Bombers Bits Happy Tongue Pelham

Bombers Happy Tongue Pelham Bit

Anatomically Designed Comfort with Progressive Pelham Control

The Bombers Happy Tongue Pelham combines the anatomically designed Happy Tongue mouthpiece with the refined leverage of a traditional Pelham cheek. Designed for horses that appreciate generous tongue relief while requiring additional rider influence, it provides progressive curb action without relying on increased mouthpiece severity.

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 the 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 displaying behaviours commonly associated with tongue sensitivity, such as head shaking, tongue evasions or inconsistent acceptance of the contact. Whilst these behaviours may indicate sensitivity to tongue pressure, they should always be assessed alongside dental health, oral conformation, saddle fit and rider influence.

Understanding the Pelham

A Pelham combines the direct action of a snaffle with the leverage of a curb bit, allowing the rider to apply two distinct rein aids through a single mouthpiece.

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. Used correctly, this progressive action encourages balance, self-carriage and refined communication rather than relying solely on increased rein pressure.

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.

• Reduced tongue pressure with even pressure distribution across the bars.

• Traditional Pelham cheek provides direct and leverage rein options.

• Designed for use with two reins or Pelham roundings.

• Supplied complete with curb chain and hooks.

• Manufactured from Bomber Blue Sweet Iron.

Suitable For

The Happy Tongue Pelham may benefit horses that:

• Show sensitivity to tongue pressure.

• Prefer the consistent feel of a solid mouthpiece.

• Require additional rider influence beyond that of a snaffle.

• Benefit from refined communication using separate snaffle and curb reins.

• Need greater balance, collection or control while remaining comfortable in the contact.

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 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 Pelham demonstrates that greater control does not necessarily require a harsher mouthpiece. By combining generous tongue relief with the refined leverage of a traditional Pelham, it provides riders with additional influence through progressive curb action 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 fitted and ridden correctly, the Happy Tongue Pelham offers refined communication while promoting comfort, confidence and acceptance of the contact.