Pelham with converter

[whbar158]

Yes converters change the action of the bit, but maybe for some that is what works best. As far as contact most that I see using converters aren’t using them for flat work that requires contact nor really riding on contact.

Personally I have never ridden with converters but they just don’t bug me the way they do with some people. Just a personal thing, trust me there are plenty of other things that bug me!

[McGurk]

If McLain wants to ride a GP jumper in one because it works for him and the horse, far be it for me to criticize. I’m also pretty sure that McLain could handle riding with two reins if need be. And that he doesn’t need one to get around the 2’6" local hunters.

The original question was about using them in the hunters. Whole 'nother thing.
I believe, and other posters have confirmed, that at A shows, with the exception of short stirrup, most judges would consider them unconventional tack and penalize the round.

At lower rated, local and unrated shows, I think it would just depend on what’s acceptable in your area and circuit. For instance, I know that in USEF hunters, Kimbwickes are considered unconventional tack, but they are very common and accepted in AQHA and 4H. Pelham converters may be acceptable in some local circuits, I just don’t know.

I personally don’t like them. I also am not fond of Kimberwickes, FWIW. Just my opinion and experience. That’s not a slam at McLain, or any other rider far, far above my level who finds them useful.

But comparing McLain to a teenager with a new horse who states she doesn’t want to cope with the second rein is a bit silly.

[SolarFlare]

In Canada, this is addressed directly in our rule book:

ARTICLE G202 TACK AND EQUIPMENT
single rein pelham with pelham converters are allowed only in junior and amateur
classes in 3’ (0.90m) or below

So technically it shouldn’t be considered unconventional by a judge, however it’s up to the judge’s discretion how they will place rounds (ie. in the case of a tie/close score, some will place the horse with the snaffle over the horse with a pelham, regardless of # of reins).

I’ve always ridden hunter classes with two reins if I’m using a Pelham. I did though buy a set of converters and rubber reins for use on XC as we’re doing a bit of lower-level eventing too. I haven’t used it yet, but last time I had the Pelham with two reins on XC and was glad I had the leverage. He was having a great time but he’s long and can get heavy.

[pacific_jumper]

[QUOTE=McGurk;7727407]
If McLain wants to ride a GP jumper in one because it works for him and the horse, far be it for me to criticize. I’m also pretty sure that McLain could handle riding with two reins if need be. And that he doesn’t need one to get around the 2’6" local hunters.

But comparing McLain to a teenager with a new horse who states she doesn’t want to cope with the second rein is a bit silly.[/QUOTE]

My thoughts exactly!