Bit question...

APatchOfHeaven · 06-21-2008, 07:35 PM

Can you tell me which bit is less harsh and why??

Mullen Mouth Pelham

Kimberwicke (w/ low port)

mullen mouth kimberwicke

Or a broken kimberwicke?

Thanks!

Heavenly Jumper · 06-21-2008, 07:37 PM

It depends, a pelham can be used with one or two reins...if it is used as a snaffle it is less harsh than than the kimberwickes.

If you use the curb rein on the pelham, then it is using more leverage than the kimberwickes and is harsher.

As for the mouthpieces, the mullen is the least harsh to me, then the rubber then the ported one.

APatchOfHeaven · 06-21-2008, 07:42 PM

Well, two reins are too much for other people riding him to deal with, so there is a converter on it. (Please no bashing the converter - I know a lot of people don't agree with it, but it makes it easier. Having a rein just on the curb part is too much and just on the snaffle might not be enough)

I currently use the pelham because I want the kids to have a little more leverage to get a faster reaction. I am wondering if I should switch, but idk. He has been really good in the pelham and I don't want to change anything and mess it up. I ride him in a french link snaffle, but I am just afraid he won't stop quick enough for the girl that leases him. I know he won't take off or do anything naughty, but he can get pretty fast if they're not paying attention or w/e.

greyongray · 06-21-2008, 08:52 PM

In theory the mullen mouth is supposed to be the gentlest - assuming the horse doesn't have a thick tongue. Some horses with big tongues don't have enough clearance and find it uncomfortable.

Like Heavenly said, the pelham with both reins attached has the most leverage. I would say that would be the most severe but that's not really the best term since they all have the potential to be very light bits when ridden with good hands. There's nothing scary about any of these bits and for an even milder effect you could wrap the mouthpiece in the self-adhesive latex - which they sell at tack shops.

It sounds like the real question is "do I want my horse being ridden by a novice in a leverage bit?" (Of course I am only assuming her level of riding.)

I've never ridden a horse with the converter strap but I would imagine that it does a good job for your purpose if the rider isn't too heavy handed. If when you get on your horse in your snaffle he is good, then I wouldn't worry about it for now. If he's not as responsive then you can always try a kimberwicke (they are pretty popular in this capacity, with kids learning to ride) and see how it goes.

PS: I have a loose ring mullen in the same mouthpiece and it's not jointed, so I don't think that one is either.

APatchOfHeaven · 06-22-2008, 02:47 AM

Well, the little girl who is leasing him rides with a pretty loose rein and is not heavy handed. Maybe I will put the snaffle on him for the bigger kids who have a little more experience and are a bit stronger.

Thank you. =]

06-21-2008, 07:35 PM	#1
APatchOfHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 667 Images: 81	Bit question... Can you tell me which bit is less harsh and why?? Mullen Mouth Pelham Kimberwicke (w/ low port) mullen mouth kimberwicke Or a broken kimberwicke? Thanks!

06-21-2008, 07:37 PM	#2
Heavenly Jumper Senior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Camden County GA Posts: 14,711 Images: 1301 Blog Entries: 243	It depends, a pelham can be used with one or two reins...if it is used as a snaffle it is less harsh than than the kimberwickes. If you use the curb rein on the pelham, then it is using more leverage than the kimberwickes and is harsher. As for the mouthpieces, the mullen is the least harsh to me, then the rubber then the ported one. __________________ My husband is away...if I am crabby, whiney or generally unpleasant, I apologize. Being a Navy wife is the hardest thing I've ever done...and I do it for you. .'~'. epi tan e epi tas .'~'.

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06-21-2008, 07:42 PM	#3
APatchOfHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 667 Images: 81	Well, two reins are too much for other people riding him to deal with, so there is a converter on it. (Please no bashing the converter - I know a lot of people don't agree with it, but it makes it easier. Having a rein just on the curb part is too much and just on the snaffle might not be enough) I currently use the pelham because I want the kids to have a little more leverage to get a faster reaction. I am wondering if I should switch, but idk. He has been really good in the pelham and I don't want to change anything and mess it up. I ride him in a french link snaffle, but I am just afraid he won't stop quick enough for the girl that leases him. I know he won't take off or do anything naughty, but he can get pretty fast if they're not paying attention or w/e.

06-21-2008, 08:52 PM	#4
greyongray Full Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 119 Images: 12	In theory the mullen mouth is supposed to be the gentlest - assuming the horse doesn't have a thick tongue. Some horses with big tongues don't have enough clearance and find it uncomfortable. Like Heavenly said, the pelham with both reins attached has the most leverage. I would say that would be the most severe but that's not really the best term since they all have the potential to be very light bits when ridden with good hands. There's nothing scary about any of these bits and for an even milder effect you could wrap the mouthpiece in the self-adhesive latex - which they sell at tack shops. It sounds like the real question is "do I want my horse being ridden by a novice in a leverage bit?" (Of course I am only assuming her level of riding.) I've never ridden a horse with the converter strap but I would imagine that it does a good job for your purpose if the rider isn't too heavy handed. If when you get on your horse in your snaffle he is good, then I wouldn't worry about it for now. If he's not as responsive then you can always try a kimberwicke (they are pretty popular in this capacity, with kids learning to ride) and see how it goes. PS: I have a loose ring mullen in the same mouthpiece and it's not jointed, so I don't think that one is either.

06-22-2008, 02:47 AM	#5
APatchOfHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 667 Images: 81	Well, the little girl who is leasing him rides with a pretty loose rein and is not heavy handed. Maybe I will put the snaffle on him for the bigger kids who have a little more experience and are a bit stronger. Thank you. =]