The best grackle bridles (also known as figure-of-eight or cross-over bridles) are designed to help prevent the horse from crossing its jaw or opening its mouth. This type of noseband is a variation of the flash. The grackle applies pressure more evenly over a larger area than a flash when the horse evades and allows more room around the nostrils.

If you want to switch to a grackle noseband, you can either buy a complete grackle bridle or the noseband on its own. If you’re buying a single noseband, it’s best to select leatherwork as similar as possible to the rest of your bridle. If you’re buying a new bridle, be aware that many don’t come with a pair of the best reins included, but matching ones are usually available separately.

Best grackle bridles: H&H’s quick guide

Best grackle bridle for the perfect fit: Henry James Saddlery Mexican

Best value grackle bridle: Eco Rider Freedom

Best premium grackle bridle: Antares Origin

Best grackle bridles

Types of grackle bridles

There are two types of grackle bridles – the English and the Mexican, which is sometimes known as the American or high-ring grackle.

The English is fitted with the upper strap of the noseband just below the cheekbones, while the upper strap of the Mexican is fitted higher up the head and has a softer action. The lower strap of both types fastens below the bit.

How to fit a grackle bridle

• The central pad on the noseband of any grackle bridle should sit as high as possible
• When fitting a Mexican grackle bridle, the top rings on the noseband should sit above the projecting cheek bone, with the top straps fastening around the upper jaw
• When fitting an English grackle bridle, the top straps of the noseband should sit underneath the cheek bone
• The lower strap on all grackle bridles should sit comfortably in the chin groove
• If the bridle has buckle fastenings on either side of the face, ideally they should be fastened on the same hole on both sides
• As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit one finger easily between the horse’s face and the noseband to enable the horse to relax its jaw

• For unlimited access to the latest product news, buying guides and reviews, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

8 bitless bridles to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

New tack rules in British Showjumping (BS) have caused debate among riders.

On 6 March the governing body announced that following a recent national sports committee meeting, amendments had been made to the tack and equipment rules. Cheltenham gags with roundings and Stephens continental hackamores are no longer permitted with immediate effect – and other bits including the Beris Mullen Comfort Tandem, hammerhead spurs and bridle clips, are among items to be banned from 1 April.

The announcement generated discussion on social media around the notice period – and the reasoning behind the changes. Some riders said they had recently bought bridles with clips or bits that are no longer permitted; others raised concerns about having to find a new bit to suit a particular horse at short notice.

Rider Derek Morton told H&H he believes riders should have more input into rule changes.

“There doesn’t seem to be any sort of discussion with the membership, we don’t know where the root of these changes is coming from. If it’s welfare related, that’s fair enough and would give us a bit more of an understanding, but it just seems to be random things coming out of the blue,” he said.

“It’s like with everything, spurs and bits can be as soft or hard as you want depending who is using them – with a Cheltenham gag, it’s softer with the roundings than having two reins, so I don’t understand where these ideas have come from. Then if you look at FEI competition, it’s a completely different set of rules.”

Shirley Light of Brendon Stud questioned why certain bits have been banned

“I’m not a lover of bridle clips because I’ve seen too many horses put their heads down to rub their head on their front leg and undo the clip – but when it comes to the bits, some of the ones listed are very well made, with good materials and mechanisms, and I can’t understand why they’ve banned them,” Shirley told H&H.

“I’ve got a six-year-old that goes beautifully in the Bomber Happy Tongue Hybrid, and now I have two weeks to find a different bit for him. Unless there’s an extreme reason behind it, rules should be brought on 1 January.”

On 13 March BS issued “clarification”, stating that members are “encouraged to review the clarification” to ensure they are fully up to date with the latest guidance before competing.

In this update, BS confirmed that rope nosebands are not permitted, only one noseband may be worn in competition, and horses may compete without a noseband. The document states that any bit with adjustable mechanisms is not permitted, clips are not allowed on a bridle, with the exception of the throatlash – and further information has been provided around hackamores; this includes that no metal may be inserted in the nose piece, padding or sheepskin, cheeks may not exceed 17cm and the back strap of the hackamore must be made of leather.

H&H has contacted BS for comment.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Information shared in new showjumping concussion suspension rule: ‘We have to protect riders’

Places to stay if you’re heading to Addington for the Winter Dressage Champs or Blue Chips

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

New research has shown promise around noseband tightness in dressage – but that stress behaviour increases with competition level and judges are not penalising it.

In a study, published in Animals, Czech researchers aimed to assess whether noseband tightness at national competitions would influence how horses “express stress”. But when nearly all of the more than 200 evaluated combinations were found to have correctly fitted nosebands, measured with the FEI tool, the researchers looked at equine stress behaviours across the levels from elementary to grand prix. Noseband type, bridle choice and scores were also considered.

The research found that stress-related behaviours increased with test difficulty; at lower levels, horses showed a wider range of behaviours including mouth opening, tail swishing, behind-the-vertical posture or reluctance. At higher levels, horses showed fewer types of behaviours but more frequently, and mouth-related responses became dominant. Other findings included that horses showed more conflict behaviours in double bridles than snaffles, and from medium level upwards, judges’ scores did not reflect the amount of stress-behaviour shown.

Lead author Simona Fialová of the Brno University of Technology told H&H there were “several important” surprises.

“The disconnect between stress and judging above medium level was striking. Even when horses showed high levels of conflict behaviour – over 70% of the test at grand prix – scores remained unaffected,” she said.

“Perhaps most interesting was the strong effect of noseband style at lower levels; horses ridden with a Swedish crank noseband (with leverage buckles) showed significantly fewer mouth-related issues compared with a plain English cavesson and flash. This deserves deeper investigation, because the reason may relate to pressure distribution.”

Ms Fialová said the findings are consistent with earlier studies showing that technical difficulty and more complex movements “tend to increase stress behaviours” – and that this research “contributed something new”.

“We provide a large set of data across six national levels, demonstrating how the expression of stress narrows as horses progress upward. We also show a remarkably high level of compliance with FEI noseband rules, which has not been documented clearly before,” she said.

“We also want to highlight the practical challenges judges face. At levels like grand prix, where they must count steps, tempi changes and pirouette rotations, their attention is understandably drawn to technical execution rather than welfare-related behaviour. This suggests the potential value of a dedicated harmony or welfare-focused mark.”

• Read the full study

Danish vet and leading animal welfare researcher Mette Uldahl told H&H this was a “thought-provoking” study.

“While noseband tightness is central to the research question, the findings reinforce something that has been shown repeatedly: discipline and level significantly influence the horse’s lived experience under saddle,” she said.

“Across studies, horses competing at higher dressage levels consistently display increased reactivity, more conflict behaviours and more frequent open-mouth behaviour compared to those at lower levels.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Intro to grand prix: Horse & Hound’s essential guide to dressage levels

New double bridle research backs up the need to give riders choice across the levels

People – not double bridles – are the issue, says study, as education for riders is key

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Showjumper James Smith credits a bridle bought in 1986 for helping him win the winter grand prix at Aintree International Equestrian Centre.

The 33-year-old rider had been struggling to find a bridle that suited 14-year-old stallion Tayvale Hunky Dory, but showjumper-turned-coach Alan Fazakerley stepped in to help at last weekend’s Winter Classic II show (22-25 January).

“We’ve been messing around with Hunky Dory’s bridle and Alan had a hackamore in his car that he bought in 1986,” explained James of the four-decades-old tack, made before he was even born.

“We’d not been able to get one to sit right and he set this one up differently and Hunky Dory was riding much better in it.”

Grand prix victory

James Smith ended up winning the grand prix with the prolific British-bred son of Balou Du Rouet, also finishing second with nine-year-old mare Astrade Z, with whom he’d won the previous winter grand prix at Kelsall Hill a fortnight earlier.

“The mare is naturally quite fast, so I didn’t do anything too mad on her, and when I went in on the stallion I basically did the same route, but took one less stride to the last, which is what made the difference,” said James, who came from final draw with Tayvale Hunky Dory.

