Pelhams.

[Wally]

I mentioned on another thread that I had found that I got good results from a Pelham and was about to try our Fjord mare in one. She, as you can imagine, has a big mouth and there is enough room to take a vulcanite Pelham.
Should I go for the vulcanite or the plain metal Pelham. My gut feeling is to go for vulcanite, but are there any advantages to be had from the plain stainless type. I rode my Icelandic in the plain metal due to him having a small mouth, he couldn't comfortably carry the rubber bit. He did go well, then I had to change due to Oval track rules, no Pelhams allowed! Bah, Humbug! My Haflinger stallion was superb in a rubber pelham. I'm in a cleft stick!

What would influence you decision? I would be interested to hear your views before I spend the cash!

[Heather]

HI Wally,

I would never use actual Vulcanite, because it is much to thick and hard. The bit I find most hroses go best in is a metal mullen mouthpiece, covered in rubber, so that it is still quite soft and not too thick. Robinson's catalogue sell them as dos Cam. The latter call them vulcanite but they aren't!

Some horses go equally well in the metal mouthpiece, but I do find that most seem to prefer the rubber covered one.Sorry not to be more helpful!

Heather

[Wally]

NO, this answers my question perfectly. It was the bulk of a vulcanite I was worried about. Now I know a thinner rubber covered version is available this is the combination I shall go for.

Thanks.

[monica]

Any opinions on double jointed pelhams (new from Sprenger) vs. straight ?

[Heather]

Jointed Pelhams are often thought of as the worst possible combination as the jointed mouthpiece can negate the curb action somewhat and also bring the curbchain higher up the jaw because the mouthpiece is not fixed.

A friend has been riding her warmbloods in a Sprenger double jointed Pelham, the one with the 'losenge' in the middle has been around for a couple of years in fact, with great success. Some horses do prefer a jointed bit, and wil go better in it than a mullen mouth. By all means try it, but at that price, hire it first!



Heather

[Mossy]

Heather
I had not heard of a jointed pelham before, but apart from the curb chain, what is the practical difference between a jointed pelham and a 3 ring jointed gag. Surely the main purpose of the straight pelham is to remove the nutcracker action of the joints, whilst using the curb action on the lower jaw. I have not put that very well. As I understand it, the gag bits, with additional reins on the lower rings use poll pressure, but I would imagine there is increased mouth pressure there too. I have never used one, but thinking about the mechanics of it they sound horrible, but the pelham is supposed to be the harsh bit. You see children using three ring gags! Please pardon my ignorance. Thanks

[Heather]

A jointed Pelham properly employed, still acts to release the reflex point in the curb groove, so that the horse involuntarily lowers his head. I have used jointed Pelhams myself with success on several horses over the years, needless to say with absolutely no forcce. They seemed to prefer the jointed action, so I just listen to the horse.

A 3 ring gag acts through poll pressure, and also on the bars and corners of the mouth. It has no curb chain and therefore no action in the curb region. It often engenders a forceful use. I don't like them at all, and wouldn't advocate their use.

Heather

[Mossy]

Thanks Heather much appreciated