>>>> Thanks, Karen! Why are the mullen Pelhams milder than a plain mullen?
I don't think they are milder; but I don't think there's too much difference. I bought the ones I have because I was able to find the short shanked ones (called "Tom Thumb Pelhams" - Susan at Saddle Up has them) in difference widths, and I was having trouble finding the plain mullen mouth snaffles in various sizes. If you have the Lee Ziegler book, she explains why a mullen mouth Kimberwicke or a mullen mouth Pelhan (essentially the same bit) can have a SUBTLE effect on the gait a horse does. >>> Do the longer sidebars act like a full cheek but without the snag potential? Do you just leave the smaller bottom rings unattached to reins? Yes, I just left the lower ring free. At first I wasn't sure how it would work, but it was fine. I asked Lee Ziegler about that specifically a few years ago and she said it was fine - just looks a little odd maybe. At the moment, I'm not using that bit on anyone, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. I don't think you have as much snag potential with the Pelham as with the full cheeks, since the unused part of the Pelham points down. >>> Why the D-rings over eggbutts? Milder? I'm not sure there's any difference in mildness. I think the flat part of the D makes it a little harder for the horse to get the bit through his/her mouth, which is very easy with a loose-ring. But, honestly, I haven't had that problem in ages. Holly learned to do it years ago, and it was a hard habit to break, so I just never want to take a chance on going there again. It's just a quirk of mine, from a mistake I made. Karen Thomas, NC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.5/707 - Release Date: 3/1/2007 2:43 PM
