There are two rein positions. A rein on the top ring acts on the mouth much as a snaffle would. A rein on the bottom of the shank brings in leverage: with the curb chain fitted, some of the pressure moves off the mouth and onto the poll and chin groove.
That combination is useful for a horse that’s a little strong in a snaffle, and you’ll see plenty on cobs and ponies in the show ring. It also helps the horse whose mouth is too small, or tongue too big, to carry the two bits of a double bridle comfortably.
Two reins are best, because you decide when the curb comes into play. Ride on the top rein, and only feel the bottom one when you need it.
Pelham roundings join the two rings so a single rein does both jobs. They’re a sensible answer for children and small hands, but the bit then works somewhere between snaffle and curb all the time and the horse loses the clear difference between the two. If you use roundings, check the curb chain every time you tack up, because nobody is choosing when it engages. Spare curb chains and straps are in the accessories range.
An unjointed, gently curved mouthpiece that sits still and spreads pressure across the tongue. The MP Mullen Pelham is the classic metal version. The Sheldon Vulcanite Pelham has been a show ring choice for generations, and the Hard Rubber Pelham offers a softer feel for a horse that dislikes metal.
The JP Jointed Pelham adds the nutcracker of a single joint to the curb action. Some horses like it; others find the mixed signal confusing.
The top rein attaches to an extra loose ring on a link, which gives a more direct snaffle rein. Used with a double bridle that has an extra bradoon slip, the Rugby Pelham gives the look of a double in showing classes.
The cheeks attach to the inner rings, which removes the poll pressure and puts the emphasis on the curb, giving a lifting action. The Swales Pelham is designed for strong horses that lean down, and it belongs with experienced riders rather than novices.
The Loose Ring Show Pelham is a staple of showing classes, and the Waterford Pelham suits a horse that takes hold.
See the full Pelham range, including showing Pelhams.
The curb chain should lie flat in the chin groove and only come into contact when the shank is drawn back to roughly 45 degrees. Any tighter and the curb is always on, which defeats the purpose. Longer shanks mean more leverage, so a short-cheeked Pelham is the gentler place to start. There’s more on how leverage works in leverage bits explained.
Most of our metal Pelhams, the Swales, Mullen and Jointed among them, can be borrowed on a 30-day Bit Bank trial. Vulcanite and rubber versions are sold outright, because they can’t be sterilised to the standard our library needs. For a second opinion before you choose, ring our Bitting Specialists on 01405 861800, option 3.