Introducing a Pelham?

[BeachRiding]

I was wondering what the main use for a pelham is? Like what does it help with? and at what stage should I introduce it to my horse.

[Mathew]

i dont no what it is:D :D

[Bay Mare]

Heather Moffett wrote an interesting article on the pelham:

http://www.enlightenedequitation.com/public/library_pelham_use.html


We've used the pelham successfully with Saff, as long as you have good hands and use it correctly with 2 reins you can get some good results. We found that Saff was a lot more relaxed in the pelham.

Heather does tend to have gone away from the rubber mouthpiece now, though, and is using either a metal mullen mouth or a Portuguese working equitation pelham these days.

[puzzles]

it encourages the horse to drop his head and some horses tend to become too deep in one (so if you have a strong horse, a gag may be better suited as it encourages the head to be raised, helping to preven the horse from setting his neck, putting his head down and avoiding to rein contact, and bombing off).
the curb action squeezes the jaw, reinforcing the above, and it also has a higher degree of poll action that most snafles in general as the different action of the two reins create more leverage. the top loop acts more like a snaffle and the bottom has more leverage and jaw action. therefore for the bit to work properly and be used to its best advantage, two reins must be used and not joined together as used by some.
a pelham is often used for showing horses who have to have a double bridle or pelham but do not have the tongue/mouth room for two bits as required for a double bridle, especially cobs who tend to have smal, fleshy mouths and tongues (though common thought is that the opposite is true).

no matter how well or badly someone else's horse has gone in a pelham, every horse is an individual and so try the bit (perhaps smoothed over with syrup/treacle/fruit juice or thin sludge/warmed to make it more inviting and comfortablel especially if it is a metal bit). preferably, at least at first, go for a copper/sweet rion bit, or one covered with plastic or druber, to make your horses' first experience of a pelham as positive as possible. don't rush it when you pop it on, and let your horse give it a good sniff in their own time first. then slide it in easily without clanging the teeth, patiently, and let your horse mouth it around for about half an hour in the stable (supervise closely) until he gets more used to the taste and feel of the new bit.
do this exercise every day, even twice or so, and only at stress-free times (so not before feeding, etc) lessening these sessions until they are just daily and increasing the time slowly and gradually for a few days until your horse is happy and comfortable wearing one. making it a pleasant and stress-free experience will help as your horses will begin to associate the pelham with pleasant things. when first riden in the bit, let your horse walk around on a long rei for 5-10 mins or so whilst he gets used to the feel of a rein contact, etc.
good luck!
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