“The line to the double was difficult, you had to come round the last fence and it gave you a chance not to be square. I ended up with a good shot to it, you were turning back towards people, which could back them off a bit.”

James’s winning streak at Aintree also incorporated the SEIB winter novice championship qualifier with Dan IV and a 1.30m open riding the 10-year-old Dominican 2000 Z.

Read the full report from Aintree International EC and the rest of this week’s national action, in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, in the shops Thursday, 5 February.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

Olympic silver medallist says last-minute swap from bit to hackamore is key to success

Scott Brash lands a grand prix double – again! ‘These results are many years of hard work from a lot of people behind the scenes’

Exciting new chapter for Harry Charles with the return of a top horse and a ‘very cool’ new ride

‘Showing the world what’s possible’: teenage rider showjumps bridleless – and has big dreams

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Are you looking for a new bridle? We have seen these great Black Friday deals at Redpost Equestrian for 30% off Finesse bridles.

The Finesse bridle range has been designed with the horse’s wellbeing in mind. These anatomical bridles offer the ultimate comfort by eliminating pressure points and avoiding sensitive areas on the face. They are scientifically proven to make a difference in your horse’s comfort and performance. They are made with a unique headpiece that carefully distributes and reduces pressure. Their innovative padding, which is inspired by hospital mattress technology is designed to prevent pressure sores in bed-bound patients. Instead of memory foam, the bridle uses a specialised fibre material that ensures consistent blood flow in key contact areas.

Finesse bridle Black Friday deals

You might also like…

Best Cyber Monday equestrian deals 2025, 50 hand-picked deals by our experts and horse owners

6 pairs of winter riding gloves you can snap up for less than £30 this Black Friday

7 pairs of the best wellies we’ve tried, tested and approved

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

In the right hands, one of the best double bridles allows for more subtle, refined aids – helping with lighter corrections and greater collection. That’s why they’re usually used in advanced flatwork, especially dressage and showing. But while both disciplines use doubles, the bridles themselves can look quite different.

For showing, the style is plain and traditional – think brown leather, flat cavesson, and hunter-style reins. Dressage riders tend to go for black leather, anatomical headpieces, padding, and often a touch of bling on the browband.

Most doubles don’t include the two bits (a Weymouth and a bridoon), though many do come with two sets of reins – if your chosen one doesn’t, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best reins, too. And if you’re not quite ready to commit to a new bridle, it may be possible to convert a cavesson snaffle with a sliphead (like this one) for the bridoon.

Best double bridles H&H’s quick guide

Best premium dressage double bridle: Fairfax Double Bridle

Best value double bridle for dressage: LeMieux Kudos Double Bridle

Best premium showing double bridle: Vortex Danbury Double Bridle

Best budget double bridle: Mackey Classic Double Bridle

• Significant investment, doesn’t include reins

• Reins are not included, so you’ll need to budget for them separately

• Reins are sold separately

• No anatomical shaping or padding for sensitive types

• High price makes it more of an investment piece, reins not included

• Only available in two sizes

• Reins are sold separately

• Leather isn’t as supple as more premium options

• Simpler build and fewer anatomical features than premium doubles

Are double bridles harsh?

They can be – but used correctly they shouldn’t be. A double bridle should be giving you more precision, not more power. It’s all about the rider’s hands. In the right setup and with quiet, educated aids, it can actually give a lighter connection. But if used too soon, or with heavy hands, it can absolutely cause discomfort or confusion. A double bridle is a tool for experienced riders and well-schooled horses – not a shortcut.

What’s the most gentle bridle for a horse?

At the end of the day, it’s the one that fits properly, doesn’t create pressure in the wrong places, and is paired with soft hands. For most horses, that’s usually a simple snaffle with a padded, well-fitting headpiece and a plain cavesson noseband. Some of the newer anatomical bridles are designed to reduce pressure around sensitive areas like the poll and facial nerves, which can make a noticeable difference – especially for horses that tend to fuss in the contact.

When should you start using a double bridle?

Once your horse is going confidently in a snaffle and you’re looking for more refinement and collection. In British Dressage, doubles are allowed from elementary level, but whether you use one is completely up to you – plenty of riders choose to stay in a snaffle all the way to grand prix.

In showing, it depends on the class. Either way, your horse should already be soft, balanced, and accepting of the contact – the double should fine-tune the conversation, not complicate it. If you’re unsure, have a go with a trainer first. It’s not something to rush.

You might also like:

New double bridle research backs up the need to give riders choice across the levels

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

New double bridle rule proposed for international dressage alongside making judges’ comments public

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Horses can show conflict behaviours in both double bridles and snaffles during dressage tests – as new research backs up the need to give riders choice.

In a study published in Animals, researchers from Aberystwyth University and the University of Portsmouth, looked at the effects of bridle type – double versus snaffle – on equine behaviour at competitions. The researchers assessed 135 tests, filmed at two British Dressage (BD) competitions, from elementary to intermediate I level. Of the 135 tests, 70 were ridden in doubles and 65 in snaffles.

• Read the full study

An ethogram was used to assess the horses’ behaviour throughout the tests; on average horses spent 27.4% of the test showing conflict state behaviours – and there was mouth opening in all tests. Tail swishing was seen in 86.7% of horses, on average every eight seconds, 69.6% tossed their heads and 50.4% were seen lip smacking.

The study highlighted different behaviours between bridle type: head tilting and tossing, tripping and low levels of tail swishing were similar across competition levels for the double bridle – but increased with competition level in snaffles. Mouth opening and tongue and jaw exposure were higher at lower competition levels for double bridles, but increased at higher competition levels for the snaffle and double. The researchers said the results showed ”multi-faceted interaction between bridle type, inferred rider skill level and riding style”.

The researchers added that the “high prevalence of conflict behaviours at dressage competitions reported here and in other studies raises potential welfare concerns”.

“It particularly raises the question of why, when this has previously been well documented by the scientific community and relayed to the governing body of the sport, these high levels of stress-related behaviours are still being observed across all levels of dressage competition,” they said.

Lead author Rifka Faithfull told H&H this work provides information on what is happening in the test environment – and at home.

“It gives us an idea of what’s happening in the training of the horse, because the test is a snapshot of that moment in time, but also a reflection of the horse’s experience outside the test,” she said.

Ms Faithfull added that the way the conflict behaviours were recorded in the study, by recording behaviour “transient events” and “continuous states” – or both, meant higher volumes of behaviours were recorded than some methods used by other researchers.

“But we feel it’s more representative of the actual amount of behaviours occurring. It’s not just whether or not a behaviour is happening, it’s a measure of how much it is occurring,” she said.

“The key takeaway is the complex interaction between the different components – there’s no clear-cut ‘one bridle type is more or less related to negative welfare than the other’.”

This backs up a study by Russell MacKechnie-Guire and Rachel Murray that found double bridles are not an issue in themselves – but education on their use was key to continuing to improve equine welfare (news, 1 May)

Co-author Sebastian McBride added: “There are good and bad ways to ride with a double bridle. A lot of that seems to come down to rider ability, in riding and knowledge about the tack they are using and its impact on the horse.

“Giving people the option to ride with the bridle they are most educated with will hopefully lead to people using the right tack for them. That might be horse dependent; some get on better with a snaffle and some with a double, and again that maybe reflects a lot of their training experience.”

Double bridles are optional in national competitions and BD chief executive Jason Brautigam told H&H: “We welcome all scientific research that aims to advance our collective understanding on these vitally important topics, but as this study notes these are complex issues, and the results can be open to interpretation. There are many factors that contribute to how a horse reacts in a competition environment, so it’s important that we do not equate all of these different observed actions as ‘conflict behaviours’ when their responses may vary in each case.

“We are working closely with experts from across the equestrian community to build a better consensus on all horse welfare matters, from equine ethnography to tack and equipment, and we remain fully committed to upholding the highest standards of horse care and well-being in our sport.”

The FEI told H&H it has not had the opportunity to review the paper, but it will be discussed with the veterinary committee in September and “brought to the attention of the groups involved in the FEI equine welfare action plan”.

