What is a Pelham bridle?

A pelham bit is a type of bit used when riding a horse. It has elements of both a curb bit and a snaffle bit. In this respect a pelham bit functions similar to a double bridle, and like a double bridle it normally has "double" reins: a set of curb reins and a set of snaffle reins.

What is a Pelham bridle used for?

Uses. The pelham bit is often used for schooling and general riding, providing the rider is knowledgeable about using a curb bit and riding with double reins. An English Pelham bit somewhat mimics the action of the bridoon (small snaffle bit) and weymouth (curb) bit combination used on a 'double bridle.

Is a Pelham bit harsh?

A Pelham bit is often viewed as a harsh bit, but when used with double reins, the Pelham is actually a very humane bit.

Why do people use a Pelham Bit?

The Pelham is one of those “go-to” bits when a rider finds themselves with a bit of a brakes issue. It's very common, very widely used from ponies to big showjumpers and everything in between. It is a very effective bit, when fitted and used appropriately, and it can certainly help with brakes.

Can you use a Pelham with one rein?

A Pelham bit with a single rein is often used on children's ponies as it gives the rider better control. Children have small hands and cannot cope with two reins in each hand. As a snaffle bit is very mild, it is easy for a strong pony to pull the reins out of the child's hands.

What Is: Pelham Bits by Myler Bits

What bit is best for a strong horse?

Gag bits. Gag bits act on the poll, the tongue and the corners of the mouth. Unlike 3-ring bits and Pelhams, this type of bit is very well suited for horses that lean on the bit or pull downwards.

How do I choose a Pelham bit?

When choosing a Pelham, keep in mind that rubber or Vulcanite is a bit softer, as is a thick mouthpiece. And, the longer the shanks, the more leverage the bit creates when the curb rein is used.

What is a butterfly pelham?

A Butterfly Pelham is really a small bit for Driving with two rein options and used on the small breeds as the cheek looks neat and short on the small pony faces. It is also useful as a riding bit on the same types of Ponies. A mullen mouth that applies pressure evenly straight across the tongue.

How should a Pelham bit fit?

When fitting a pelham it is positioned slightly lower than a snaffle bit, sitting comfortably at the corners of the horse's mouth. When the mouthpiece is pulled out to one side there should be ¼ of an inch gap between the lip and bit-ring.

Can you use a Pelham in Hunters?

Feel free to use pelham bits, eggbutts, loose rings, and full-cheek snaffles — but gags (except hunter gags), hackamores, three-ring bits, et cetera are illegal. Note that the use of the phrase “et cetera” is actually in the rulebook, so it's best to steer clear of most leverage bits besides pelhams.

How do you put on a Pelham bridle?

Buckle the left and right cheek pieces of your bridle to the top ring on a Pelham bit. The cheek pieces hang downward from the same ring on a bridle when it is on a post and in the same position as it is on your horse. Clip both ends of the snaffle rein to the center ring on each side of the bit.

Can I show in a Pelham?

In Open classes you can wear the following bridles: • Snaffle, • Pelham, • Double. Unless specifically stated Bitless Bridles are not allowed in a showing class.

What is the action of a Pelham Bit?

A pelham works on several parts of a horse's head, depending on which rein is applied. The mouthpiece acts when either the snaffle or curb rein is applied and puts pressure on the bars, tongue, and lips of the horse.

Can you use a flash with a Pelham?

In show jumping and the jumping phases of eventing, a Pelham can be combined with a flash or grakle noseband.

What is a butterfly bit used for?

Function: Specially suitable for jumping as it has enhanced impact and control and helps support the horses in tight turns. A popular selling bit with jumping enthusiasts, the butterfly bit may also be recognised as an "Elevator" bit. This bit gives control for jumping without resorting to a stronger or severe bit.

How does a butterfly bit work?

The Butterfly Flip functions as both a direct action bit and a leverage bit depending on the position of the reins. If the rein is attached to the top hook, it works as a direct action bit, exerting the same amount of pressure on the mouth as it felt through the reins.

What's the difference between Pelham and Kimblewick?

The Kimberwick (Kimblewick in the UK) bit is a form of Pelham. The main difference between the Kimberwick and the rest of the Pelham family of bits is that it only uses one rein. As with the Pelham, the action of the Kimberwick is dependent upon the position of the riders hands.

Can you use a grackle with a Pelham?

As another general rule of thumb, nosebands that do up below the bit should only be used in conjunction with a snaffle. In industry however, grackles, drop-nosebands and the flash are often used with pelhams and other bits with shanks.

What do Pelham roundings do?

Pelham roundings are strong, supple English leather roundings most commonly used with pelham or continental bits. Most horse bits that are normally used with two reins can be used with a bit rounding to enable the rider to use just one rein, but effect two parts of the bit at once.

Why is a snaffle bit used?

A snaffle bit is a common type of horse bit that is gentle on the horse's mouth. Comprised of either a single bar or two to three jointed pieces between large rings on either side, snaffle bits make it easy for riders to communicate with their horse and are commonly used to train young horses and beginner riders.

What is the best bit for a horse that throws his head?

Tomb Thumb Bits

In my experience, one of the most common reasons for a horse or pony tossing their head is the Tom Thumb bit. The tom thumb bit is an incredibly popular bit, particularly in the Midwest.

What bit is stronger than a snaffle?

The Bevel provides more brake-power so is ideal for those horse's needing something slightly stronger than a snaffle. This is a great bit for a novice horse at a competition! A great Bevel bit to choose is the Shires Bevel Bit with Jointed Mouth RRP £14.99.