The Jeffries Eldonian Nylon Mullen Mouth Pelham is a classical leverage bit engineered for strong yet sensitive horses that require extra braking control but dislike the harshness or chill of traditional metal bits. Part of the esteemed Eldonian range by E.Jeffries, this bit combines a gentle, lightweight nylon composite mouthpiece with strong stainless steel shanks and an accompanying dual-link curb chain. It is frequently used in the showing ring as a neat, single-mouthpiece alternative to a bulky double bridle, or during fast work like hacking, hunting, and cross-country.
Key Specifications:
- Mouthpiece Design and Material: Mullen mouth (a solid, slightly curved bar) in high-durability, non-toxic, lightweight nylon polymer.
- Cheekpiece Type: Standard Pelham shanks with integrated top bridle loops, main snaffle rings, and lower curb rings.
- Cheekpiece Material: High-polish, rust-resistant stainless steel.
- Includes double-link stainless steel curb chain.
How it Works:
- Tongue and Palate Relief: The solid mullen mouth profile features a gentle forward curve that frames the horse's tongue. Because it contains no joints, it completely eliminates the upward "nutcracker" squeeze on the palate and bars, making it highly comforting for horses with sensitive mouth structures or large tongues.
- Dual Rein Versatility: Operating on a dual-rein layout, the primary rein connects to the large central snaffle ring for direct, unassisted mouth contact. The secondary rein hooks into the bottom ring to activate the leverage shanks when increased stopping power is needed.
- Dual Leverage Action: When the lower curb rein is engaged, the bit rotates forward. This simultaneous motion exerts downward pressure over the poll (encouraging head lowering and vertical flexion) while tightening the curb chain against the chin groove to create a prompt, clear braking response.
- Nylon Warmth: The nylon mouthpiece is warm to the touch, preventing the sudden, uninviting chill of a cold metal bit. This helps anxious or cold-backed horses settle quickly into a soft, submissive contact.
This bit is not legal for British Dressage (BD) or FEI competitions but is very popular in the showring for children's ponies, as it teaches the children to ride with two reins without having to use a double bridle. It is widely permissible in Cross Country and Showjumping phases.
Usage Tips:
- Using Pelham Roundings (Single Rein): If you prefer riding with only one pair of reins, you must attach leather Pelham roundings to link the large snaffle ring and the small curb ring together. You then buckle your single rein directly to the loop of the rounding. This delivers a simplified, simultaneous blend of snaffle and leverage action.
- Two-Rein System (Recommended): This is the traditional and most precise method.
- The Snaffle Rein: Attach a wider leather rein to the large central ring. This provides direct, unassisted contact with the horse’s mouth for standard steering and containment.
- The Curb Rein: Attach a slightly narrower leather rein to the smaller bottom loop. This rein is held loosely and only engaged when you need extra braking power or vertical flexion.