Bit picture and Pelham family
A Pelham bit can be a strong bit when used by the inexperienced rider or the uneducated rider.
This type of bit can be an alternative to a double bridle.
When using two reins the snaffle rein will ask the horse to go forward while the curb rein will ask for flexion.
This bit is sometimes used with Pelham roundings, but the actions of the Pelham roundings become less differential, or used with divided reins (two reins going into one rein through the riders hands.
This bit applies poll pressure and pressure on the curb groove buy use of the curb-chain.
Depending on the mouthpiece chosen, pressure can also be applied on the tongue, lips and bars of the mouth.
A Pelham with long cheeks gives more leverage making the bit more severe.
Long upper cheeks on the bit will apply greater poll pressure.
The Pelham family has many types of bits.
Bit picture Mullen mouth
The Mullen mouth Pelham is a well-known bit that is available in various mouthpieces and the length of cheeks can range in size.
Single jointed Pelham bit
The single jointed mouthpiece puts pressure on the sides of the tongue, lips and bars.
Rugby link
The Rugby link Pelham is designed to look like a double bridle and is used widely in showing.
The bradoon ring is linked to the Pelham cheeks, which gives the look of a double bridle.
This bit has proved useful for horse’s that are not responsive and strong in a snaffle. It has a definite curb action.
Bits equine Hartwell Pelham
The mouthpiece is curved with a sweeping port.
The bit works on the bars of the mouth and some palate pressure described as mild.
The design of the bit gives plenty of space for the tongue and can also prevent a horse from putting it’s tongue over the bit as the sweeping port will relieve the pressure on the tongue.
Arch mouth Pelham
This Pelham is a straight bar bent at the cheeks.
It is designed not to rub the sides of the horse’s mouth or cheeks.
Swales
This is a strong bit popular with showing and also seen on polo ponies.
The loose rings are attached to the cheek pieces, which produce a squeezing action to the side of the face.
The curb action is very severe and little poll pressure is applied.
This bit assists a pony or horse to turn sharply.
In the right hands it can be a strong but effective bit.
SM Pelham
This bit has a wide flat plate, which is bent, in the middle, which forms a flat arch.
The position of the mouthpiece never changes as it works on a swivel so it rests on the tongue and also bearing pressure on the bars.
Hannoverian Pelham
This bit has a ported mouthpiece with cherry rollers on either side of the port.
A lower wider port allows more room for the tongue while a very high port can be extremely severe for the horse.
Coscoquero Pelham
A high ported Pelham with a copper wheel in the middle of the port.
It can help prevent a horse from getting his tongue over the bit and useful for horses that tend to lean on the bit.
Bit picture Kimblewick
This is a modified Pelham designed for the use of one rein and used with a curb chain, which applies some poll pressure, it is a popular bit used when jumping and hunting.
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