Pelhams and bit converters

[cswoodlandfairy]

I am a jumper rider (showing 1m and schooling 1.10m) and have been riding my horse in a loose ring bit with a round “peanut” in the middle. Hes very soft in the bit but he has a habit to hollow out and toss his head up when it comes time for lead changes and transitions. He also can get pretty heavy as the jumps get bigger.

My trainer wanted me to try a rubber Mullen Mouth Pelham with a bit converter. So I tried hers in a lesson yesterday and it was such a difference. I could control and contain the power he has better. He is 17h and long backed so its a bit of work to keep the package together but it was much easier to keep him from pulling me down (still work but easier).

So my question is, I noticed when looking online that there are several kinds of bit converters and I was curious to know what the difference was between them, what are better liked.

So Dover has an all leather converter and a nylon converter. The one my trainer had on her bit was a ring with leather attachments. So thoughts? Review? Suggestions?

[Preposterous_Ponies]

Personally? I’d get rid of the converter and use two reins. It’s not that hard (I actually prefer it over one rein!) and you have so much more control.

[Belmont]

If your trainer is suggesting you ride in a converter (this is probably going to spark a ton of opinions about how one can’t ride if they ride in a converter, blah blah blah), then I suggest just pain leather converters. I’ve only ridden in leather converters, so I really have no other info than that.

Ride in whatever your trainer suggests, whether it be a converter (OH THE HORROR) or two reins.

[cswoodlandfairy]

I think for now, she wants me to ride with a converter to get use to the feel without accidentally getting handsy with the curb.It was quite a different ride on flat and jumping with the bit so right now I want to just feel the ride and adjust to it before adding another element. Doesn’t mean I wont switch to two reins, but for now one step at a time

[yellowbritches]

That is one of my all time favorite bits.

I THINK a converter is a converter is a converter. I would go with a leather pair, if using them…but I prefer two reins, personally. If I’m using a Pelham, I want it for the options it gives me. But ride how your trainer is suggesting (but learning to ride with two reins is an invaluable tool).

[comingback]

I think if riders that represent us internationally are using converters, you’ll be in good company. Just go with your trainer’s suggestion

I’ve only used/seen the leather one, but that would be my preference from an aesthetics standpoint.

[cswoodlandfairy]

Thanks everyone!

I was leaning to leather anyways, I just wasnt sure what the difference was between the Nylon one by Herm Springer or the leather one. My trainer didnt really have a preference. They one she had on the bit I borrowed was leather with a ring and I liked that one.

http://www.amazon.com/Exselle-Elite-Ringed-Bit-Converter/dp/B00MVAX1Z8

[Kimstar]

[QUOTE=cswoodlandfairy;8128251]
Thanks everyone!

I was leaning to leather anyways, I just wasnt sure what the difference was between the Nylon one by Herm Springer or the leather one. My trainer didnt really have a preference. They one she had on the bit I borrowed was leather with a ring and I liked that one.

http://www.amazon.com/Exselle-Elite-Ringed-Bit-Converter/dp/B00MVAX1Z8[/QUOTE]

The photo in that link is upside down!

There is also this type of converter (leather): http://www.doversaddlery.com/bit-converter-straps-pr/p/X1-018/?ids=qtnwqiymymbmyk4p4lcp1ygw

I’ve seen them with both buckle (as shown here) or stud ends (which look a little neater.)

This type is more “old fashioned” - the ones you linked to are the “newer” style. (It’s debatable which type is more “adjustable”.)