A Pelham puts snaffle and curb action on one mouthpiece. The top rein goes on the ring level with the mouthpiece and acts much as a snaffle would. The bottom rein goes on the ring at the end of the shank. Use it, and with the curb chain fitted the shank tips back, moving some of the pressure from the mouth to the chin groove and poll.
That combination suits a horse that is a little strong in a snaffle, and you will see plenty on cobs and ponies in the show ring. It also helps a horse whose mouth is too small, or tongue too big, to carry the two bits of a double bridle comfortably.
Two reins or roundings? Two reins work best, because you choose when the curb comes in. Roundings join the two rings so a single rein does both jobs. They are a fair answer for children and small hands, but the bit then works somewhere between snaffle and curb all the time. Our article what is a Pelham bit used for? covers this in more depth.
Types. On fixed cheek Pelhams the cheekpiece and both reins attach to one solid cheek. The loose cheek Pelhams are mostly Swales and Rugby patterns. On a Swales the bridle attaches to loose inner rings, which its makers say removes the poll pressure and leaves the curb doing the work. A Rugby has an extra loose ring linked to the snaffle ring for the cheekpiece. The showing Pelhams are chosen for a smart, traditional look in the ring. Mouthpieces run from mullen and vulcanite to jointed and Waterford, alongside Rugby and Swales patterns.
A Kimblewick has a short D cheek and one rein, so it offers less curb action and less choice.
Measuring. Measure the mouthpiece between the inside of the two cheeks on a bit that fits. Most Pelhams have a fixed cheek, so the bit should sit snug against the lips without squeezing them. Shank length matters too: a longer shank gives more lever, so a shorter one is the gentler place to start.
Fitting the curb chain. The chain should lie flat in the chin groove and only come into contact when the shank is drawn back to about 45 degrees. Any tighter and the curb is always on. With roundings, check the chain each time you tack up.
Many of the metal Pelhams can go out on our 30 day trial. Vulcanite, rubber and other non-metal versions are sold outright. For a second opinion, ring 01405 861800.
It gives a rider snaffle and curb action from one mouthpiece. You will see it in showing classes, and on horses that are a little strong in a snaffle but do not settle in a double bridle.
Two reins give you control over when the curb acts, which is how a Pelham is designed to work. Roundings are a practical choice for children or riders who cannot manage two reins, at the cost of a less clear signal.
It should lie flat in the chin groove and come into contact when the shank reaches about 45 degrees. If it engages as soon as you touch the rein, it is too tight.
A Pelham has a shank with two rein positions, so it can give more curb action and lets you use two reins. A Kimblewick has a D cheek and a single rein, and its action depends on where your hands are.
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