I know that they can't be used in competition and that's not what I'm talking about but WHY are pelhams so frowned upon and snaffles held up as the gold standard until you go into a double?
Since using a mullen pelham with double reins I've completely changed my opinion on the pelham. It may not have as distinct an action as the double but I'm finding it to be a very useful bit as long as it's used correctly.
Yes, you can winch the horse into an outline but that can be said of any bit in the wrong hands. I will accept that it's probably easier to do this in the pelham though.
Saff had major bitting issues when I got her and though she's much better now we've found that she goes much better in the mullen mouth pelham than anything else I've tried on her (and believe me I've tried LOADS). I have tried a regular mullen but she actually seems to like having a bit of curb action, don't ask me why!
I do get criticised for using a pelham on her but, IMO, the results speak for themselves. She's muscling up correctly, working correctly and, importantly, working happily with a lot less issues with regards to her head.
So ... what are your thoughts and why would you use or avoid the pelham?
Useless bit (excuse the pun) of information ... in the 'olden days' the snaffle was considered a crude bit and only suitable for grooms to ride out in as their hands were not considered sufficiently educated to handle a double bridle or curb bit with finesse!
Since using a mullen pelham with double reins I've completely changed my opinion on the pelham. It may not have as distinct an action as the double but I'm finding it to be a very useful bit as long as it's used correctly.
Yes, you can winch the horse into an outline but that can be said of any bit in the wrong hands. I will accept that it's probably easier to do this in the pelham though.
Saff had major bitting issues when I got her and though she's much better now we've found that she goes much better in the mullen mouth pelham than anything else I've tried on her (and believe me I've tried LOADS). I have tried a regular mullen but she actually seems to like having a bit of curb action, don't ask me why!
I do get criticised for using a pelham on her but, IMO, the results speak for themselves. She's muscling up correctly, working correctly and, importantly, working happily with a lot less issues with regards to her head.
So ... what are your thoughts and why would you use or avoid the pelham?
Useless bit (excuse the pun) of information ... in the 'olden days' the snaffle was considered a crude bit and only suitable for grooms to ride out in as their hands were not considered sufficiently educated to handle a double bridle or curb bit with finesse!