Pelham In Us Magazine

[abi king]

Thanks Helen!  

[Bebe1]

I ride mainly from the "snaffle rein" and keep the curb rein looser. If my horse is soft and round and "on the bit" I do not do anything, just maintain the light contact. If she comes above, I vibrate my fingers on the snaffle rein, giving the second she responds. If I do not get a response then I will use the same vibrations on the curb rein in order to ask for the relaxation of her jaw and flexion from the poll. Again, I give as soon as I get a response. All the time I do this I am also using my legs to make sure she is tracking up and I'm not just "fiddling the front end." I always say "legs" to myself and sometimes out loud to make sure I really am using them

I basically do the same thing, though I hold the reins differently.  After much experimentation under the watchful eye of one of my instructors I now have the curb rein so that it goes under my little finger up through my palm to the thumb, and hold the snaffle rein as I would normally.  This gives me the most fine tuning with regards to using the two reins separately or together.

I also have the curb rein the same length as the snaffle for schooling though I let it out for hacking when I'm not looking for the same effect.

[Laura]

I was just wondering.. Do you use the normal chain with the pelham or something different?

[Heather]

Hi Laura and welcome!

IN general, we use and elastic curb, but with some horses, yes a metal one. Never use a leather one, they seem to be too solid and can cause resistance, or a metal one with gel guard or rubber guard for the same reason. Neither seem to have the effect of activating the reflex point in the curb groove and consequently allowing an involuntary relaxation of the lower jaw, whereas elastic ( mildest of all, of course, yet generally effective) or a double link metal one do.


Heather

[Laura]

Thanks Heather! I haven't seen an elastic one in australia before, I thought I remembered you saying you used something different in your seminar here.
My horse is unfortunately not one of those who had a good start with a lovely mouth and I have tried so many snaffles on him to try and make him happy to no avail.

[Heather]

Hmm, if you cant get them in Oz Laura, I will get Debbie to stock them on our online shop.

Heather

[1 morejump]

I haven't seen an elastic one in australia before,

I can't find them over here either.  I would like one but they are nowhere to be found. <_<  

[Heather]

Ok, got the message Mary - will get some for our online shop!

Heather

[1 morejump]

thats me, little miss subtle.   Thanks Heather!

[Dark Cloud]

Nope, I couldnt find one in Oz when I went looking, I only found one @ shires in the UK. Good idea Heather !

[Bebe1]

Do you use the normal chain with the pelham or something different?

Normal metal chain.  I did initially try it with an elastic curb but the metal one works better with my mare.