{"id":38100,"date":"2026-02-15T12:43:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T11:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balotade.com\/when-to-switch-to-a-pelham-signs-horse-needs-more-control\/"},"modified":"2026-09-03T19:23:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T17:23:22","slug":"when-to-switch-to-a-pelham-signs-horse-needs-more-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/balotade.com\/en\/when-to-switch-to-a-pelham-signs-horse-needs-more-control\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Switch to a Pelham? Signs Your Horse Needs More Control"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the equestrian world there is a belief that “the milder the bit, the better the rider”. It is a beautiful theory, which, however, sometimes collides with the brutal reality of a jumping<\/a> course or the open. There are situations in which continuing to ride on an ordinary bit becomes dangerous \u2013 both for you and for the horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pelham bit <\/a>is not a punishment. It is a communication tool that, at the right moment, can restore safety and mutual understanding. When is it worth reaching for it? Here are the 3 most common signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The horse “goes through the hand” on a course<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is the most common problem of show jumpers. In training at home the horse is perfectly soft, but during a competition, when adrenaline and pace come into play, it stops responding to half-halts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n