question about "bit converter"

[Tammy]

Heather,

I know you advocate the use of a pelham but I live in an area with extremely limited access to people knowledgable about this type of bit. I am reluctant to try a double rein without supervision...I would classify myself as an advanced beginner rider and my mare has only one year of experience although she is now seven. We have come a long way together using an egg butt snaffle. In the current issue of Practical Horseman (USA) a trainer is using a rubber Tom Thumb pelham with a bit converter. I have never seen a Bit Converter...is this something I could try or something to avoid? Should I stick to my snaffle? I am trying to get my mare to lighten up on her forehand and have intermittent success......

[Heather]

HI Tammy,

Sorry to say, haven't a clue what a 'bit converter' is! We don't have such things in the UK! What does it look like, and what is it's function?


Heather

[Tammy]

Hi Heather,
Thanks for taking time to reply; I didn't expect an answer until after the seminar!
I have not seen a "bit converter" either...from the pictures it appears to be a single rein attached to a leather "loop" which is attached to the snaffle and curb on the pelham bit.
At the walk my mare does well, round and deep strides but when I ask for trot she raises her head, trots very quickly, and it is difficult to bring her "back". I don't let her brace against my hands and I have been doing a lot of walk/trot transitions. When she starts off "running" I squeeze and release .... sometimes she listens, sometimes not...Of course, the longer we ride the better she gets.
Canter is very heavy on my hand,we both need lots of work. Sometimes she does NOT want to stop...scary, and difficult to do transitions but I am willing to keep at it!
I do not like to ride in the dusty arena so the majority of our "training" is out on the trail through orchards and hop fields.
Sorry for rambling...

[Elaine]

A bit converter is sometimes used to change a pelham into a single rein bit. This makes the pelham bit act like a kimberwicke bit with only one rein. From what I have learned, it seems to be alright for beginners, but it is not recommended for advanced riding.

[Tammy]

Thanks, Elaine.

After thinking it over, I am going to stick with my egg butt snaffle, or possibly try another type of snaffle. My mare and I had a wonderful ride this morning...she was very responsive. I am sure that our little problems will be overcome one by one with time.

Heather, I re-read sections of your book before I go ride and choose one or maybe two things to try to work on. Really really helps and my mare thanks you!!

Isn't life grand??!!

[Heather]

Aha, now I know what you are talking about! In the UK, this is called 'Pelham roundings'. I would never advocate using roundings, as they encourage the rider to pull back and use the bit as extra brakes, rather than to use the curb rein independently as an aid to the relaxation of the jaw.


All the best,

Heather