PELHAM PROGRESS

[Vicky]

Having recently decided to take the plunge and try Ted in a pelham (after loads of people advised against it), I actually went out and did it.

Today was the third time in the pelham and I videod it so that I can see the difference between the pelham and the snaffle he's usually ridden in.

I think the main difference for me is that Ted is much lighter in the hand - my instructor always insists on using a reasonable amount of pressure to obtain a rounder outline in the snaffle, but in the pelham a few squeezes and he offers a nice outline. He does have a tendency to throw his head up - I'm not sure if this is an objection to the pressure on his poll or due to his being tired and wanting a rest (he can get stroppy when he's tired!). I find I also have to use a bit more leg to get him going forward (someone at my yard suggested that 'when progressing onto a pelham' I should use a schooling whip to back up my leg aids. I don't have a problem with this and would willingly do so, but I find 2 reins and a schooling whip a bit much for my hands to cope with and I end up tapping Ted in the wrong place at the wrong time and he doesn't like it.

However, I'm glad I took the plunge and tried him in a pelham. There is a definite difference in his way of going - even when changing back into the snaffle I find him better mannered and willing.

Just thought I'd share that with you, in case you were in the position I was - wanting to try one of Heather's suggestions, but everyone around me advising me against it.

Vicky :cool:

PS - videoing really shows up your riding faults - I'm still leaning forward in rising trot and my lower legs - ahhhh! Why won't my toes turn in, not out?

[Heather]

HI Vicky,

Glad to hear that you have tried Ted in the Pelham- if he is throwing his head up, it may be that the metal chain is too sharp for his liking- try him in an elastic curb chain, which you can get from most saddlers. This needs to be done up a bit tighter than a metal one or it doesn't come into play on the curb groove. Yes, definitely use a schooling whip- he must learn to go forward smartly off the leg, or he will never really progress.


Re: rising trot- it is far better that you are a bit too far forward than upright. If you try to come upright as many instructors, totally illogically try to make you, you are behind the movement. If you coud feel the difference in pressure when someone is too upright, underneath the cantle region of the saddle, you would be amazed. I do this to students using the simulator- the put their hand between saddle and machine, and then I ride it too upright in RT, their hand is squashed- rising with my upper body slightly forward from the hip, just touching down with pelvis still slightly forward, so that the horse's movement propels you, and they don't even feel me in the saddle. So, don't try to rise upright- it is one of the prime causes of damaged backs in the horse.

Heather