Korsteel Stainless Steel Pelham
Korsteel Stainless Steel Pelham is positioned as the rugged, cost-effective choice for polo players who need a bit that stands up to heavy use and frequent swaps between horses. Its full stainless construction gives predictable leverage and low maintenance compared with softer-mouthed options on this list, making it a financially sensible team-issue option versus premium European bits like the Neue Schule or Stubben. For polo specifically, its durability and straightforward action reduce downtime and replacement expense during a season.
Rugged stainless — arena-proof
Firm curb control — polo-ready
Rugged stainless — arena-proof
Firm curb control — polo-ready
Review Summary
"Solid, no-nonsense stainless steel Pelham at a budget price. Riders praise its durability and reliability, though the finish and hardware are basic."
Bright shine — sun magnet
Durable stainless steel construction suited to the rigors of polo
Bright shine — sun magnet
Durable stainless steel construction suited to the rigors of polo
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Korsteel Stainless Steel Pelham is positioned as the rugged, cost-effective choice for polo players who need a bit that stands up to heavy use and frequent swaps between horses. Its full stainless construction gives predictable leverage and low maintenance compared with softer-mouthed options on this list, making it a financially sensible team-issue option versus premium European bits like the Neue Schule or Stubben. For polo specifically, its durability and straightforward action reduce downtime and replacement expense during a season.
Rugged stainless — arena-proof
Firm curb control — polo-ready
Bright shine — sun magnet
Durable stainless steel construction suited to the rigors of polo
Traditional Pelham action combining snaffle and curb rings for dual-rein use
Rugged stainless — arena-proof
Firm curb control — polo-ready
Bright shine — sun magnet
Durable stainless steel construction suited to the rigors of polo
Traditional Pelham action combining snaffle and curb rings for dual-rein use
$80-120 USD
Happy Mouth Copper Roller Pelham
Happy Mouth Copper Roller Pelham offers a softer, polymer-coated mouthpiece with a copper roller that promotes salivation and acceptance, giving better contact in a fast-paced polo environment than plain metal bits. It sits in the mid-price range and combines gentler feel with the leverage of a Pelham, making it a technical compromise between the rigid Korsteel and the highly specialized Neue Schule Waterford. Players who want improved softness and acceptance without stepping up to premium German craftsmanship often favor this model for match use.
Copper roller — chew-friendly
Gentle mouthpiece — kinder cues
Copper roller — chew-friendly
Gentle mouthpiece — kinder cues
Review Summary
"Soft, horse-friendly mouthpiece with a copper roller that encourages salivation and acceptance. Users report improved comfort and responsiveness, though the thicker mouthpiece may not suit very small mouths and chewing marks can appear over time."
Promotes salivation — happy chew
Soft Happy Mouth mouthpiece with a copper roller to encourage salivation and acceptance
Promotes salivation — happy chew
Soft Happy Mouth mouthpiece with a copper roller to encourage salivation and acceptance
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Happy Mouth Copper Roller Pelham offers a softer, polymer-coated mouthpiece with a copper roller that promotes salivation and acceptance, giving better contact in a fast-paced polo environment than plain metal bits. It sits in the mid-price range and combines gentler feel with the leverage of a Pelham, making it a technical compromise between the rigid Korsteel and the highly specialized Neue Schule Waterford. Players who want improved softness and acceptance without stepping up to premium German craftsmanship often favor this model for match use.
Copper roller — chew-friendly
Gentle mouthpiece — kinder cues
Promotes salivation — happy chew
Soft Happy Mouth mouthpiece with a copper roller to encourage salivation and acceptance
Combined snaffle and curb action offers responsive turning and braking
Copper roller — chew-friendly
Gentle mouthpiece — kinder cues
Promotes salivation — happy chew
Soft Happy Mouth mouthpiece with a copper roller to encourage salivation and acceptance
Combined snaffle and curb action offers responsive turning and braking
$120-180 USD
Neue Schule Waterford Pelham
Neue Schule Waterford Pelham is the technical leader on this list, featuring a Waterford-style mouthpiece that minimizes bearing and allows independent action across the bars—ideal for experienced polo riders needing precise, subtle control. Its advanced metallurgy and refined mechanics command a premium price but deliver clearer communication and reduced pinching compared with traditional Tom Thumb or stainless designs, making it a top choice when performance and horse comfort justify the investment. Compared with the softer Happy Mouth or the budget-friendly Centaur, Neue Schule offers the highest-level technical refinement for competitive polo.
Many links — nibble-friendly
Diffused pressure — softer contact
Many links — nibble-friendly
Diffused pressure — softer contact
Review Summary
"High-end Waterford mouth that breaks into many links to avoid nutcracker pressure, favored for responsiveness and comfort by many riders. Expensive and requires careful adjustment; some horses react poorly if used incorrectly."
