Watson Ring Pelham
The Watson Pelham is like a regular Pelham , but the Snaffle rings has been moved so that they are connected through the center of the Mullen mouthpiece and now act as loose rings. The bit gives the impression of being part of a double bridle setup without using two bits.
Mullen mouthpiece with a leverage cheek: This combination gives very definite downward tongue pressure. As the cheek turns, the mouthpiece of the bit pushes it down into the lower jaw. This is good for a horse with ample lower jaw capacity that needs to be ridden in something stronger than a snaffle and dislikes, or does not need, a joint or a port.
The Pelham was developed as a combination between the snaffle and curb bit. It consists of a mouthpiece, shanks with two rings per side, a curb chain and to be used correctly, two reins.
The relation of the shank above and below the mouthpiece will affect the action and severity of the bit. The longer the shank below the mouthpiece, the greater the pressure exerted on the tongue, bars and chin groove. The longer the shank above the mouthpiece, the greater the pressure exerted on the poll.
The port will exert pressure on the roof of the mouth when the bit is used, thus care should be taken that the horse does not object to palate pressure. Another problem with a port is that it should fit snugly over the tongue (but rarely does) and if it is too narrow, or wide it can pinch the sides of the mouth and tongue.
A Pelham works on several parts of the horse’s mouth, including:
- The Bars of the Mouth: rein pressure through the mouthpiece is applied to the jaws and is also directly related to the length of the shanks. The curb chain creates a 'loop' around the lower jaw which tightens when a rein aid is applied, thus increasing the pressure placed on the bars of the mouth.
- The Tongue: depending on the type of mouthpiece it exerts pressure on the tongue, the effect is multiplied by curb.
- Roof of the Mouth (Hard Palate): a ported or jointed mouthpiece will have an action on the roof of the mouth.
- The Poll: the leverage group of bits exerts pressure to the poll, relative to the length of its shanks.
- The Chin Groove: applied by the curb.
- Side of the Jaws and Face: the rings and shanks exert a pressure on the sides of the face and lower jaw.
All our bits are made from blue sweet iron, because it:
- oxidises easily
- encourages salivation
- helps bit acceptance
- is warm and sweet
Please note the blue will fade with use.
