Korsteel Stainless Steel Tom Thumb Pelham
The Korsteel Stainless Steel Tom Thumb Pelham is a best-in-class budget-friendly short-shank Pelham that delivers mild leverage and low-maintenance corrosion resistance, ideal where minimal poll action is desired. Compared with the longer-shank or more technical bits in this list, Korsteel stands out financially as the most accessible option while still providing predictable, gentle mechanical advantage for training or everyday use.
Rustproof strength
Tom-thumb action
Rustproof strength
Tom-thumb action
Review Summary
"A budget-friendly, durable stainless steel Tom Thumb with short shanks that deliver predictable, relatively mild leverage; buyers praise the value and longevity but note it is a bit heavier and more utilitarian in finish than higher-end bits."
Budget-friendly grin
Short Tom Thumb shank delivers mild, quick leverage suitable for schooling and responsive steering.
Budget-friendly grin
Short Tom Thumb shank delivers mild, quick leverage suitable for schooling and responsive steering.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Korsteel Stainless Steel Tom Thumb Pelham is a best-in-class budget-friendly short-shank Pelham that delivers mild leverage and low-maintenance corrosion resistance, ideal where minimal poll action is desired. Compared with the longer-shank or more technical bits in this list, Korsteel stands out financially as the most accessible option while still providing predictable, gentle mechanical advantage for training or everyday use.
Rustproof strength
Tom-thumb action
Budget-friendly grin
Short Tom Thumb shank delivers mild, quick leverage suitable for schooling and responsive steering.
Stainless-steel construction is durable, low-maintenance and resistant to rust.
Rustproof strength
Tom-thumb action
Budget-friendly grin
Short Tom Thumb shank delivers mild, quick leverage suitable for schooling and responsive steering.
Stainless-steel construction is durable, low-maintenance and resistant to rust.
$60-120 USD
Shires Blenheim Leather Pelham
The Shires Blenheim Leather Pelham pairs traditional Pelham leverage with leather-covered cheeks for quieter, less intrusive contact and a mid-range shank length that balances curb and poll effects. It occupies the middle of the price and comfort spectrum compared with the Korsteel's economy stainless design and the Neue Schule's high-tech options, offering good value for riders seeking a softer feel without sacrificing standard Pelham leverage.
Soft leather bite
Classic elegance
Soft leather bite
Classic elegance
Review Summary
"Leather-covered Blenheim Pelham with a comfortable cheekpiece and curb pad that many riders find attractive and softer in contact; users like the classic look and feel but warn the shanks can feel long for some horses and the leather needs maintenance."
Balanced leverage smile
Leather-covered shanks reduce pinching and soften the bit’s feel on the horse’s cheeks.
Balanced leverage smile
Leather-covered shanks reduce pinching and soften the bit’s feel on the horse’s cheeks.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Shires Blenheim Leather Pelham pairs traditional Pelham leverage with leather-covered cheeks for quieter, less intrusive contact and a mid-range shank length that balances curb and poll effects. It occupies the middle of the price and comfort spectrum compared with the Korsteel's economy stainless design and the Neue Schule's high-tech options, offering good value for riders seeking a softer feel without sacrificing standard Pelham leverage.
Soft leather bite
Classic elegance
Balanced leverage smile
Leather-covered shanks reduce pinching and soften the bit’s feel on the horse’s cheeks.
Mid-length shanks provide moderate leverage ideal for balanced control without being harsh.
Soft leather bite
Classic elegance
Balanced leverage smile
Leather-covered shanks reduce pinching and soften the bit’s feel on the horse’s cheeks.
Mid-length shanks provide moderate leverage ideal for balanced control without being harsh.
$140-240 USD
Neue Schule Verbindend Pelham
The Neue Schule Verbindend Pelham is the technical leader on the list, engineered to refine how curb and poll forces are distributed and available in carefully calibrated shank lengths to let riders dial leverage precisely. Though typically at a premium price versus Korsteel, Shires and Metalab, its advanced mouthpiece geometry and connection system reduce nutcracker action and give the most nuanced, adjustable leverage for sensitive or performance horses.
Flexible comfort
Refined signals
Flexible comfort
Refined signals
Review Summary
"Neue Schule's Verbindend Pelham is praised as a premium, anatomically shaped option offering balanced leverage and a noticeably gentler, more responsive feel than traditional metal bits; reviewers highlight excellent fit and durability despite the higher price."