Ultra flexible — wiggle approved
Waterford mouthpiece provides a flexible, broken contact that disperses pressure
Ultra flexible — wiggle approved
Waterford mouthpiece provides a flexible, broken contact that disperses pressure
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Neue Schule Waterford Pelham is the technical leader on this list, featuring a Waterford-style mouthpiece that minimizes bearing and allows independent action across the bars—ideal for experienced polo riders needing precise, subtle control. Its advanced metallurgy and refined mechanics command a premium price but deliver clearer communication and reduced pinching compared with traditional Tom Thumb or stainless designs, making it a top choice when performance and horse comfort justify the investment. Compared with the softer Happy Mouth or the budget-friendly Centaur, Neue Schule offers the highest-level technical refinement for competitive polo.
Many links — nibble-friendly
Diffused pressure — softer contact
Ultra flexible — wiggle approved
Waterford mouthpiece provides a flexible, broken contact that disperses pressure
Premium construction delivers precise curb and snaffle responsiveness for advanced riders
Many links — nibble-friendly
Diffused pressure — softer contact
Ultra flexible — wiggle approved
Waterford mouthpiece provides a flexible, broken contact that disperses pressure
Premium construction delivers precise curb and snaffle responsiveness for advanced riders
$300-500 USD
Stubben Golden Wings Pelham
Stubben Golden Wings Pelham represents legacy German craftsmanship with a focus on balanced leverage and lip/poll relief, offering a refined feel and stable head carriage valued in polo for consistent steering at speed. It is often priced alongside other premium European bits but differentiates itself with durable hardware and ergonomic wing design that many riders find steadier than simpler Tom Thumb styles. For teams or riders prioritizing long-term reliability and a polished finish, Stubben sits above mass-market choices while still offering robust performance for match play.
Ported relief — tongue room
Winged cheeks — steady lateral
Ported relief — tongue room
Winged cheeks — steady lateral
Review Summary
"Classic, well-made Pelham with a balanced action and polished finish; praised for durability and reliability in heavy use. Heavier and pricier than basic Pelhams but considered a long-lasting choice."
Brass accents — regal wink
Golden Wings cheekpieces give stable contact and consistent curb leverage
Brass accents — regal wink
Golden Wings cheekpieces give stable contact and consistent curb leverage
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Stubben Golden Wings Pelham represents legacy German craftsmanship with a focus on balanced leverage and lip/poll relief, offering a refined feel and stable head carriage valued in polo for consistent steering at speed. It is often priced alongside other premium European bits but differentiates itself with durable hardware and ergonomic wing design that many riders find steadier than simpler Tom Thumb styles. For teams or riders prioritizing long-term reliability and a polished finish, Stubben sits above mass-market choices while still offering robust performance for match play.
Ported relief — tongue room
Winged cheeks — steady lateral
Brass accents — regal wink
Golden Wings cheekpieces give stable contact and consistent curb leverage
High-quality stainless steel and ergonomic mouthpiece for comfortable fit
Ported relief — tongue room
Winged cheeks — steady lateral
Brass accents — regal wink
Golden Wings cheekpieces give stable contact and consistent curb leverage
High-quality stainless steel and ergonomic mouthpiece for comfortable fit
$220-350 USD
Centaur Stainless Steel Tom Thumb Pelham
Centaur Stainless Steel Tom Thumb Pelham is the budget-oriented option tailored to polo where frequent bit loss or damage makes economical replacements necessary; its Tom Thumb joint gives quick response and straightforward leverage at a lower price point than the Korsteel or Stubben. While it lacks the specialized mouthpiece technology of the Neue Schule or the comfort features of the Happy Mouth, Centaur’s model delivers predictable, affordable Pelham action suitable for training and club-level matches where cost efficiency is a priority. Teams outfitting multiple ponies often choose this for its balance of functionality and low upfront cost.
Short shank leverage — quick aid
Tom Thumb action — tongue lift
Short shank leverage — quick aid
Tom Thumb action — tongue lift
Review Summary
"Affordable stainless steel Tom Thumb Pelham that performs as expected for stronger horses, though the nutcracker action can feel harsh in inexperienced hands. Good value for occasional use but less refined than premium options."
Economy stainless — budget sparkle
Compact Tom Thumb mouthpiece delivers quick poll pressure and added leverage
Economy stainless — budget sparkle
Compact Tom Thumb mouthpiece delivers quick poll pressure and added leverage
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
Centaur Stainless Steel Tom Thumb Pelham is the budget-oriented option tailored to polo where frequent bit loss or damage makes economical replacements necessary; its Tom Thumb joint gives quick response and straightforward leverage at a lower price point than the Korsteel or Stubben. While it lacks the specialized mouthpiece technology of the Neue Schule or the comfort features of the Happy Mouth, Centaur’s model delivers predictable, affordable Pelham action suitable for training and club-level matches where cost efficiency is a priority. Teams outfitting multiple ponies often choose this for its balance of functionality and low upfront cost.
Short shank leverage — quick aid
Tom Thumb action — tongue lift
Economy stainless — budget sparkle
Compact Tom Thumb mouthpiece delivers quick poll pressure and added leverage
Stainless steel build balances affordability with durability for field use
Short shank leverage — quick aid
Tom Thumb action — tongue lift
Economy stainless — budget sparkle
Compact Tom Thumb mouthpiece delivers quick poll pressure and added leverage
Stainless steel build balances affordability with durability for field use
$70-120 USD