Aimed towards horses that require more precise control the rubber pelham offers a mild mouthpiece.  The rubber straight mouthpiece offers consistent pressure across the horse's tongue and bars, while encouraging chewing and increasing salivation, which helps to relax the jaw.  Pelham bits allow more precise control by mimicking the effects of both a snaffle and curb bit.

Pelham bits are designed to be used with two reins, the snaffle reins are attached at the mouthpiece, while the curb rein is attached at the lower ring.  Then again, a single rein may be used with a bit converter.