Rubber bits from Sprenger are made of soft but tough rubber that has a Stainless steel cable inside to reinforce the mouthpiece. Rubber generally has an ³eraser-effect³. It is therefore important that horses are salivating and chewing well when using these bits. If the horse does not produce enough salivation the rubber bit will be uncomfortable. Different from pure metal bits there is the danger of the rubber being easily bitten through when the bit is not attached correctly and gets into contact with the teeth.
The Pelham is a bit that provides additional lever action on the poll. Pressure is applied to the lower jaw bones by the use of a curb chain. In a way the Pelham is a combination of a Weymouth and a bradoon. Pelhams can be used with one or two reins, which enables different rein options. Direct pressure is applied to the horse¹s tongue and bars if the rider only uses the snaffle rein. If horses tend to toss the head it makes sense to attach a second rein to the lower cheek piece ring to apply pressure on the horse¹s poll. The horse will try to dodge this pressure by lowering the head. The curb chain should come into play at maximum angle of 45° (lower cheek to horse¹s mouth) to avoid the horse lowering its head too much. It is very common to use a double rein as it enables the ability to apply pressure on the horse¹s poll if necessary. Pelhams are also widely used with Pelham straps. This strap is attached to the upper and lower cheek piece ring and the rein is fixed to this strap.