Contact Hard Rubber Pelham

The Contact Hard Rubber Pelham is a Pelham bit featuring a relatively gentle hard-rubber mouthpiece and the option of using double reins for greater control and adjustment of the bit's action.

The snaffle rein provides a more direct contact with the horse's mouth, while the curb rein introduces additional poll and curb-groove pressure. Using both reins allows the rider to manage the different actions of the Pelham more precisely.

The bit can also be used with rein connectors, allowing it to be ridden from a single rein.

The hard-rubber mouthpiece may encourage some horses to lean into the contact and is not recommended for horses with shallow palates.

Key Features & Benefits

• Hard rubber mouthpiece – a softer-feeling mouthpiece option for appropriate horses.
• Pelham design – combines snaffle and curb actions.
• Double-rein configuration – allows the rider to use the two actions independently.
• Snaffle rein – provides more direct contact with the horse's mouth.
• Curb rein – introduces additional poll and curb-groove pressure.
• Head-positioning action – the curb action can encourage the horse to lower the head and alter the angle of the nose towards the chest.
• Single-rein option – can be used with suitable rein connectors.
• Adjustable control – double reins allow the rider to vary how much curb action is applied.

Ideal For

• Experienced riders familiar with Pelham bits
• Horses suited to a hard-rubber mouthpiece
• Riders wanting separate snaffle and curb rein actions
• Horses where additional poll and curb control is required
• Riders who prefer the option of double reins or a connector system

How the Contact Hard Rubber Pelham Works

A Pelham combines direct snaffle contact with a curb action.

Snaffle Rein

The snaffle rein attaches to the upper rein position and provides a more direct connection to the horse's mouth.

Curb Rein

The curb rein activates the lower part of the Pelham, introducing poll pressure and pressure in the curb groove. This can encourage the horse to lower its head and alter the angle of the nose towards the chest.

Double Reins

The manufacturer recommends the Pelham ideally be used with double reins. This gives the rider greater control over how much snaffle and curb action is applied.

Single Rein

The bit can also be used with rein connectors, allowing both actions to be operated from a single rein.

Fitting & Use

Correct fitting is particularly important with a Pelham because the curb action changes the way pressure is distributed when the curb rein is engaged.

The manufacturer specifically states that this bit is not suitable for horses with shallow-palated mouths.

Bit selection should take into account the horse's mouth conformation, training and the rider's experience. Where there is uncertainty, professional bit-fitting advice is recommended.

FAQs

What is a Contact Hard Rubber Pelham?

It is a Pelham horse bit with a hard-rubber mouthpiece that combines direct snaffle contact with a curb action.

Should this Pelham be used with two reins?

Ideally, yes. The manufacturer recommends double reins, allowing the snaffle and curb actions to be controlled separately.

Can it be used with one rein?

Yes. Suitable rein connectors can be used to operate the bit from a single rein.

What does the curb rein do?

The curb rein introduces additional poll pressure and pressure in the curb groove, helping alter the horse's head and neck position.

Can the hard-rubber mouthpiece encourage leaning?

Yes. The supplied product information notes that the gentle mouthpiece can encourage some horses to lean on the contact.

Is it suitable for a horse with a shallow palate?

No. The supplied manufacturer information specifically states that it is not suitable for horses with shallow-palated mouths.

Is this bit suitable for every horse?

No. Pelham action and mouthpiece design should be matched to the individual horse and rider. Correct fitting and appropriate use are important.

Product Information

• Product: Contact Hard Rubber Pelham
• Bit type: Pelham
• Mouthpiece: Hard rubber
• Rein configuration: Ideally double reins
• Single-rein option: Suitable rein connectors
• Snaffle action: More direct mouth contact
• Curb action: Poll and curb-groove pressure
• Important suitability note: Not suitable for horses with shallow-palated mouths

Important

This Pelham provides two distinct rein actions. The curb rein creates additional leverage and should be used with appropriate rider experience and rein handling.

The hard-rubber mouthpiece may encourage some horses to lean and is not suitable for horses with shallow palates.

Always ensure the bit is correctly fitted and appropriate for the individual horse. Competition rules can vary, so check the current rules of the relevant governing body before competing.