Question: Are pelhams frowned upon in the hunter ring? - Sheila, Manhattan, IL

The opinion about pelhams in the hunter ring is one of personal preference from judge to judge. In my experience, it seems that some judges do not mind if a hunter performs in a pelham and others won't consider a horse at all with one on. In the sixties and seventies I believe they were way more acceptable and even the norm. In the last couple of decades, though, you rarely saw horses performing in them, but now they seem to have "come back" into popularity somewhat.

A pelham is obviously a more severe bit than a typical snaffle so it can give the judge the illusion that the horse is tough and/or difficult to ride which is the extreme opposite of what a hunter should be and how they should appear. On the other hand, they are commonly used in the discipline of hunt seat equitation where these days you unfortunately rarely see a snaffle bridle.

A pelham can cover or mask training flaws, problems and/or inabilities or lack of education in a horse and rider.

To recap, some judges will consider using a pelham a detriment in the sense that it detracts from the overall picture of a hunter's performance, and it raises questions with regard to a horse's ridability.