Horse Care For Beginners

More about horse bits (refer also to previous Posts).

The principle of the horse bit.

 Most horse bits follow the principle of either direct pressure or leverage pressure.  The Pelham bit, as does the Swiss Army Knife ,tries to fit all features into one. Basicially horse bits are split into two main categories. Snaffles are what are called direct pressure bits where the reins transmit the force directly to the mouth piece .

 Curbs bits are leverage bits where the force is multiplied so a stronger horse can in theory be controlled by the same forces used with a Snaffle. It is much better to avoid using the term “control” when discussing how best to ride your horse.

  Consider using the term “signaling” instead. . In other words the horse does what you want him to do happily because he recognises the signal, and your training together has formed a strong contract between the two of you. 

Considering the concept of signals therefore, sometimes one needs to switch to a stronger signaling mechanism for certain situations.  The vast majority of the time good snaffle use is sufficient to keep the horse in line but now and again the extra leverage of a Curb would just bring the horse back on track.

A common solution. 

A  solution to this is to fit a double bridal such as a weymouth and bradoon, where the weymouth provides the Curb mechanism and the bradoon is the Snaffle part.  Separate reins are attached to the two separate bits and are used independently.

However a issue can arise with fitting two separate bits into a horse’s mouth.  Is the horse’s mouth big enough ? .  Do not go down the road of sourcing these two bits with very narrow wire mouthpieces just to force the issue of getting this to work . This is potentially cruel. Don’t to it.  

The Pelham Bit can be the solution.

The solution to this issue if offered by the Pelham bit . It provides, in one unit, the features of a snaffle and a curb bit.  The familiar “99% of the time” signal of the snaffle can be achieved with one set of reins via the single mouth piece and the “1% of the time” stronger signalling achieved via the curb rein again via the single mouth piece.

All the features that you may look for in a snaffle and curb can be obtained in a pelham such as high port pelham, copper mouth pieces or longer cheek lengths.  If you are migrating from a Snaffle try going for one similar to the Snaffle you are already successfully using .  Consider also going for a rubber mouth if not already doing so as you’ll be introducing the horse to curbing . However don’t necessarily expect the Pelham to work identically to the equivalent double bridal as the Pelham is a slight compromise.

One final final point. 

 Apply a liberal amount of common sense when considering your need for something like the Pelham and the needs of the horse must be paramount according to its individual circumstances.  Be the best rider you can be first and don’t try and address lack of your own riding ability with a silver bullet horse bit!

A recommended supplier of tack:  Horse Saddle Shop

Related posts:

1. The Curb bit. What the horse rider needs to know.
2. Snaffle Bits ~ How Different Types Work.
3. The bit is the key to the horse.
4. The Snaffle Bit. Simple but effective.
5. Equestrian Bridles: 11 Tips On Bridling Your Horse.

Tags: bit, easy horse care, equine, equine bits, Horse, horse bits, horswe tack, Tack

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