Magician Swivel Pelham

¥1,103.00 CNY
Metal Type
Shank Size

A Magician Pelham, also referred to as a Swivel Pelham, is a type of horse bit that features a central port, or raised area, in the middle of the mouthpiece along with a swivel mechanism that allows each side of the bit to move independently.

The port provides tongue relief by creating space above the horse's tongue, causing minimal tongue pressure and distributing it to the bars and palate. The port provides additional leverage and control.

The independent swivel action of each side of the mouthpiece allows for more nuanced and precise communication, helping achieve better lateral control and encourages the horse to respond more accurately to reins aids. This makes it particularly great for younger horses who need extra help during the training process.

The combination of the port and swivel reduces concentrated pressure points, making the bit more comfortable for the horse. This can help prevent resistance and improve overall acceptance of the bit.

Although some horses may be ridden in this all the time, it can also be used 2-3 times to help increase your horse's response before returning to a normal mouthpiece.

Product information

Different materials encourage varying levels of salivation. Salivation is important as it results in a more relaxed jaw and a softer mouth, promoting bit acceptance and the ability to respond to the rider's commands without tension. When the horse is relaxed, it is more focused on the rider's signals, facilitating better communication. Materials which promote more salivation do so by encouraging the horse to chew and grind on the bit, this engagement can lead to improved responsiveness and communication between horse and rider.

Brass
Brass is an aesthetically pleasing alloy with a slightly sweet taste which encourages light salivation. Brass has good thermal conductivity and natural antibacterial properties which help reduce the build-up of bacteria on the bit. Brass is a good balance between strength and softness, offering a gentle action on the horse’s mouth but durable enough to withstand significant forces and its hardness contributes to good resistance to wear. Brass is anti-corrosive and rust resistant, which means it requires less maintenance. It can develop an easily removed patina over time which has a neutral taste; while it doesn’t taste bad to horses, it does not have the same salivation-inducing effect that copper or sweet metal bits do.

Copper
The most notable benefit of copper bits is its ability to stimulate salivation, the natural taste encourages horses to chew and produce more saliva. Many horses prefer the taste of copper, which can make them more willing to accept the bit and respond positively to it. This can be especially beneficial for young horses or horses with sensitive mouths. Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, warming in the horse’s mouth very quickly. It also has natural antibacterial properties which help reduce the build-up of bacteria on the bit. Copper is a gentler and softer material, so with heavy use over time the horses chewing and grinding can wear down the mouthpiece faster than it would with brass or sweet metal. As part of the natural oxidisation process, copper mouthpieces develop a greenish patina, this is normal and even helps increase the bit's palatability.

Sweet Metal with Copper Inlays
Combining the benefits of both materials offers several advantages for the horse’s comfort and responsiveness. When exposed to moisture (the horse’s saliva) sweet metal develops a light non-toxic rust called iron oxide, this has a sweet taste and encourages the horse to chew on the bit and salivate. The natural taste of the copper inlays adds extra flavour and further encourages the horse to chew, softening its mouth – this can be especially beneficial for young horses or horses with sensitive mouths. Sweet metal has good thermal conductivity and the oxidisation gives the bit a more textured feel, giving the horse an increased indication of what the rider is trying to achieve when asking for certain commands. Sweet metal is strong and resistant to wear, it can better withstand chewing and grinding over time when compared to copper.

We refer to leverage often throughout our bit explanations, it is valuable for riders to understand what it means.

Leverage in horse bits refers to the mechanical advantage created by the design of certain bits; to apply pressure to certain areas of a horses mouth, head and neck.

The leverage helps magnify the riders rein aids, allowing for greater control and communication with the horse, often requiring less physical strength from the rider.

This increased pressure can be applied to the horse’s poll, chin, mouth or tongue, depending on the design and use of the bit.

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This bit is effective in lifting the horse's nose. The leverage created by the Pelham Shanks helps elevate the horse’s front end, which can be particularly useful for horses that tend to lean on the bit or have a heavy forehand.

This bit is useful for horses that require direct leverage or an instant pick up of the bit in their mouth who tend to lean downwards (plunge or dip into the pressure) on the bit, while also helping prevent headshaking. It works amazing for horses who prefer no tongue pressure. This bit great for younger horses who need extra help during the training process, as it will help encourage the horse to stop square.

It works very well for horses requiring a transitional bit from a gag to a pelham, or just need a break from the pressure points of a gag. It works very well for horses that are fussy with their mouth, particularly those horses with a slight head shake or that dip into the bridle. This makes it ideal for a soft mouthed horse.

It is specifically useful for managing horses who do not respond well to an elevated level of poll pressure created by a standard gag, who tend to fight the pressure or head shake. This bit shares the pressure between the lips, tongues, bars and cheeks. By using it with a curb chain or leather curb strap you can also incorporate chin pressure.

Founder Ross Ainsley recommends this bit for young horses, with a 5” shank (short) and alternating between a leather curb strap and a wide curb chain, as it is a very kind bit and allows for them to get gradually introduced to chin pressure from the curb action.

What does Richard Tyrone have to say about the Magician Pelham? “Exceptionally good for green horses, they are not fixed so offer less resistance. If they do begin to resist the bit at all, because of the swivel action it allows the rider to constantly adjust their hands and rein position to get the horse's head back into the right shape and position.”

The shank size on a pelham directly impacts the leverage and response of the horse. A larger shank increases the leverage applied to the horse, this means that a small movement of the rider’s hands can result in a larger effect, potentially increasing the level of control. A smaller shank decreases the level of leverage applied on the horse, meaning that affect is much smaller. A shorter shank provides milder leverage, making the bit gentler and suitable for horses that do not require strong correction.

Due to its action and leverage, the 6” Shank is best suited for experienced riders who understand how to apply pressure judiciously and effectively.

Enhance the performance and comfort of this bit with the following accessories:

  • Rubber Bit Rings: Protects the corners of your horse's mouth and provides additional comfort.
  • Wide Curb Chain: Distributes pressure more evenly, offering a gentler alternative to narrower chains.
  • Leather Curb Strap: A slightly softer touch feels against your horse's skin, compared to a wide curb chain.
  • Short Cheekpieces: Help achieve the perfect fit for your horse with our shortened cheek pieces so you can have the bit sitting perfectly in your horse’s mouth.

Mouth Piece Width: 5"

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Steering difficulties, discomfort, lack of responsiveness?

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Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
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H
H.B.
Magic Bit !

This has been hands down the most impressive bit I’ve used to create an immediate change in a horse that leans or pushes its head down when stopping . It’s ideal for younger horses that have started playing and haven’t quite figured out to back off the bit . THE most useful bit I have right now !

J
J Araya
Go to Bit for schooling!

Perfect for horses that lean their head forward and need bringing up. Especially good for a horse that tends to stop on its front legs, and you need to bring the weight back through their hind quarters. Go to bit for schooling!

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Peter Webb
Wow!!!

Completely changed the way my horse stopped no longer pushing her head down just stopped with the head level , it’s a must try !!!

P
P.W.
Amazing

Had a horse that every time I went to stop would lunge it’s head down , Had a very light mouth I put this bit in and the horse stopped with head up and no issues .totally changed the horse from an average polo pony to world class .one.AMAZING.