Waterford Pelham

The waterford pelham can be a comfortable bit for a horse as long as the rider has sympathetic hands. The mouthpiece is made up of a series of rounded links, that is similar to a chain and can be manipulated by the horse allowing him to swallow and move his mouth freely. If the horse pulls whilst wearing the waterford, the mouthpiece is uncomfortable and usually the horse will not lean on it.

The rider should never 'see saw' the hands when using a waterford bit as it can make the bit very severe. The waterford is normally selected one size larger than the horse's usual bit size to allow freedom and correct fit of the bit in the horses mouth. The full cheek waterford snaffle is a useful bit for green horses, as the full cheek prevents the bit from being able dragged through the horses mouth. 

Pelhams are designed to be used with two reins, the 'snaffle' rein on the larger ring which should have a constant contact, and the curb rein is attached to the smaller loose bottom ring and is used when needed. The small hole in the shank just above the curb ring is for a lip strap, not essential but correct for showing and helps to keep the curb chain flat. If the rider wishes to use only one pair of reins, roundings can be used to join the snaffle and curb rings together and the reins go on the loop of leather to give an action on both mouthpiece and curb when the rein is pulled.

• Ideally used with two reins, but one rein can be used if roundings are used
• Bit strength: quite strong