Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Bits

> I think a pelham is sort of silly to ride on the trail;why have to deal
with
> essentially
> four reins?  I teach all my horses to neck rein, as I usually pony another
> horse.  I like
> to be able to ride a loop rein, off one finger, with whatever bit the
horse
> will neckrein
> and stop...and that leaves one hand free to pony the second horse, eat
food
> or get
> water bottle.

Who says you have to use all four reins on a pelham?  My favorite bit, after
snaffles, is a Hartwell pelham, which has loose jaws and a solid mouthpiece
with a low port.  I have never had a horse that didn't like it, and I use it
just like any other curb bit, with a loop rein on the curb, much the way you
describe, with just one finger much of the time.  It is a fairly mild curb
(short shanks help facilitate grazing), and seems to have good balance in
the mouth so that it doesn't "bug" the horse.  It beats heck out of any
other curb bit I've ever used.

Heidi


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