Sprenger Max Control Baby Pelham

The MAX-Control is a double-jointed bit which, at a first glance, cannot be distinguished from other double-jointed loose ring snaffles.
However, it is a correction or training bit which locks at a certain angle and thus becomes a straight bar.
The bit lies very well in the mouth when the horse is working properly. When the horse opposes the rider‘s hand the more intensive rigid effect occurs.

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 horse’s 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 horse’s 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 horse’s 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 horse’s 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.