Hunter shows-bit choice?

Question

so, i've already asked a few questions about the hunter shows i'm going to be entering.. but i thought of another question..

i always flat my horse in a D ring happy mouth snaffle, but over fences/cross country i usually use a happy mouth elevator or a rubber (very very tiny) pelham,

also, when we're in traffic he gets a little worried and its a little difficult to keep my countrol (i CAN do this in the D ring, but its not nearly as pretty as it should be for hunters)

so can i use the pelham for my flat classes in traffic, and my o/f classes for control?

by the way-i'm not going to keep him in this bit forever i only use it for jumping so this is just for the show (and a few days before to prepare..)

thanks!

Answer 1

Use the pelham! Its acceptable, and as far as judging goes, a horse who is moving & behaving nicely in a slightly non-traditional bit is probably going to do better than a horse who is acting up in a traditional snaffle.  As long as you are comfortable with the pelham & know how to use it properly, I'd go with it.

Answer 2

pelhams are allowed but i suggest you use a D ring. If your horse gets nervous in crowds just plan ahead, take him to shows and stay there for a weekend but dont show just get him used to being with other horses :) also try riding in group lessons. hope this helps also try gradually decreasing his grain a LITTLE :) and exersizing him more this will keep him more calm because grain gives horses lots of enegry. and remember horses act up when in pain so using s pelham for a show isnt always a good idea haha so a full cheek or D ring is ur best option it just takes some planning good luck

:D

Answer 3

Pelhams are allowed BUT they cannot be a straight shank ( they can tell ) it has to have a break in the middle. And you need pelham reins because converters are not allowed in the hunter ring. The pelham I would suggest in the hunter ring is a Tom Thumb pelham since the happy mouth pelham im guessing is a straight shank

Answer 4

I would suggest trying the d-ring.  It will be better if he can go calmly in this bit.  Bring the pelham along in case he is a bit to much.  Maybe use the pelham the first day and try the d-ring the second day.  The D-ring is preferred by hunter judges, but between the two, they prefer a horse that looks easy to ride.