The JHL Rugby French Link Pelham is a specialised leverage bit highly popular in the showing ring. It is engineered to mimic the look of a full double bridle while utilizing only a single mouthpiece. It features unique "Rugby" cheeks—where the upper snaffle ring is suspended on a small extension link—paired with a double-jointed French link mouthpiece. This configuration is ideal for strong horses with small mouths or large tongues that cannot comfortably accommodate two independent metal bits but require dual-rein refinement.
Key Specifications:
- Mouthpiece Design and Material: Double-jointed with a flat central French link plate in high-grade, solid Pro-Steel stainless steel.
- Mouthpiece Thickness: Typically 19mm offering a thick, supportive surface area.
- Cheekpiece Style: Rugby Pelham shanks (featuring a floating, linked upper bradoon ring).
- Shank Length: Approximately 140mm to the base of the lower ring.
How it Works:
- The Rugby Cheek Illusion: The bridle’s bradoon headslip (or an extra slip cheek) connects to the floating, loose top ring. This design allows the snaffle ring to move independently, creating the cosmetic appearance of a separate Weymouth and Bradoon bit set. This configuration provides a more direct, fluid response than fixed-ring Pelhams.
- Pinch-Free Tongue Distribution: The double-jointed French link plate lies flat across the horse's tongue. This design removes the upward "nutcracker" squeeze on the palate, making it a comfortable option for horses with low palates.
- Dual Rein Mechanical Action: This bit must be ridden with two sets of reins to function correctly:
The Snaffle Rein: Attached to the large floating ring, it functions similarly to a mild hanging cheek snaffle for standard contact.
The Curb Rein: Attached to the bottom shank ring, it acts as a lever. Pulling it tilts the bit forward, applying downward poll pressure while engaging the curb chain against the chin groove for increased braking control
This bit is not legal for British Dressage (BD) or FEI competitions but are widely permissible for Showjumping and Cross Country phases.