).

I still think it is 'just because' though. To be honest I can't see that a Pelham on the snaffle rein is harsher than the very slim bridoon mouthpieces in doubles.

 

[Steorra]

Anyone know why my quotes always come up twice ?

 

[flyingfeet]

Anyone know why my quotes always come up twice ?

Pass if you look at the code it should say [ Quote = username, number ] Quote you want and can edit and [ / Quote] to finish the code.

Code doesn't have spaces though!

Dressage rules have not been addressed for a long time, and perhaps they should.

I thought FEI had made snaffles legal in all classes now, but no one has take this on!

 

[Steorra]

Thanks CotswoldSJ - I'll double check next time and see what it says...

I think you are right, the rules need to be re-addressed. I get the impression that they are only changed when a big fuss is made rather than being revised to reflect modern understanding. The way of the world I guess.