Posted: 21st October 2019 | Back to news feed

Bitting experts, Abbey England, make thousands of bits in their UK foundry every year. Designed and produced by highly skilled craftsmen, every bit is individually handmade and can be customised to suit your requirements.

The possibilities are endless, even for traditional bits, as they can be lightweight, normal weight or made with a variety of mouth and cheek pieces.

Here they take a closer look at Vulcanite and Rubber Pelhams and the options available.

Pelham bits are popular in showing classes when used with two reins but are not permitted for dressage. The bit has the potential to exert a lot of pressure on the horse so should only be used in experienced hands.

A Pelham features two sets of rings and so is usually used with two sets of reins. The lever action means that the reins attached to the lower or curb ring exert more force on the horse’s mouth than the reins attached to the upper or snaffle rings.

For riders wishing to use a single set of reins - roundings can be used which attach to the upper and lower rings on the Pelham and provide a leather loop to which one rein is attached on either side.

Using a single rein in this way can be easier for the rider but does not enable as precise signals from the rider to the horse.

A Pelham bit is a blend of three pressures - if you set the curb chain correctly - with equal pressure in the mouth at the poll and on the underside of the lower jaw.

A longer shank (part of the cheek below the mouthpiece) on a Pelham will encourage a quicker yield to the bit and therefore allows the rider to use a lighter hand.

As the rein is used, the cheek turns and the mouthpiece rotates downwards applying downward mouth pressure. If the curb chain is correctly set it should move against the jaw as the cheek of the bit reaches 45º stopping the downward pressure from continuing and balancing the bit in the mouth giving then equal pressure in the mouth on the jaw and the poll, which gives you your degree of head tilt and your brakes.

Pelhams from Abbey England can be made with vulcanite or rubber mouths which often suit horses which have room for a slightly bulkier mouthpiece as they can be more comfortable than metal.

Vulcanite is a hard plastic type material giving a firm but "warm" feel. It is also normally quite thick so that the effect is to produce a gentle bit in a firm material built over a metal bar for strength.

Rubber produces a similar effect to Vulcanite but has a softer feel. It can also be used to make flexible bits by moulding it over a strong steel chain rather than a solid metal bar.

The Pelham cheeks available measure 4”, 5” and 6” and currently Abbey England make the following types of mouth on Pelhams (as well as Kimblewicks):

Vulcanite Mullen

Vulcanite Ported

Vulcanite Jointed

Vulcanite French

Rubber on Metal Mullen

Rubber Flexible

Rubber Ported

Rubber Jointed

Rubber French

Rubber Loller

Curb Chains are supplied with all Pelham Bits. Chains supplied are normally stainless steel with nickel, brass or nickel plated available on request. Single chains are available in pony, cob and full size, whilst doubles are also available in extra-long. Flat Polo chains and Brass chains are available at extra cost.

Abbey England hosts one of the largest collections in the UK and as a bitting expert understands the importance of both performance and comfort. All their bits have been designed and manufactured to the highest standards using only the best quality materials. 

www.abbeyengland.com

The Equestrian Index newsfeed is compiled from articles submitted by advertising members and expresses the opinions of those members. Watsons Directories Ltd shall not be held liable for any inaccuracies or mis-statements therein.

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