“The FEI welcomes all new research that can contribute to the continuous improvement of horse welfare standards, which remains a top priority for our organisation,” he said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

New double bridle rule proposed for international dressage alongside making judges’ comments public

The double bridle debate – the facts, the opinions… and the politics

Double bridles create less pressure than snaffles in elite dressage horses, research finds

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Double bridles could become optional at international CDI3* competitions in an “important step in gathering data and evaluating choice”.

The suggestion has been included in the FEI’s first draft of proposed rule changes for 2026, published on 8 July. The double bridle debate has continued in recent years, as some call for it to be made optional at all levels – and others argue that it tests rider skill at the top level.

Currently double bridles are optional up to CDI2*. At the FEI Sports Forum the dressage strategic action planning working group discussed holding a trial of giving riders a choice on double bridles up to and including CDI3* grand prix (news, 10 April). The FEI has taken this a step further by submitting the rule change; if approved, a snaffle would be permitted up to and including three-star competitions.

“The dressage technical committee (DTC) and the working group have considered the level of expertise required to use the double bridle and conclude that the choice of using either a snaffle or double bridle at grand prix level should be permitted up to and including CDI3* and CDIO3* events,” said an FEI spokesperson.

“While the DTC remains of the opinion that using the double bridle at top level is not a welfare issue, we also believe that this proposed rule change would be an important step in gathering further data and evaluating the choice of bridles from an athlete and officials’ perspective.”

The FEI spokesperson added that as part of the full dressage rules revision scheduled for 2026, an item “under consideration” is to no longer permit double bridles for juniors at junior events and championships. Were this to be brought forward and approved by the general assembly, it would apply from 1 January 2027.

Another proposal includes the introduction of “paperless judging”, put forward by the International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC), in which the electronic judges’ sheets would be made available after the competition – unless a rider asks for them to be kept private.

The FEI said the DTC is “in principle, supportive of this proposal as an initiative that may enhance transparency and understanding of the sport” – but it has been deferred to the full rules revision in 2026.

“The DTC suggests that there should first be consultation with the International Dressage Riders Club and International Dressage Trainers Club, and following this consultation, the proposal could be trialled on a pilot basis at selected events,” said the FEI spokesperson, adding that the DTC agrees riders should have the option to choose whether their test comments are made public.

The IDOC has also submitted that movements specifically to assess suppleness and self-carriage should be added to big tour tests and this would “put more emphasis on the correct training, according to the scales of training, contributing to the welfare of the horse”. The DTC said it was in “full agreement” with this.

“The DTC believes that, for this purpose, a group of specialists should be assembled, in order to achieve the best possible solution,” said the FEI spokesperson, adding that there would be no change in the rules wording, but tests would be updated.

National federations have until 26 August to give feedback on the proposals. A final draft will be published in October, and this will be put to the vote at the FEI General Assembly on 7 November.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Optional double bridles and judges’ alert buttons among measures proposed in dressage

FEI sets out next steps as dressage seeks to restore public’s trust

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best anatomical bridles, much like anatomical girths, are specifically designed to work with the horse’s anatomy. The goal of these bridles is to enhance your horse’s comfort and freedom of movement, ultimately promoting their overall wellbeing.

If you’re looking for a new anatomical bridle we’ve rounded up a selection to help you decide which style is most suitable for your horse.

Best anatomical bridles: H&H’s quick guide

Best premium anatomical bridle: Fairfax Snaffle

Best value anatomical bridle: Shires Velociti Lusso Dressage Flash

Best anatomical bridle without a flash: Wow FreeSpace Snaffle

Best anatomical bridles

Fairfax Snaffle Bridle

Colours: Black or light havana

Sizes: Standard (cob/full) or large (full/extra-full)

Reasons to buy

• Each component is interchangeable allowing you to get the perfect fit
• Scientifically tested

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point, however backed by scientific pressure testing

This bridle has undergone rigorous scientific pressure testing and been proven to improve freedom of movement. The design removes pressure and discomfort at the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), and every component of the bridle is interchangeable to help you get the perfect fit.

If you already have a Fairfax bridle, and don’t need to buy a whole new one, you can simply change of noseband or browband. Also available as a double bridle.

Shires Velociti Lusso Dressage Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana

Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• A great bridle for everyday use
• Smart enough for competitions
• Wide, cushioned noseband for comfort

Reasons to avoid

• You don’t want a flash

This Shires bridle has a padded noseband to cushion and help distribute pressure, while the three-part freedom-fit headpiece has a cutaway design that gives a greater spread of pressure to create a less restricted feeling.

Wow FreeSpace Snaffle Bridle

Colours: Black or dark brown

Sizes: 0, 1, 2 or 3

Reasons to buy

• Soft, adjustable padding on headpiece
• Only has three areas of contact
• Noseband design allows for natural jaw movement

Reasons to avoid

• Higher price point, but it offers plenty of adjustment allowing for a comfortable fit

Designed for ultimate comfort with no pressure on facial nerves, blood vessels, TMJ or the poll. This bridle features an anatomical headpiece with soft, adjustable padding and only three areas of contact for a kinder fit.

The innovative noseband allows for natural jaw movement. Easy to use buckles for quick adjustments with customisable browband and noseband to suit your style. Also available as a double bridle.

Mackey Legend Athena Bridle

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: Cob or full

Reasons to buy

• Ergonomic noseband with removable flash strap
• Wide, shaped and padded headpiece
• Reins included

Reasons to avoid

• Limited size range

This bridle has a wide padded headpiece that has been cut away around the ears. The padded noseband has been designed to reduce pressure with a removable, wide-set flash strap. Reins are included and the headpiece is also available separately.

Horseware Micklem Competition Bridle

Colours: Dark Havana or black

Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse, large horse or large cob

Reasons to buy

• Made from a soft and supple leather
• Noseband prevents breathing restriction

Reasons to avoid

• Separate parts not available

Designed to comfortably fit the shape of the skull and avoid pressure on sensitive areas, this show quality Horseware bridle is made from hand finished leather with improved soft padding on the headpiece, browband, noseband and cheekpieces.

It comes with tongue protection bit clips and two sets of bit straps. Reins are sometimes included, so double check before purchase. Check out other Micklem bridle options.

Collegiate ComFiTec Opulux Padded Dressage Bridle

Colours: Black

Sizes: Cob, full or warmblood

Reasons to buy

• Adjustable noseband and throat lash on both sides for maximum adjustability
• Anatomical headpiece

Reasons to avoid

• Only available in black

Made from high quality European leather, this bridle has an anatomical and padded headpiece that is shaped around the ears to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably. Padded crank noseband with a removable flash. Reins sold separately.

Rhinegold Softee Padded Leather Pro-Anatomical Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana

Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Reins included
• Soft padded design for improved comfort

Reasons to avoid

• Noseband style might not suit your horse

This super-soft leather bridle has a fully padded leather crown that is shaped around the ears for comfort. The noseband and browband are also padded, and it’s shaped around the cheekbones to eliminate pressure points. Reins included.

Bliss Allegro Bridle

Colours: Black with white padding or cocoa with white padding

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Made from English leather
• Anatomical headpiece for comfort and fit
• Available in crank or traditional noseband fittings

Reasons to avoid

• Contrasting white pad might not suit your style

An English leather bridle with a wide patent noseband (crank or traditional fastening) and contrasting pad. Features an anatomical, curved headpiece for comfort. Custom colours available. Includes a Bliss of London classic browband, with the option to upgrade to a Bliss Bling browband.

PresTeq FaySport Bridle

Colours: Black or brown

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Noseband design avoids pressure on molars and cheeks

Reasons to avoid

• No throatlash design might not be suitable

This PresTeq bridle takes twelve anatomical points into account to remove unnecessary pressure or blockages, and offer optimum comfort to deliver maximum performance. It is made of vegetable tanned leather, which is gentle on the skin, durable and eco-friendly. The snap-fastener browband provided with the bridle is made of plain leather, but PresTeq Swarovski browbands are also available separately.