Low-profile charm
Precision-engineered shanks offer predictable, consistent leverage ratios for refined communication.
Low-profile charm
Precision-engineered shanks offer predictable, consistent leverage ratios for refined communication.
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
The Neue Schule Verbindend Pelham is the technical leader on the list, engineered to refine how curb and poll forces are distributed and available in carefully calibrated shank lengths to let riders dial leverage precisely. Though typically at a premium price versus Korsteel, Shires and Metalab, its advanced mouthpiece geometry and connection system reduce nutcracker action and give the most nuanced, adjustable leverage for sensitive or performance horses.
Flexible comfort
Refined signals
Low-profile charm
Precision-engineered shanks offer predictable, consistent leverage ratios for refined communication.
Modern, ergonomic mouthpiece options help reduce pressure points and improve horse comfort.
Flexible comfort
Refined signals
Low-profile charm
Precision-engineered shanks offer predictable, consistent leverage ratios for refined communication.
Modern, ergonomic mouthpiece options help reduce pressure points and improve horse comfort.
$450-650 USD
Stubben Golden Wings Pelham
The Stubben Golden Wings Pelham is a classic, German-made option known for refined craftsmanship and consistent shank geometry that provides predictable, traditional leverage suitable for competition and saleability. It sits above basic stainless options on cost and build quality and offers a reliable compromise between Neue Schule's technical finesse and Metalab's antique, heavier leverage profile.
Tongue relief
Subtle leverage
Tongue relief
Subtle leverage
Review Summary
"Stubben Golden Wings Pelham is noted for high-quality construction and medium-length shanks that give predictable leverage and good balance; users value the finish and consistent performance but mention it is a pricier choice."
Golden flair
Classic winged cheek design stabilizes the bit and prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth.
Golden flair
Classic winged cheek design stabilizes the bit and prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Stubben Golden Wings Pelham is a classic, German-made option known for refined craftsmanship and consistent shank geometry that provides predictable, traditional leverage suitable for competition and saleability. It sits above basic stainless options on cost and build quality and offers a reliable compromise between Neue Schule's technical finesse and Metalab's antique, heavier leverage profile.
Tongue relief
Subtle leverage
Golden flair
Classic winged cheek design stabilizes the bit and prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth.
Medium-length shanks give a balanced purchase and curb action for riders seeking controlled leverage.
Tongue relief
Subtle leverage
Golden flair
Classic winged cheek design stabilizes the bit and prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth.
Medium-length shanks give a balanced purchase and curb action for riders seeking controlled leverage.
$250-420 USD
Metalab Antique Pelham with Curb Chain
The Metalab Antique Pelham with Curb Chain emphasizes old‑world aesthetics and a heavier, often longer shank that produces stronger leverage and a pronounced curb effect for riders seeking traditional authority. Financially and technically it tends to be more accessible than cutting‑edge designs like Neue Schule while delivering a rawer, more forceful mechanical advantage than the Korsteel or Shires pieces, making it a go-to for styling and stronger curb action.
Vintage feel
Heavy curb action
Vintage feel
Heavy curb action
Review Summary
"Metalab Antique Pelham with curb chain is admired for its attractive antique finish and solid build, offering good value and reliable function; some buyers report the finish can rub off over long use and the included curb chain quality is variable."
Chain curb classic
Antique-style finish gives a traditional look favored in show and classical disciplines.
Chain curb classic
Antique-style finish gives a traditional look favored in show and classical disciplines.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Metalab Antique Pelham with Curb Chain emphasizes old‑world aesthetics and a heavier, often longer shank that produces stronger leverage and a pronounced curb effect for riders seeking traditional authority. Financially and technically it tends to be more accessible than cutting‑edge designs like Neue Schule while delivering a rawer, more forceful mechanical advantage than the Korsteel or Shires pieces, making it a go-to for styling and stronger curb action.
Vintage feel
Heavy curb action
Chain curb classic
Antique-style finish gives a traditional look favored in show and classical disciplines.
Typically offered in longer shank options to produce stronger leverage and more pronounced curb effect.
Vintage feel
Heavy curb action
Chain curb classic
Antique-style finish gives a traditional look favored in show and classical disciplines.
Typically offered in longer shank options to produce stronger leverage and more pronounced curb effect.
$120-220 USD