opinions please :D

[sherr002]

got a show this weekend and im not sure what to do about tabby's bit
she gets really excited therefore quite strong but i have got her the blue chip karma which will hopefully work
she is usually ridden in a normal jointed pelham with the curb on loose but she backs off it and doesnt look comfortable but i tense up which usually ends up with her trying to bugger off
not sure whether to try her in her sweet iron french link snaffle which she is ridden in everyday and loves and that may make me feel more relaxed and then make her more relaxed
but im worried that she will make a fool of me and run off
HELP
atm im probs gonna try her in the snaffle
here is a pic from our last show

[gingernut]

Have you tried riding her in the pelham for several days before the show so it's not a surprise to her when she gets there? Another thing that I would do is lunge her to calm her down when you get there for about 15 - 30 mins (depending on how she is) and wash her down before the class. Have you ridden her in the sweet iron at a show?

[sherr002]

i have tried riding her days before but she still backs off
lungeing is a no no as she gets very wound up
no yet but will this weekend will never know what she is like until i try

[aimee]

Maybe try the snaffle but teamed with a martingale or something for a little more control if she does act silly?

Oh and good luck for the show this weekend

[ceej]

i woudl try the snaffle...much better for both of you using soemthing you are used to...if she feels you are nervous AND she has soemthing different in her mouth then she is more likely to get wound up...?

[abi]

i would go in what you normally ride in or gave her at least a week in the new bit so she can get used to it

what are you doing at the show? can you wear a martingale there? gives you a bit extra support but doesnt have any effect until it is needed, so could be an idea.

good luck! x

[sherr002]

im doing the ridden veteran so no martingales may take her in her flash i know i will be marked down but if she goes nicely then that may make up for it

[maximum]

never ride in a different bit fro your normal one so you either need to use the pelham more or ride in the snaffle in the ring.

have you thought about a straight bar pelham? the nutcracker action of the jointed pelha may be why she is backing off it as some dont like it in a pelham, also if the curb is too loose it can make the pelham over rotate.

[sherr002]

went show and yesterday she was a complete pig in the snaffle! so that made my mind up i took her in the pelham and tightened up the curb a little bit (thanks maximum) and we came 3rd! she was beautiful in canter it was just the trot this time as in she just wanted to canter! thanks everyone for your suggestions

[trojanwarrior]

Well done for your 3rd place!!

[andik]

Congrats on third!!!! Glad the pelham worked

Here is a bit of trivia on Pelhams. I was always told that jointed pelhams are a bit of a waste of time. The 'curb' action of a pelham will not work with a jointed pelham as you get the nutcraker action that stops the curb chain from working properly. The desired action of a pelham is that when a horse lifts its head too high the pelham and curb chain work together to squeeze the horses tongue. When the horse lowers its head the squeezing stops and the horse is meant to associate with this.

On the flip side I know many people who use jointed pelhams successfully, my favourite for showing is the Rugby as it looks like a double bridle and is a very effective bit. Pelhams have a rep for being kind bits but like other 'kind' bits can be severe in the wrong hands.