LeMieux Kudos Clear Arc Bridle

Colours: Black or havana

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• S-shaped noseband distributes pressure
• Padded and shaped headpiece

Reasons to avoid

• You prefer a traditional look

Crafted from European leather with detailed stitching and rolled edges, this bridle is designed to reduce pressure on sensitive areas of your horse’s face. It features an anatomically shaped padded headpiece and a pressure-relieving S-shaped “arc” noseband that prevents your horse from crossing its jaw.

Henry James Mexican Grackle Bridle

Colours: Black or havana

Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full

Reasons to buy

• Made from English leather
• Large size range
• Virtual bridle fitting offered

Reasons to avoid

• Reins not included

Crafted from premium English Sedgwick Leather, this bridle features an anatomical headpiece with poll gap and 3D padding for pressure relief. The Mexican grackle design with double buckles evenly distributes nasal pressure and allows maximum adjustment, while the integrated throatlash ensures flat-lying buckles, reducing bulk around the TMJ. A complimentary virtual bridle fitting is included.

Waldhausen X-Line Bridle New Shape II

Colours: Black

Sizes: Cob or full

Reasons to buy

• Combination of flash noseband and drop noseband for optimal control
• Side fastening of the flash strap for increased nostril freedom
• Reins included

Reasons to avoid

• Limited size range

The X-line New Shape II bridle is crafted from soft leather and anatomically designed with padding and shaping to minimise stress on nerves and muscles, enhancing comfort. Features include a padded headpiece avoiding ear pressure, a curved rhinestone browband for freedom, and a flash noseband with side rings to prevent nasal bone pressure.

Whitaker Chicago Anatomic Breathable Bridle

Colours: Black or light havana

Sizes: Pony, cob or full

Reasons to buy

• Wide headpiece and padded noseband for even pressure distribution
• Reins included

Reasons to avoid

• Decorative contrast stitching might not suit your style

This Whitaker bridle features a wide, shaped headpiece and adjustable noseband with perforated leather padding that is specially engineered to be moisture wicking and breathable. The keepers are also lined with a special grip rubber to help them stay in place, while the buckles are backed with a small leather disc to avoid discomfort on the sensitive face area.

What is an anatomical bridle?

Innovations to traditional bridle design focus on anatomical fit, incorporating features such as wider, padded, and cutaway headpieces, shaped and padded nosebands and browbands, and cheekpieces positioned away from the face. Some bridles don’t have a throatlash, so when selecting a new bridle, it is advisable to consult your governing body’s rulebook to confirm its compliance.

How do anatomical bridles work?

Anatomical designs seek to avoid pressure in particular areas, such as on particular facial nerves, which is why anatomical bridles are shaped differently and sit in a different position on the head compared to a traditional bridle. Most anatomical bridles will have a wider, more padded and headpiece that is cut away to avoid pressure on the poll and ears.

This design aims to lead to a happier horse who is able to move more freely, which results in improved performance. Many horses respond really well to an anatomical bridle and show signs they are more comfortable.

What’s the best anatomical bridle for my horse?

As with all tack, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best anatomical bridle for your horse. Where possible, it’s worth trialling a bridle before you buy either by hiring one or borrowing from a friend. If that’s not possible, do your research, read some reviews and use this guide to find out what’s on offer.

You might also like:

The Micklem bridle: what you need to know

8 bitless bridles to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch

8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Double bridles exert less nasal and rein pressure than snaffles, a study involving top competition horses has found.

Studies comparing the noseband pressure and rein forces exerted by the two types of bridle were among those presented in a session on biomechanics at the British Equine Veterinary Association Congress (12–14 September).

Researcher and biomechanics expert Russell MacKechnie-Guire presented first a summary of a study on noseband pressure.

“You will be aware that the noseband and bridle-horse interaction has received quite widespread attention from both ethical and welfare perspectives,” Dr MacKechnie-Guire said. “Bridle-horse interaction is complex, and that’s really one of the things I want to get across, but unfortunately, they’re often overlooked in training and management of horses.

“There have been concerns raised over the use of double bridles but there’s very little quantitative comparison of the double bridle with the snaffle and we wanted to have a look at the facial pressures and movement symmetries.”

The team recruited 13 horses and riders competing at inter II or grand prix level, accustomed to being ridden in snaffles and doubles, and with their usual riders. All were assessed by a vet, including dentally, to ensure there was no discomfort, and bridle fit was checked.

Pressure was then measured, synchronised with video of the horses moving.

“In this group of horses, we found the mean nasal pressures were lower for the double bridle,” Dr MacKechnie-Guire said. “Maximum nasal pressure was lower for the double bridle versus the snaffle. So in this high-level group of horses, the double bridle did not increase nasal or mandible pressures compared to the snaffle.”

The team did find increased pressure over the horses’ heads in the double, which Dr MacKechnie-Guire said reinforced the complexity of bridle-horse interaction; much attention is given to nosebands but, he said, padding headpieces appropriately would allow distribution of the force.

Dr MacKechnie-Guire also presented a study on rein pressure, on fellow researcher David Marlin’s behalf, conducted at the same time.

This found that in trot, there was less rein force in the double than in the snaffle, and it was similar in walk and canter. The force on the curb bit was less than on the bradoon, in all gaits, and the force on the bradoon was less than on the snaffle.

“What we could potentially suggest is that with the presence of two bits, the total force is being distributed over a greater area,” Dr MacKechnie-Guire said. “It suggests potential for greater focal forces being applied to the oral structures by the snaffle bit.”

Dr MacKechnie-Guire stressed that he was not suggesting all horses should have two bits; he reiterated that these were high-level horses and riders, and future work is needed at lower levels. And on the biological effects of the findings.

Saddle effect

In a separate presentation in the same session, leading biomechanics vet and researcher Rachel Murray looked at changing saddle design and its effect on jumping horses.

The team in this study recruited 14 high-level showjumpers, who were assessed by vets and physios. Ridden by their usual riders, the horses each jumped in a standard monoflap saddle, and one with a lower cantle and different thigh block.

“The only thing that changed was the top, the interface of the rider with the saddle,” Dr Murray said.

Pressures were measured as the horses jumped a 1.20m fence, and it was found that on the approach and landing, there was significantly more pressure in the standard saddle; there was no difference on take-off or the jumping phase.

“So saddle design has the potential to support or restrict rider movement,” Dr Murray said. “Particularly on landing, the rider comes back, hits the back of the saddle and slides down it, whereas, where we don’t have that big cantle, there’s a much smoother interface between the rider and the saddle, and the rider’s pelvis is able to move back further without hitting the saddle.

“We don’t know all the mechanics, but we’ve definitely got a difference in what’s happening with the rider on the two saddles. And what is interesting is that it’s having a difference on the impact of the force between the saddle and the horse.”

Dr Murray again said that this involved high-level horses and riders; taking away support from a less balanced rider may have a negative effect, but it was concluded that “alteration in rider-saddle interaction affects the forces on the horse”.

“Is this a potential protection of the horse’s back?” she said.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout Horse of the Year Show, London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

More movement found in unshod hooves, but study doesn’t claim ‘barefoot is better’

Calls for double bridles to be optional fall on deaf ears – again

‘Not just bits and nosebands’: why bridle fit is so important

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Serena Kullich, 23, is one of the most eye-catching young showjumpers on the circuit but she is also producing one of this country’s most talented young horses in seven-year-old Benfields Victory.

Serena and Benji (Billy Congo x Pauldary’s Romeo) sealed a marvellous year when contesting the prestigious Yeti Under 25 British Showjumping Championship at the London International Horse Show in December, where they finished with just four faults in round one.

“That was a dream come true to qualify for that class, especially with him only being seven,” says Serena, who rode the youngest horse in the field by three years. “It’s a show I’ve wanted to do for many, many years – it was an amazingly fun atmosphere, and an incredible show to compete at.”

In September, they jumped at the world seven-year-old finals at the FEI WBFSH Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Lanaken.

Serena has about 10 horses at home, but Benji is the stable star.

“I’ve got quite a few four-, five- and six-year-olds coming through that I’m producing through the levels and hopefully they might qualify for Lanaken next year,” she says. “If they’re as good as Benji I’ll be delighted. But I love producing them and watching them grow, and I’ve had Benji since he was five. He’d done a few shows when I got him, but really I’ve done everything with him and produced him, so when he was best British-bred seven-year-old, that meant a lot. He was also the only seven-year-old to jump clear every day at Bolesworth.”

