Pelham Bit: Snaffle and Leverage in One Bit for Hacking and Sport

Pelham Bit: one mouthpiece, two actions

The pelham bit combines snaffle and curb in a single mouthpiece. It has a snaffle ring at the top and a lever with curb chain at the bottom. It is ridden either with two pairs of reins or with pelham roundings, which join both rings into one rein. We stock beris short and long pelhams with Comfort bar, ported bar, KONNEX and PRIME, a BUSSE double-jointed pelham and Waldhausen pelhams, including a rubber pelham with a straight bar.

Where the pelham is used

Many riders use the pelham out hacking, hunting or show jumping when a horse is hard to regulate with a snaffle alone. With two reins you can use the snaffle and curb action separately, while roundings mix the two. A pelham is no substitute for training. If a horse pulls hard, it is worth taking a look at feeding, exercise and the saddle.

Rubber or metal

The rubber pelham with a straight bar is soft and intended for horses with a sensitive mouth. Metal models with a double-jointed mouthpiece wrap anatomically around the tongue, and the ported bar makes room for a thick tongue. Short shanks act more mildly than long ones. The curb chain lies flat in the chin groove and only comes into play when the lower rein is taken up.

Frequently asked questions

One or two reins on a pelham, which is better?
With two reins you can use snaffle and leverage separately, which is more precise. Roundings and one rein are simpler, but the effect is less clear. For riders new to the pelham, two reins are often the better way to learn.

How do I adjust the curb chain on a pelham?
Twist the chain flat and hook it on so it lies flat in the chin groove. The shanks should come back about 45 degrees before the chain engages. A rubber or leather curb guard protects sensitive skin.

Is a pelham suitable for leisure riders?
Yes, if you have quiet hands and your horse is well schooled in the snaffle. For beginners or young horses, a simple snaffle is the better choice. Have a trainer guide you when you make the switch.