Bombers Bits Happy Tongue Cherry Roller Pelham

Bombers Happy Tongue Cherry Roller Pelham (55mm Shank)

Anatomically Designed Comfort with Progressive Pelham Control

The Bombers Happy Tongue Cherry Roller Pelham combines three innovative design features into one highly versatile bit: the anatomically shaped Happy Tongue mouthpiece, integrated Cherry Rollers and the Bombers 55mm Pelham cheek. Together, they provide generous tongue relief, encourage relaxation through the mouth and offer refined leverage for riders requiring additional influence without resorting to a stronger mouthpiece.

Happy Tongue Mouthpiece

The Happy Tongue features a solid, ergonomically curved mouthpiece with a generous central port that creates additional space for the tongue. As rein contact is applied, pressure is distributed primarily across the bars within the interdental space while significantly reducing pressure over the tongue.

Many horses that object to conventional jointed mouthpieces appreciate the quieter, more consistent feel of the Happy Tongue, particularly those that display behaviours associated with tongue sensitivity such as head shaking, tongue evasions or inconsistent acceptance of the contact. Whilst these behaviours may indicate tongue discomfort, they should always be assessed alongside dental health, oral conformation, saddle fit and rider influence.

Cherry Rollers

The Cherry Rollers rotate freely around the mouthpiece, encouraging the horse to mouth the bit and remain relaxed. This movement provides gentle stimulation that may discourage some horses from fixing against or leaning heavily on the mouthpiece while promoting a softer, more responsive contact.

The rollers are precision manufactured and closely fitted to minimise the risk of pinching while maintaining smooth independent movement.

Understanding the Pelham 55

The Bombers Pelham 55 features the shortest shank within the Bombers Pelham range, producing the mildest leverage action of the collection.

A Pelham combines the direct action of a snaffle with the leverage of a curb bit. When ridden with two reins, the upper rein acts directly on the mouthpiece for everyday communication, while the lower curb rein introduces leverage only when additional influence is required.

As the curb rein is engaged, the lower shank rotates backwards while the upper purchase rotates forwards. This action tightens the curb chain within the chin groove, applies pressure through the cheekpieces to the poll and increases the influence of the mouthpiece. Because the Bombers Pelham has a short 55mm shank, this transition into leverage is progressive and more forgiving than longer-shank Pelham designs.

The bit is supplied complete with a curb chain and hooks and is intended to be ridden with two reins for the greatest refinement. Pelham roundings may also be used where appropriate, although they reduce the rider's ability to apply the snaffle and curb actions independently.

Key Features

• Bombers Happy Tongue solid mouthpiece.

• Anatomically curved profile with generous tongue relief.

• Cherry Rollers encourage relaxation and discourage fixation on the mouthpiece.

• 55mm Pelham shank provides the mildest leverage action within the Bombers range.

• Progressive curb action with refined communication.

• Designed for use with two reins or Pelham roundings.

• Supplied complete with curb chain and hooks.

• Manufactured from Bombers Blue Sweet Iron.

Suitable For

The Happy Tongue Cherry Roller Pelham may benefit horses that:

• Show sensitivity to tongue pressure.

• Prefer the consistent feel of a solid mouthpiece.

• Lean or fix against the rider's hand.

• Become strong in faster work while remaining comfortable in a tongue-relieving mouthpiece.

• Benefit from progressive leverage rather than a stronger curb action.

• Require additional rider influence without significantly increasing mouthpiece pressure.

Blue Sweet Iron Mouthpiece

Bombers Bits are manufactured from Blue Sweet Iron, a ferrous alloy that naturally oxidises when exposed to moisture. This oxidation creates the distinctive blue-grey finish and a naturally sweet-tasting surface that encourages many horses to salivate, promoting relaxation and acceptance of the bit.

The blue finish gradually wears with use as the mouthpiece develops its natural protective patina. This is an expected characteristic of Blue Sweet Iron and does not affect the performance of the bit.

Our Assessment

The Bombers Happy Tongue Cherry Roller Pelham demonstrates that greater control does not necessarily require a harsher mouthpiece. By combining generous tongue relief with engaging Cherry Rollers and the progressive action of the 55mm Pelham cheek, it offers riders additional influence through leverage rather than increased pressure from the mouthpiece alone.

As with all Pelham bits, the effectiveness of the design depends on sympathetic riding, correct adjustment of the curb chain and selecting the bit according to the horse's oral conformation, level of training and individual way of going. When used correctly, the Bombers Pelham 55 provides refined communication, encouraging balance, confidence and acceptance of the contact.