The pair have formed a remarkable partnership in the ring, but away from competition Serena says she’ll happily jump Benji without a bridle at home.

“I’ve worked with [Applied Horsemanship trainer] Sean Coleman for three years now,” she says. “When we got Benji, he was very distracted, just about everything around him, so it was all about working with him to focus and now we have such a great partnership that I can school him and jump him at home without a bridle.”

Serena Kullich: from eventing to showjumping

Serena has ridden all her life and showjumped on ponies before competing up to three-star level eventing.

“But I’ve always had a love for showjumping,” she explains. “Even when I was eventing, I missed the showjumping. Then I slowly ended up moving back into showjumping and now it’s just showjumping again.”

The talented young rider has also been selected for the British Showjumping gold development programme and attended the first coaching camp in early December.

“I didn’t realise they give you such rounded support, from all aspects – not just training – so sport psychology, fitness, and advice on shows and pressure in the sport, that kind of thing,” she says. “That’s so invaluable and not something you do or know that much about without an opportunity like this.

‘There will be three more camps through the spring, then they help you at an international show in the summer. They help you with your goals but it’s also exciting just to progress through the sport.”

Serena’s goal for 2024 is to step up the lovely Benji to ranking classes in his eight-year-old year.

“One day I’d love to be selected for Nations Cup teams,” she says. “Then with the young ones I hope to keep producing them through the age classes and maybe qualify for Lanaken again.

“The Olympics would definitely be the goal one day, but I’m taking it step by step and we’ll see how far we can go. Everything Benji has done this year has just been incredible, so I’d love to keep going with him and see where it takes us.”

You may also like to read…

‘Beyond my wildest dreams’: British university student lines up alongside Harry Charles and Ben Maher for World Cup debut

‘I’ve let the horse gain belief in himself’: patience rewarded with spectacular World Cup double

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

THE FEI has rejected a proposal to allow riders to choose whether or not to use a double bridle at all levels of international dressage.

H&H has reported on the debate caused by the FEI-appointed independent ethics and wellbeing commission’s recommendation to make double bridles optional. This came to light last autumn, when the International Dressage Riders Club and International Dressage Trainers Club published a letter strongly opposing the idea.

Under current rules, double bridles are optional up to CDI2* level – but mandatory at CDI3* and above.

“This change, introduced in 2019, reflects a progression in the level of skills of the athlete and training of the horse from low and medium level to the highest level of performance,” an FEI spokesman told H&H last year, adding that the FEI dressage committee supported mandatory use of doubles at grand prix level.

The debate continued; the first draft of FEI rules for 2024 this summer did not include the recommendation, and the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), which promotes equine welfare by improving horse-human interactions through research and using evidence-based practices, wrote an open letter to the FEI calling for double bridle use to be optional at grand prix.

In the final draft of rule changes, to be considered at the FEI general assembly (18-21 November), a proposal from the Dutch and Swedish equestrian federations has been listed under “Proposed rule changes that have been rejected or deferred to a future rules revision”.

The proposal read: “We would like to propose to make it optional and allow riders to use a snaffle if they deem this in their best interest as a combination. The [Dutch federation] has been allowing the snaffle bridle up to and including grand prix for 15 years (best practice) and it works really well. To keep the curb mandatory does not comply with the welfare of the horse. If riders are convinced that it is better to compete their horse only on a single bridle, it should be allowed.”

British Equestrian (BEF) said it agrees with the FEI that use of double versus snaffle bridles, when fitted and used correctly, is not a welfare issue; “there is insufficient scientific research or data to reach this as a conclusion”.

“However, snaffle bridles are already optional in Britain at national competition, to give riders the choice to use the bridle that is most suitable for them and their horse,” the BEF said.

“The primary consideration for the FEI is to ensure that there is a level playing field in competition and that all bridles are fitted and used correctly. We would support the FEI’s recommendation that further scientific research is conducted in this area to thoroughly understand the implications of using a double bridle versus snaffle bridle and the resulting consequences of these proposed changes.”

The German federation said it supported the FEI, and the Norwegian federation agreed that “focus on the bits alone will not solve the challenges of horse welfare”.

“Riding skill is always the most important element, regardless of the bridle or other equipment (within certain limits),” the federation said. “The double bridle belongs to the classical equipment for the fully educated/trained horse and rider. That said, we must still be willing to change if there is reliable evidence that a type of bridle or other equipment in itself is the reason for poor horse welfare. Therefore, we support the plan to gather a multidisciplinary team to develop study/research to understand all pros and cons about both the double bridle and other bits/bridles before changing the rules, and across the disciplines. Such knowledge must also be used for outwards communication on horse welfare in riding.”

In response to feedback, the FEI said its dressage committee “firmly maintains its position”, stated in June, that use of snaffle or double bridle is a technical (sport) matter and not a matter of wellbeing/welfare.

“We understand the topic of social (media) perception, but from the results of the online survey that were made available to this committee we could not find scientific evidence, nor unquestionable data, that allows us to reach a different conclusion at this moment,” the FEI said in June. “It is time to gather a multidisciplinary team, which includes experts from all stakeholders, to develop study/research to understand all pros and cons about the proposed change. Once this study/research is carried out, we will be in condition to have an informed, conscious and well-balanced opinion on the matter.”

You might also be interested in:

‘Riders should have the choice’: fresh debate on double bridles in dressage

Anna Ross: why not allow riders a choice of bridle in top FEI grand prix dressage?

‘Controversial’ proposal around double bridles and spurs sparks debate

Double bridle debate continues – as FEI dressage committee has its say

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Riders should be given the option to use a snaffle bridle instead of a double in all international dressage, according to a leading equine research support body.

The call came from the International Society for Equitation Science (ISES), which promotes equine welfare by improving horse and human interactions through research and using evidence-based practices, in an open letter to the FEI.

It follows the release of the first draft of FEI rules for 2024, which does not include a recommendation from the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission (EEWC) to give riders at grand prix the choice to use a double bridle or not.

Their reasoning comes from their support of the “precautionary principle” – this means considering the possibility of harm when conclusive evidence is not yet available.

The group “strongly endorses” the commission’s work, particularly the development of the 30 recommendations and proposed adoption of the vision of a “good life for horses” (news, 4 May).

“On matters where there are important ethical concerns, such as the mandatory use of double bridles at grand prix level in dressage, there may be a difference between the perspectives of stakeholders and animal welfare researchers,” states the letter.

“While stakeholders may consider scientific evidence of any welfare risk to be lacking, welfare scientists caution the dangers of such a perspective.

“Therefore, ISES supports the application of the ‘precautionary principle’, where any doubts that may exist in any situation surrounding horse welfare, the outcome should favour the interests of the horse until such time that research reveals there to be no welfare risk.”

The letter adds: “ISES is supportive of there being choice for riders in favour of their horses’ welfare in relation to use of the double bridle. ISES is disappointed that the FEI proposed rule changes do not reflect the early recommendation made by the EEWC regarding deregulating the mandatory use of a double bridle for any discipline.

“ISES believes that continuing to require all riders at FEI grand prix level to use a double bridle is not in the best interest of horse welfare.

“Many national federations have responded by allowing riders the choice to use a snaffle bridle at grand prix level, and Sweden for example has proposed that the use of the double bridle be optional for FEI competitions, as per the EEWC recommendation.

“ISES strongly encourages the FEI to support the EEWC early recommendation to allow riders to make better choices in favour of the welfare of their horses.”

ISES also supports the FEI’s proposed rule to use an objective device, rather than fingers, to measure noseband tightness. The FEI has not yet set out how it intends to do this, and ISES is “disappointed” that the federation “remains uncommitted” to measurement on the front of the horse’s nose “despite the significant body of evidence” supporting this outlined by the EEWC.

“ISES believes that the actual maximum tightness should be clearly articulated in line with the research that is available, and the device should measure tightness where the pressure is known to be greatest,” states the letter.

