In Memory of PELHAM Helen B. Williamson

The Pelham group consists of those Canadian bits using two (a true Pelham) and those using only one . The Pelham Regi stry brings together one or more features from of the the snaffle and curb groups, producing a single mouthpiece which combines the ac- tion of the two bits. In short, a Pelham is a Tennessee curb with a built-in snaffle. Most features found in each group will be found in the Walking Pelham. The Pelham is often used with only one rein. A Pelham frequently used by Walking is the Kimberwick. In- n stead of two rings for attachment of the This series of brochures on various as- illiamso Helen B.W reins there is only a large Dee with two pects of good horsemanship is dedicated to the al slots in the rounded part of the D. When a memory of Helen B. Williamson, to help inform Memori rein is attached in the lower slot, the action and educate people on the humane handling and es manship Seri is that of a curb. When a rein is attached in proper care of horses. Helen had a deep love and Horse the upper slot, the action is that of a snaffle. respect for horses. She once said, I can t imagine A square slot rather than usual round eye- “ ’ hole applies more poll pressure and conse- life without horses!” Helen was a founding mem- quently greater head lowering effect. The ber of CRTWH, and served as its first president Kimberwick is a strong bit and should be and then as secretary until her death in 2000. treated with respect. Although Pelham bits suit horses with short, wide jaws, it is gen- erally better to try either a snaffle or double . A Pelham bit is fit the same way as a snaffle. The End

For further information please contact CRTWH BITS: #3 P.O. Box 246, Postal Station 'M' Calgary, Alberta T2P 2H9 Or [email protected] CURB &

Web site: http://www.crtwh.ca Copyright 2004 by Dianne Little & CRTWH Photo above by Jo Kingsland, 1988. PELHAM BITS CURB BITS by Dianne Little piece exerts pressure on the poll. The should never be exerted permanently and longer the cheek piece above the mouth- without relief.

piece, the greater the degree of pressure The purpose of the is not When the rein is attached below the which can be exerted on the poll. The easy to define or describe. It is however mouthpiece the bit is considered a curb or cheek piece below the mouthpiece exerts generally accepted that a curb bit encour- leverage bit. Because of this lever action, pressure on the lower jaw. The longer the ages relaxation of the jaw. Curb bits can curb bits are generally acknowledged to be cheek piece below the mouthpiece, the be used to maintain head and in- far stronger than snaffle bits. Just how that greater the possible leverage which can be duce flexion. Curb bits apply pressure to lever action works, how the additional exerted on the lower jaw. To further com- the tongue, bars, roof of the mouth (with a power is applied and for what purpose lev- plicate the situation, the cheek pieces be- port), curb-groove and the poll. The erage is required, is barely understood by low the mouthpiece may be straight or weight and angle of the bit affects the most of us. The essence of curb bit theory curved thus changing the leverage. horse. When using a curb bit with a port, lies in the mechanical advantage of multi- The behind the jaw sup- the port moves higher and more forward plied power (force) resulting from lever plies additional mechanical force. Every the more you pull. This action has the po- action. time the rein is taken up, the curb chain is tential to damage the palate of the horse. There are four parts to a curb bit: tightened and this lever action comes into The best known of the curb bits is the length of the cheek piece (or metal) play. The curb chain or strap should be po- the Weymouth with or without a port. A above the mouthpiece where the headstall sitioned so that it lies perfectly smoothly very short cheeked or Tom-Thumb curb is attached; the length of the cheek piece “ ” from end to end, neither too tight or too is the gentlest of the Weymouths. The (or metal) below the mouthpiece where the loose. When the curb chain is fitted too Walking Horse Bit is a curb bit of the Wey- rein is attached; the curb chain or strap; and loosely the action on the chin groove and mouth group. the mouthpiece. lower jaw is ineffective. In conclusion, a curb bit is a power- The junction of the leather headstall The shape and weight of the curb ful bit. The leverage action decreases the with the top of the metal cheek piece bit and its rein ensures that there is always force required by the rider but increases the (above the mouthpiece) is the fulcrum of a tiny element of lever pressure on the bars force applied to the horse. It is a bit that is the lever. The length and relative propor- of the mouth even when the rider is exert- respected by the horse and should be re- tions of the two sections of the cheek piece ing no significant pressure on the rein. To spected by the rider for what it is a poten- (above and below the mouthpiece) deter- – that extent, and even when riding with a tially severe and damaging bit. mine the lever action and the severity or loose curb rein, the bit will of its own ac- strength of the leverage. The greater the cord be whispering the appropriate sig- difference between the length of the cheek “ ” nals to the horse. As contact is taken, the piece above the mouthpiece and the length A double bridle is just what the whisper will become louder and clearer. of the cheek piece below the mouthpiece, name implies two sets of reins and two This lever effect is a multiplying force. A – the greater the strength of the lever. The bits. With a double bridle, one pair of reins light pull on the reins will inevitably be felt more equal the length of both cheek pieces, is attached to the bridoon or and by the horse as a pressure on the bars, the the more gentle the effect of the lever. another pair of reins is attached to the curb The cheek piece above the mouth tongue, the chin groove and the poll, or any bit. The rider has two reins in each hand to combination of these. Consequently the enable each bit to be used individually. mechanically boosted power of the curb bit Page 1