RC: CONTROL AND COURTESY

[Sue Brown <sbrown@wamedes.com>]

>However, it is true that even in saddleseat, 90% of your *steering*
>is going to be done with your snaffle and the curb only gets
>into the direct act a bit.  In this style of riding, the curb's
>primary purpose is to create flexion.  If you're in the show ring
>trying to slow your horse down with your curb, you're in big
>trouble!
>
This is similarly the concept with higher level dressage and you are
*required* to use a double bridle.  A pelham is not quite the same action
as two separate bits, which is what you have in FEI dressage...and yes, the
curb is used for flexion where the snaffle part steers.

>The pelham's proper function is pretty much as described here
>today:  a snaffle bit with an emergency brake curb backup.  You
>ride exclusively on the snaffle (top rein) with your bottom rein
>loose and slightly dangling.  Pulling on the reins activates
>just the snaffle.  

Also, if you position your curb rein on the inside and between your first
and second fingers, you can just reach around with the rest of your hand to
take up the slack when you need to use it.  The rest of the time it's
pretty much out of work.

>Only if your horse acts up or starts
>getting too strong or pulling a Mr. Toad (great slang!),

Thanks...hehe...in the beginning, Blaze (my Mr. Toad), would have made a
great ride at Disney!

>If I had to choose only one rein, I'd probably opt for
>the Uxeter Kimberwicke, which is essentially just a very
>mild pelham:  bar snaffle with a low port and a very,
>very short-shanked curb.  Then I'd fret about which
>slot to put the one rein in.
>
The Uxeter is the Kimberwicke style that I use...and I always use the top
slot.  Never had to move the reins down since the top one seemed to work
fine on all the horses that I used it on.  It's also a good bit for small
people and kids who happen to be on a horse (like Blue) who has a
continuously ravenous appetite and the strongest neck in town!!  With a
Kimberwicke, they have at least a remote chance of still having their arms
in their sockets! ;-)

>which means he's a soft-mouthed horse who occassionally
>gets very strong ideas!)

Nicely put.  Describes Blaze to a T!  Most of his ideas are in relation to
fear, so yanking on a strong bit would certainly not be the reaction that
would help his fears.

Thanks for all of the history tidbits, Linda.  My knowledge of the
saddleseat area is my weakest so more info is always great to know.

Sue



sbrown@wamedes.com
Tyee Farm
Marysville, Wa.


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