H&H has contacted the FEI for a response.

The FEI draft rules undergo revisions before they are voted on at the general assembly in November, meaning that the current draft is not yet set in stone. This first draft includes the proposal to introduce an “FEI objective measuring tool, which will provide the repeatability and consistency in measuring the tightness of nosebands” (news, 13 July). The FEI intends to outline measuring protocols in a “flexible document, not regulated in the rules, and amended if needed”.

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H: “Ethics – and the ongoing maintenance of equestrianism’s social licence – will always support the precautionary approach as a guiding principle.“This is especially relevant where a growing evidence base suggests that a change would be beneficial, as it is our responsibility to base our decisions on the safeguarding of horses’ welfare.

“Producing robust scientific evidence takes time, money and commitment, and in this regard invoking the precautionary principle requires a fundamental change of thinking.

“Where evidence is growing that a practice may threaten equine welfare, we should not maintain the status quo, but changes should be made, changes that can always be reversed if the balance of evidence ultimately shows that they are unnecessary.”

You might also be interested in:

Laura Tomlinson: ‘Will the double bridle be consigned to history?’

Anna Ross: why not allow riders a choice of bridle in top FEI grand prix dressage?

‘Controversial’ proposal around double bridles and spurs sparks debate

Double bridle debate continues – as FEI dressage committee has its say

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The best bridle for your horse won’t be the same as the best option for his field mate – it all depends on the size and shape of his head, what discipline you do, how he goes and what works for him. Whether you’re looking for an anatomical bridle or something a bit more traditional, one of the best flash bridles in this selection might catch your eye.

A flash noseband is similar to a cavesson but with a bottom strap that fastens below the bit to prevent the horse from opening his mouth wide to evade it. You can also use a flash converter to add a flash strap to an existing cavesson noseband for a quick and economical fix, although this isn’t as smart. Some newer, more anatomical designs are stitched together rather than attached via the loop on the cavesson.

How to choose a bridle

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a bridle. Most importantly it should be a good fit so that your horse is comfortable – most horses fit comfortably in a standard size as there’s usually plenty of room for adjustment. But if your horse has an unusual head shape you might find that you need to mix and match pieces – for example, a cob-sized headpiece and cheekpieces with a full-sized browband – or opt for a made-to-measure bridle. If you compete, consult your governing body’s rulebook before you make your purchase – particularly when it comes to selecting a noseband.

Ideally you would choose a bridle in the same colour as your saddle and a style that suits his head – for example, wide flat leather would more likely suit a cob or hunter, while narrower leather would complement a horse or pony with a finer head. It’s worth remembering that bridles do not come with a bit and only some include reins, so it’s best to double check exactly what you need to budget for.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up a selection of the bridles with flash nosebands. Different types of nosebands have different actions, so if you’re not sure which noseband might suit your horse it’s a good idea to do a bit of research or consult your trainer.

Best flash bridles for horses

LeMieux Kudos Work Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £99.95 |

This bridle has a raised and padded browband and noseband with a removable flash. It has clips on the cheekpieces, which means you can change the bit quickly and easily, and clips on the throatlash, which make it removable. It’s made from soft oiled leather and features an anatomically shaped headpiece with soft padded cut away around the ears and poll to help distribute pressure and maximise comfort.

The black bridle is complete with silver fittings, while the brown has brass. Reins sold separately.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Shires Velociti Rapida Ergonomical Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £75.99 |

This bridle has been shaped to ensure it avoids all the sensitive facial nerves. The positioning of the flash position allows air to more easily flow to the nose, and the wide, cushioned headpiece with poll gap is designed to relieve pressure over the most sensitive parts of the head. It is finished with stainless steel fittings and reins are included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com

In the US? View now at statelinetack.com

Collegiate ComFiTec Vogue Anatomical Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £116.99 |

Made from high quality European leather, this bridle has an anatomical and padded headpiece that is shaped around the ears to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably. The curved noseband is designed to bypass the sensitive facial nerves.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or equus.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com

Whitaker Ready To Ride Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £70 |

Made from pre-oiled leather, which is water- and crack-resistant and easy to look after, this bridle has a raised browband and noseband with tonal stitching. The flash strap is removable and the noseband sits over the headpiece to avoid irritation on the sensitive poll area. It has stainless steel hardware and reins are not included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk, equus.co.uk or naylors.com

Rhinegold Softee Padded Leather Pro-Anatomical Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £98.50 |

This super-soft leather bridle has a fully padded leather crown that is shaped around the ears for comfort. The noseband and browband are also padded, and it’s shaped around the cheekbones to eliminate pressure points. Reins included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

In the US? View now at amazon.com

Mackey Legend Athena Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £125 |

This bridle has a wide padded headpiece that has been cut away around the ears. The padded noseband has been designed to reduce pressure with a removable, wide-set flash strap. Reins are included and the headpiece is also available separately.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Mark Todd Padded Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Cob or full | RRP: £134.98 |

The Mark Todd Padded Flash Bridle is made from premium Italian soft and supple leather, this bridle is designed for comfort, with a padded headpiece and a wide, padded flash noseband. Features include stainless steel buckles and removable flash attachment. Reins not included.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk

LeMieux Kudos Competition Flash Bridle

Colours: Black or Havana | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £179.95 |

Made from soft leather with a lightly padded noseband and browband, this super-smart bridle is designed to maximise comfort and evenly distribute pressure. The removable flash incorporates roller buckles for ease of use and has a protective piece of leather under the buckle to prevent rubbing.

Both the black and Havana bridles are complete with silver fittings. Reins not included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk

You might also like:

13 anatomical bridles to ensure maximum comfort

14 pairs of reins to suit riders across the levels and disciplines

8 grackle bridles for a range of budgets

The best tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

CONFUSION has arisen about the FEI’s tack approval processes, as the organisation states there is “no certification system” in place – but that new items can be submitted via an app for “review” by an expert equipment group.

Ongoing discussions have been taking place around tack approval after it was announced that the Quantum cavesson bridle, now known as the welfare bridle, is no longer permitted in dressage under FEI rules from this year (news, 5 January).

Quantum co-founder Gill Batt told H&H that when the bridle was launched in November 2018, the company approached the FEI for approval and submitted an FEI dressage equipment form. In response, they were told by the FEI that the bridle was “very similar to a bridle that has already been approved and so you do not need to submit an application, it would already be allowed for use in FEI dressage competitions”.

Ms Batt said in November 2022 that when they found out the bridle would be banned, they spoke to the FEI and were asked to have the bridle pressure-tested – but were not given any protocols on how this should be conducted. Quantum had the bridle independently tested by the University of Copenhagen, during which it was compared against four FEI-approved bridles, and the results concluded the welfare bridle “exerts significantly less pressure on the nose” than the other bridles, under different pressure-testing measures.

“We were thrilled with the results, the bridle was what we said it was. But when we submitted the results to the FEI, we immediately got the rebuff, saying they were not interested,” she said.

Ms Batt said despite more communication, the FEI will not permit the bridle.

“Absolutely you should be challenged about your product, you should have to put your money where your mouth is – which we have done. But they are still blocking it and we don’t understand why,” she said.

Last month, when H&H approached the FEI for comment, at first a spokesman said the organisation “can only repeat their statement” given to H&H in January about concerns over the bridle’s noseband pressure – and reiterated that horse welfare is “paramount” and that the FEI “continuously reviews new tack and equipment to ensure the healthy and safety of equine athletes”.

The spokesman added that the FEI “does not have certification processes for individual pieces of tack and equipment”.

“In other words, there is no mechanism where the manufacturer or other parties are able to submit a piece of tack and/or equipment for review by a panel, and get a ‘stamp of approval’ by the FEI,” he said. “Therefore, the officials are expected to apply the rules as written.”

Since this statement, the FEI announced the launch of a new tack and equipment app at the FEI Sports Forum (news, 4 May). The app provides riders and officials clarity on what is and is not permitted in each discipline, with updates planned including a function to allow FEI officials to submit photos and videos of new equipment to be reviewed by the FEI equipment expert group.

