The Horse Forum banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Double bridle vs. regular bridle?

8K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  sarahver 
#1 ·
I'm thinking about trying a pelham for my TB. If I got a pelham and a second set of reins would that work or do a need to get a double bridle? Looking at the pictures I don't see a difference, but why would they mark it as a double bridle if it was the same? I'm holding off on ordering the bit I want until I know for sure. Thanks!
 
#2 ·
They are two totally different pieces of equipment with different feels/styles.

The true double bridle has two separate bits, meaning two mouthpieces. The (Weymouth) curb is generally solid--and with a straighter shank than the Pelham--and the (Bradoon) snaffle is usually single-jointed. You can get better isolation of the different snaffle/curb reins in this manner. It is also harder to hold, requiring greater finesse. And the curb itself is generally harsher than the Pelham curb.
 
#4 ·
Double bridles employ two different bits (one with a curb chain and one without) that two different sets of reins are attached to. They are used mostly in upper level dressage and wouldn't suit your purposes at all.

A pelham uses one bit with a curb chain from which there are two rein attachments. Used for a variety of reasons but only on well schooled horses.

What is it you are looking to achieve?
 
#6 ·
Double bridles employ two different bits (one with a curb chain and one without) that two different sets of reins are attached to. They are used mostly in upper level dressage and wouldn't suit your purposes at all.
See them a lot in CEP and saddleseat, too, for better or worse.



I learned to handle a double bridle long before I knew a thing about bits or the difference between a snaffle and a curb. Which is scary, really.
 
#5 ·
I've always heard the term double bridle and pelhem used interchangeable which is why I was confused lol.

When jumping my mare tends to get kind of crazy and run through the bit, and I'm basically sick and tired of everyone telling me to put a twist or a corkscrew(or whatever harsh bit they prefer) in her mouth, so this way I can get a pelham with the same gentle oval mouth piece to shut them up and just not use the other rein.
I know it may seem like a stupid reason but I'm just so freaking annoyed of everyone saying up bit her up.
 
#8 ·
I've always heard the term double bridle and pelhem used interchangeable which is why I was confused lol.
You use a double rein for both....but they definitely aren't the same thing!

When jumping my mare tends to get kind of crazy and run through the bit, and I'm basically sick and tired of everyone telling me to put a twist or a corkscrew(or whatever harsh bit they prefer)
Yeah, DON'T do that. And don't go for the double bridle, either.

in her mouth, so this way I can get a pelham with the same gentle oval mouth piece to shut them up and just not use the other rein.
A Pelham with two reins may be a valid choice. Same for an elevator gag. But I'd hazard that a lot of this is a training thing.

One thing that some people with rushing horses do is forego the bit entirely and switch to a jumping hackamore:



Or English hackamore:



You'd be amazed at what removing the pain can do.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top