Sunday, February 22, 2015

To Pelham or Not to Pelham

Kelly had me lesson on Thursday in a short shanked rubber Pelham with a converter (I don't have enough dexterity to manage two reins) and honestly? I liked how she went in it. Ellie can get a little heavy in her front while I try to engage her hind and whether it was the early morning chill or the new bit she seemed to carry herself in a more uphill and balanced way.
I tried it again today, Sunday funday, but since I came prepared with no plan we tootled around without getting that same focused ride.

I'd like to use it again in my lessons this week and continue to evaluate.
I know this group has a penchant for bits so I'm curious to hear examples of Pelham use and how it has aided your rides.

I think Ellie likes the extra bling. She's so vain.

12 comments:

  1. That can be a very handy bit, personally I might use that when you are jumping and still use D for flatting or hacking...?

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    1. Good shout out- that's what Kelly suggested as well. To use for jumping and the occasional flat.

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  2. I don't have any advice because I've never had a horse who went in one, but I'm interested to see what others have to say!

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  3. I don't have any advice because I've never had a horse who went in one, but I'm interested to see what others have to say!

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  4. I used one on a biiiiig boy who thought it was awesome to let you carry his mouth for him. A short-shanked pelham gave me just enough leverage to lift his front end and boot his hind end under him. If she goes well in it, I'd say keep using it.

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  5. I like them over fences, but have always used two reins. If it works for you and her... try it!

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  6. If you're worried about getting dependent on it, I would just ride in it once every few rides. Enough to remind her to have respect, but not enough to get comfortable with it.

    I use pelhams a lot, actually. I like them for strong or bratty horses. I also rode in one for a long time to get myself used to riding with two reins before moving to the double. It's a lot more forgiving than a double when you flub up the double reins. I actually like riding it with two reins, because I prefer to ride on the snaffle 90% of the time. When an e-brake or a little more curb action is needed, I just raise my hands forward to engage the curb. Boom done and then right back to the snaffle.

    I'd suggest giving two reins a try, though there's nothing wrong with riding on the converter. You might find you're more coordinated with two reins than you think...after the first fumbling "OH MY GOD HOW DO I SHORTEN MY REINS? THIS IS TOO MUCH!" moment passes, of course. ;)

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  7. I jumped my old man in a pelham with converters. I tried it with two reins, but dammit he liked those converters. It was the perfect bit for us. I flatted in a Dr Bristol D. :-) Enjoy.

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  8. Miles went in one before I bought him, and I think the leverage can be very handy for lifting up a heavy horse. I found with Miles that once he gained strength, he no longer fell on his forehand so I stopped using it.

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  9. This is a great bit, especially for tune ups!

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  10. glad it seems to be working for you! (and that's the point, right?)

    re: worrying about it becoming a crutch, when i asked a similar question on my blog about martingales, one recommendation was to ride with it for a while, then see if the horse is better after. if they are, it's a useful tool that's working. if they're worse, then it's a crutch just masking the issue.

    regardless, good luck!

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  11. I, too, suggest forcing yourself to learn and be comfortable with two reins. It gives you so much more finesse when you get the hang of them!

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