Following this announcement, H&H approached the FEI again to clarify the organisation’s position around tack approval and the spokesman told H&H that Quantum submitted a picture of the bridle to the FEI dressage department in 2018 – and at the time, the bridle was “approved”.

“At the time, the dressage department had an informal approval process in place for equipment, whereby manufacturers were advised if their equipment was compatible with the rules or not,” he said.

“According to the picture sent by the company, the bridle appeared to have a standard cavesson noseband and was therefore approved. However, it was later discovered that the cheekpiece passed through the noseband, altering its function and rendering it non-compliant with FEI rules.”

The spokesman added that in 2019, the expert equipment group was formed by the FEI board to devise a “scientific-based and unified approach” to tack and equipment across all disciplines where possible, while “taking into account their uniqueness”. He said this group consists of people with sport, vet and legal backgrounds and the group works closely with external experts and equine researchers including Hilary Clayton and Rachel Murray.

“The expert group has been mandated to review the existing rules and processes, to propose amended rules in the future with the aim of achieving consistency of on-site decisions, at FEI Events, across all disciplines.”

The spokesman then reiterated that “there is currently no tack and equipment certification system in place where manufacturers, riders or other parties can submit a piece of tack for a stamp of approval”.

“However, due to the ever-evolving market of tack and equipment and with the high number of new products being launched every day, there will be instances where the applicable sport and/or veterinary rules will not provide a definite answer on the compliance of individual tack and/or equipment,” he said.

“In such cases, and in particular where there are potential horse welfare concerns, the group will make a decision whether the relevant tack or equipment is permitted to be used at FEI events in order to provide clarity to stakeholders.”

Another manufacturer, Salute Equestrian, has raised concerns about FEI tack approval processes after 16-year-old Lucy Standish was asked by a steward to remove her Salute Click & Connect neck strap before entering the cross-country start box in the CCI2*-S at Thoresby Park last month. The neck strap was designed with three connection options – to the saddle, girth or breastplate.

Lucy, who had the neck strap connected to her girth, said: “The cross-country steward said I wasn’t allowed to use my neck strap as it didn’t connect to the saddle.

Salute Equestrian founder Anna Bruce told H&H that after investigation, it was understood that the stewards received an email from the FEI last autumn stating, “This particular neck strap has been reviewed by the eventing committee and their feedback is that it is not allowed for eventing.” Under FEI rules, if neck straps are used for cross-country, they must be attached either to the breastplate or to the saddle.

“I believed, when connected to the girth, it met the rules – after all, it’s approved when connected to a breastplate that in turn is connected to the girth,” said Ms Bruce.

She added that she “hoped for a discussion” with the FEI to enable the rules to allow for neck straps to be attached to the girth, or for the neck strap to be “considered a hybrid breastplate in this format”. But she said the FEI told her there was no mechanism where the manufacturer or other parties are able to submit a piece of tack for review

“While we can work with the ruling as it stands [because the Click & Connect neck strap can also connect to the breastplate or saddle], I’m hoping the FEI or stewards will ask to view the neck strap in practice and not just from a photograph, and give it a fair assessment in this format for the benefit of horses, riders and the perception of our sport,” she said.

An FEI spokesman told H&H the decision at Thoresby Park was a “field of play decision and appeared to have been taken correctly by the relevant official”.

You might also be interested in:

Bafflement as bridle designed for horses’ comfort is banned in competition

Thoroughbreds to be recognised at Olympics, but still can’t contest World Breeding Championships

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Bitless bridles are becoming increasingly popular in some equestrian circles as an alternative to traditional bridles. Some bitless bridles look very similar to traditional bridles with the exception of having a bit, and some styles are legal in British Showjumping and British Eventing (jumping and cross-country) competition, too.

Bitless bridles are viewed by some as a milder form of control, but they can become harsh in the wrong hands. There’s a lot to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch to a bitless bridle.

How do bitless bridles work?

There are five main types of bitless bridle – cross-under, hackamore, bosal, halter and side-pull – all of which have a slightly different action. Instead of applying pressure to parts of the mouth like a traditional bridle, bitless bridles exert pressure on one of more areas of your horse’s head, including the nose, jaw, chin groove, cheek and poll.

Currently, the side-pull and cross-under types are most common. The side-pull is most similar to a bridle with bit – if you give an aid to the left rein, it will feel similar to the left bit ring being pulled. The jaw-cross and chin-cross bridles work differently – the strings run under the jaw/chin, so your horse experiences a pushing movement against his right jaw/chin when the left rein is pulled.

Benefits of bitless bridles

There are many reasons that riders try a bitless bridle. Some horses need can’t have a bit due to physical issues in the mouth – this could be anything from broken jaws and melanomas to tongue damage or a small sore. Some riders explore the option of a bitless bridle when their horse exhibits negative behaviours when ridden, such as head shaking, spookiness, bucking, bolting, head nodding and excessive salivation.

Best bitless bridles for making the switch

Rambo Micklem Multibridle

Colours: Brown or black | Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse or large horse | RRP: £165 |

This is a great option if you want to ride with a bit sometimes, but bitless at others. Designed to comfortably fit the shape of the horse’s skull, avoiding pressure on sensitive areas, the Multibridle can be used as a bridle, lunge cavesson or as a bitless bridle with three strength options. It comes with tongue protection clips, bit straps, curb groove strap and strong bitless strap.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or ebay.co.uk

QHP Ceto Bitless Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Shetland, pony, cob or full | RRP: £80 |

This anatomical multi-functional bitless bridle can be used as a sidepull, chin-cross and jaw-cross bridle, which is ideal if you’re trying to find out what type of bitless bridle is best for your horse or you like to use more than one type. The clips on the strings and reins make it easy to adjust and the shaped headpiece that relieves the pressure on the ear canal.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

QHP Sunna Bitless Bridle

Colours: Black | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £90 |

Similar to the QHP Ceto, this high quality multi-functional bitless bridle also has an anatomically shaped headpiece but comes with a sparkly rhinestone browband. It can be used as a side pull, chin cross-under and jaw cross-under bridle.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

Waldhausen Star Bitless Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £53 |

This Scawbrig style bitless bridle has a softly padded noseband and is supplied with reins. It acts on the lower jaw and nose, and the chin strap passes through rings on both sides of the noseband to help prevent twisting.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Waldhausen Two Star Bitless Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full | RRP: £53 |

This adaptation of the Waldhausen Star, this bridle has extra nylon cheekpieces that allow for adjustment to give a varied effect under the jaw, over the nose and on the chin groove. Reins are included.

In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk

Wonder Care Crossunder Bitless Bridle

Colours: Black, brown or tan | Sizes: Small, medium, large or draft | RRP: £110 |

This bitless bridle has a padded noseband and browband for comfort, and comes with ¾in leather reins.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or etsy.com

Easy Trek Anatomical Bitless Leather Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob, full or draft | RRP: £89 |

This cross-under bridle has a soft padded browband and noseband for extra comfort and an extra-padded ergonomic headpiece that helps to minimise poll pressure. It comes with a pair of rubber sure grip reins.

The perfect on trend addition to your riding wardrobe.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Cwell Equine Crystal Detail Cross Over Bitless Bridle

Colours: Black or brown | Sizes: Pony, cob or full | RRP: £45.99 |

This bitless bridle has a decorated padded browband and padded noseband. The cross-under is adjustable, while the headpiece is wide and pressure relieving. Reins included.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

You might also be interested in:

Bitless bridles: What, why and how

Find out everything you need to know about bitless bridles

The Micklem bridle: what you need to know

Bitless bridles are allowed says British Eventing

British Eventing has amended its rule book to make it clear that bitless bridles are acceptable for showjumping and cross-country

Is bitless best? Study reveals horses’ tolerance of different bridles

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The makers and users of a bridle that has been approved for dressage competition for years say they are “astounded” it has been banned.

The Quantum cavesson bridle, designed by Indy Dinky children’s saddle creators Jill and Doug Hick and bitting expert Gill Batt, was designed to avoid restriction of nerves and myofascia in the horse’s face, and so enhance comfort.

