bridle and bit for working hunter (horse)

[5874julie]

hi my daughter is shortly going to be competing in a working hunter class for the first time. she has done whp over the years but this is the first horse worker. would you say it is ok to use a rugby pelham with a single rein on roundings? she goes beautifully in this bit and it seems to be fine within the rules but visually would it be odd? also are plaited leather browbands on a plain hunter bridle ok?

[Pepper]

A plain browband in my opinion is preferable and traditional

With regard to the bit, if she goes well in it I wouldn’t change things. Moving from Ponies to horses is a step enough and I personally would rather see a happy confident combination, particularly in the early days

[5874julie]

thank you. and have gone for a plain browband. just to be controversial - looking on line there seems to be a split in thinking over slipheads with a rugby pelham with some people saying they always use one and some saying they never do - what's your view?
we always rode the ponies in snaffles! so much simpler. this mare goes in a snaffle with no problem but she loves the pelham.

[sarahp]

I used a rugby pelham on my D and always with a slip head. Without it the extra ring puts weight on the bit which is undesirable, the rein should be in a straight line from hand to bit without the ring dragging it down.

[CarolineNelson]

Agree. A slip-head is best - also it looks far better - and, from the horse's comfort, stops the 'bridoon' ring from flopping around (dependant, too, on the length of the shank that it's on). Do the cheek piece up on the off side to even out the buckles.

Very important though, is that the mare is familiar with different riders and, that the stirrups (and leathers) will be of a safe size (and length) if it is a gentleman judge.
Some kindly, experienced stewards (usually, the leg-up steward) will come down the line and check the leather length prior to the ride judge riding. However, if they don't, your daughter can pop up the line and take a quick check from a saddle which has just been judge-ridden, if that makes sense.
If you have the good fortune to be drawn first, make a guess!
Your daughter should have the reins laid neatly on the pommel for the ride judge to pick them up and then, pop round to the off side and hold the stirrup leather for him or her, with the leather twisted the correct way for their foot. It's all 'brownie points' and looks professional.
Good luck - enjoy!