Are Pelham Bits Frowned Upon in the Hunter Ring?

In the hunter ring, traditional bits are recommended, which include snaffles, pelhams, and full bridles—all with a cavesson nosebands. Nontraditional bits, such as hunter gags & Kimberwicks, MAY be penalized at the judge’s discretion. Illegal bits includes two & three ring bits, jumper-type gags, etc. The judge MUST eliminate the competitor if these are used. Illegal nosebands in the hunter ring include dropped nosebands, flash nosebands, and figure 8’s. Standing and running martingales are allowed in over fences classes, but not in under saddle classes.

As a judge, I am not partial to a pelham vs. a snaffle. I want to see a horse that carries themself in a light uphill manner with a good expression. So whichever bit that individual horse goes best in is the right answer.

Martingales, correctly fitted, are acceptable except in flat classes, hunter hack classes, and tie-breaking hack classes. Correctly fitted for the standing means the strap touches the middle of the neck but not the throat. For running martingales, they are long enough as to not break a straight line to the horse’s mouth from the rider’s hand. Standing martingales are very common, however, you rarely see a running martingale used, but they are legal.

Standing martingales should be used if needed and can actually make a better overall picture with a horse that has a big front end or long neck as they looked more balanced. But if the horse doesn’t need a martingale otherwise, don’t use it. It’s whatever the horse goes best in.

I do think it’s a cleaner look to show in the under saddle classes in a snaffle, as we are looking for a horse that not only is a good mover but also has a good expression and is light in the bridle. But I would not consciously penalize a horse that’s hacked in a pelham.

Choosing What Bit To Use On Your Horse by Bernie Traurig

Nosebands and Martingales: Fitting and Use by Julie Winkel

How Do Hunter Judges Score A Round? by Julie Winkel

How To Hold Two Reins by Bernie Traurig

How To Put Two Reins On A Bit by Cori Christmann