Independent use of snaffle vs. curb reins in Pelham

[ZoeEnglish]

Heather, could you clarify for us how and when you use the different reins of the Pelham bit--i.e. do you use the snaffle to turn and halt, and the curb to have the horse give at the poll, and how do you use them independently--just by the differing squeezes of little vs. ring fingers? Do you keep the curb and snaffle reins at basically the same length? I am just starting out with this and while I can hold all four reins pretty comfortably, I'm confused about the differing uses.

Thanks!

[Heather]

HI Zoe,

Basically think about using the snaffle to raise the ehad and the curb to lower. I may use little squeezes with the fingers on both reins when asking the horse to flex to the inside for a turn, for instance. Just experiment and see what reactions you get from your horse. Each seems to rect slightly differently and you will need to find out by experimentation as to how much or littleyou need. It is a pity that my second video is not out until next year, as it will show this in detail. It is much easier toshow it than to put it in words!


Heather