Pelhams and Double bridles?

[Sue&Tasha Green]

Are Pelhams allowed in dressage? If they are allowed in a double bridle why aren't they allowed on their own? Also what is the effect of a double bridle on a horses mouth?
Tasha

[Lgd]

Pelhams are not allowed for dressage. The curb bit in a double bridle may have a similar mouthpiece to an unjointed pelham but does not have the top rein attachment. Double bridles are often regarded (wrongly) as brakes. The idea is that the positioning of the head can be more precise by the balanced use of the two bits in combination with correct riding. The Bridoon bit (snaffle) tends to raise the head carriage, the curb bit tends to lower the head through the poll pressure - rather simplified as there is a lot more to it than that, but it varies somewhat depending on which snaffle and which curb you choose to use, I use a tom-thumb (very short shanks) fixed cheek Weymouth with a french link bridoon snaffle. The longer the shank above the mouthpiece the greater the poll pressure, the longer the shank below the mouthpiece the greater the curb action. The advantage over the pelham is that the action of each bit is very defined, there is always some curb action and poll pressure with a pelham even when using only the 'snaffle' rein, or even worse using roundings. Unfortunately a lot of people use double bridles as a substitute for poor basic schooling. They are allowed in dressage from Elementary upwards and become compulsory at Advanced. Peri does compete in a double for all of her classes but she is mainly in Advanced classes so I don't have a choice there anyway. I work her at home primarily in the snaffle and then ride in her the double a couple of days before a competition. Tavia trains and competes in a snaffle - she is competing Elementary and training Medium/Advanced Medium at home. She has worn a double bridle and is occasionally schooled in one (about once a month) - no point in training her to Advanced level and then finding she won't do the work in a double.