The Rugby Pelham is commonly used in the show ring and as an alternative to a double bridle as the extra loose ring that is connected to the snaffle ring gives the illusion of a Bradoon mouthpiece. It is ideal if a horse has a small mouth and does not like having two bits in his mouth.
The Rugby Jointed Pelham is a single jointed bit with a nutcracker action that works on the tongue, the bars of the mouth and can have action on the horses palate. The Pelham offers the combined action of a snaffle and a curb and should be used with two reins.