Bits and Bridles

[Kay Emerton]

Hello All

Being an avid fan of Heather, her book, video etc but still unable to meet her yet! i know that the Pelham is the chosen bit for riding. Now at present im preparing and saving to get my first horse hopefully sometime next Spring. I already have in mind to buy the Heather Moffett saddle but wondered about the bit. Do you always recommend the pelham? I know that it is best used with both reins but what if i wanted to showjump/XC or do local riding club events what bit would be best used? I know many horses just have a bog standard snaffle as most owners probably don't think too much about it, but shoudl is use a pelham and two reins (even though i have no clue how to ride in double!) when schooling and then have to change for competing?

By the way Heather how about when you get the chance we organise a members club so we can maybe all get together at shows, events and swap ideas, help each other with the horses, have training days etc? Im still trying to get hold of Sue Carnell regarding any courses down at yours but have had no reply-has her email changed?

Thanks

Kay XX

[Maria]

Hi Kay

If you buy a horse that goes well in a snaffle then stick to that. If you have problems then try a pelham in the manner recommended by Heather. Each horse is different and many are happy in a correctly fitted snaffle with a correctly fitted noseband.

The only time you won't be able to use a pelham is affiliated dressage or unaffiliated dressage under affiliated rules. You can ride in the Classical Riding Club tests with a pelham but there is a penalty in the marking system for doing so.

Maria