It was approved by the FEI, and so also British Dressage (BD), four years ago but this autumn, Quantum was told it would be banned from next year.

Ms Batt told H&H that when the bridle was first approved, its creators sent the FEI all the relevant research and explanations.

“The FEI said ‘No problem’,” she said. “There’s been two rule changes since and no problem, and no communication until November, when we were told ‘Unfortunately, the bridle will be banned’.”

She added that the FEI was not forthcoming in its replies to Quantum’s requests for reasons.

“The FEI is always talking about welfare and doing more for the horse but they’ve kicked this out on their own assumptions,” she said.

“A lot of people are saying their horses go so much better in it, but now they can’t compete in it, and we can’t get any answers. We’re a small company that’s made something for the benefit of the horse.”

Lisa Porter, who competes her mare Villis Fiasco Utopia in the Quantum in affiliated dressage, told H&H she “instantly felt the difference” riding in it.

“I don’t understand,” she said. “You can put a flash on and crank it up tight and that’s allowed, but this is banned; it seems the most backward decision ever. We’re trying to keep social licence and ensure our sport has a future, and they put in rules like this that go against everything they say they strive for – the welfare of the horse.”

Vet and equine dental technician (EDT) Vikki Fowler rides both her horses in the Quantum cavesson.

“As an equine vet and a qualified EDT, I would like to think I know a few things regarding the anatomy of the horse’s head and mouth,” she said. “The Quantum offers relief on all major structures of the horse’s head and, for me, is a massive step forward in horse welfare.”

BD CEO Jason Brautigam told H&H BD follows the FEI on such rules, especially pertaining to horse welfare.

The FEI told H&H its equipment expert group had reviewed the bridle and advised the ban.

“According to the group, the effect of the noseband is different from a conventional noseband, as it passes through the cheek pieces. The height of the noseband therefore varies according to the size of the bit rings and not the horse’s morphology. The noseband and cheekpiece are linked on both the snaffle and the double, and the bit does not have an independent action, so when tension is placed on the rein, and the bit is brought into action, the noseband is pulled onto the nasal bone of the horse.

“Horse welfare is paramount for the FEI, and we continuously review new tack and equipment to ensure the health and safety of equine athletes.”

You might also be interested in:

British Dressage brings in rider weight guidance for horse welfare

Governing body allows dark breeches in competition, in ‘important and significant’ change

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top British dressage rider Laura Tomlinson delves into the complex topic of double bridles

Since my last column, I have had the great privilege and excitement of having my top horse Rose Of Bavaria back in the ring twice after a year off and it felt wonderful. The efforts that go into rehabbing a top horse and rebuilding strength and fitness are immense.

My whole team at home played a part in this and it feels great when the work pays off. There is a buzz in the air on our yard now. Riding the grand prix on “Betty” feels just like slipping back into my comfiest slippers and I hope we can get cracking out on the international circuit again next season.

Double bridles: a badge of honour

A current hot topic in dressage is double bridles – should riders have the choice to compete at top level in a double or a snaffle? This is a very complex issue for me.

Does it mean moving away from the “classical” image of dressage? Originally, the double bridle was a badge of honour; you progressed to riding with a double when you had the skill to do so, including an independent seat and quiet hands.

Historically, the double bridle was used so a rider could ride one-handed with the utmost precision as his sword would be in the other. And, at the risk of sounding like a real oldie, this leads me onto a side note about saluting with the correct – right – hand, which often seems to get forgotten these days.

But we don’t use the double bridle like that anymore, and sometimes it is used too soon in order to achieve results faster. Even when used beautifully, horses’ mouths have changed size and shape enormously over past decades and fitting two bits comfortably is not easy with every horse. For example, my top mare Betty would rather go bitless as she has a small mouth and massive tongue.

“Why insist on the double?”

A double bridle used correctly is not “cruel”, and nor are spurs – they help execute precision and softness. However, some horses may be more comfortable in a snaffle, so why insist on the double? We certainly have changed the way saddles sit for the benefit of the horse and changes in their shape and sensitivity levels, so why not the bridle?

That said, if we have some riders using snaffles and no spurs at top level, does that then reflect badly on those who do still choose to use them? There are not many grand prix horses you can ride through a test at the current championship level without spurs. Even my hottest of horses would be difficult to ride without my little spurs, due to the intricacies of the aids required.

So if we make too many big changes, will the tests we use need to change too? Is this a sacrifice the sport has to make collectively for the sake of social licence? Or is there a way of educating the general public on what is used, how and why? Can we address these issues with good commentary? Social media is a great place to put out a message, but we need to reach the intended audience, not only the existing horsey community.

It can be hard to justify these pieces of equipment when there are people on social media demonstrating incredible horsemanship skills with no tack at all. It is, however, worth reminding the critics that performing some fancy movements at home without a bridle is very different to riding through an entire grand prix in front of a crowd.

It’s not impossible, but if the sport moves in that direction, the breeding of top dressage horses would be turned on its head, as we would need different types of horses.

I wish for a world where we can be open-minded enough to learn from some of the “free riders”, educate the non-horsey public and also maintain the heart of what makes our sport beautiful: the harmony of horse and rider working together to look like one unit.

Now more than ever, there is no room for bad riding or unfair treatment of horses. The equestrian community is on trial and we must convince the jury.

● Do you agree with Laura? Let us know your thoughts on double bridles at hhletters@futurenet.com. Please include your name, nearest town and county for potential inclusion in the magazine.

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 1 December

You may also be interested in…

Carl Hester: ‘We must step out of our bubble and see how dressage looks from outside’

Horse sport needs to act to avoid being outlawed, warns experts

‘If we don’t change, others will change things for us’: chilling warning to horse sport

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Anna Ross shares her thoughts on the debate over allowing riders to choose snaffles at top level

The FEI’s independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission recently made the recommendation that double bridles should be optional at all levels in international grand prix dressage, and that riders should have the choice to compete in a snaffle and without spurs. This has created great debate.

There’s strong opposition to this from groups of international riders and trainers who fear that it is a “dumbing down of the sport” dictated by public, rather than expert, opinion. This is at odds with others who see it as a move forwards, in line with public perception and modern welfare expectations. Cynics might suggest that top riders and trainers are invested in retaining the current rules; they are of course succeeding under them.

Tradition is often used as a trump card by those wishing to retain the status quo. Our traditions, to the non-horsey world, are clues to our culture, and show “who we are”. Culture is the big picture, our collective values as a group. We are all stakeholders in the sport – whether riders, competitors, show organisers or dressage enthusiasts – and ultimately public perception of our sport will determine its future.

At a recent CDI show in France, there were animal welfare activists who attended and filmed the competition. And who can forget (much as we might wish to) the naked protesters in Rotterdam at the jumping Europeans in 2019.

If we ourselves are comfortable with our practices, we will be able to explain them. Rather than bury our heads in the sand and fight among ourselves, we need answers ready, otherwise those who know little about the sport could end up dictating the rules. Choice is a good word; it suggests a willingness to cooperate. An outright “no” to any choice suggests we are immovable, in which case the public will draw their own conclusions and make judgements based on their current perception. A little explanation could ease concerns.

For example, in answer to the question, “Why do riders use spurs?”, we could respond that it is akin to a skilled guitarist playing with a plectrum rather than just his fingers. The spur gives a more precise communication than the rider’s size nine boot.

Respected trainers David Hunt and Dane Rawlins recently wrote articles stating that double bridles in themselves are not a welfare issue. I agree, but looking at the double bridle, the general public quite reasonably asks, “Why do you need all that metal and a [curb] chain to control the horses?” One Facebook user compared it to the controlling of bears in the circus.

But we can explain that the curb “chain” can also be made of leather or rubber. It is there to keep the weymouth bit in its place, so we can use it with finesse, and there are stewards who check the bridle fits and is used correctly.

Words of wisdom, not war

Why are we currently compelled to use a double bridle at the highest levels? It allows more precision than the snaffle. Therefore, if the same result can be achieved in a snaffle, it should be more difficult, so why not allow the choice?

A concerned animal-loving public is not our enemy. We are all on the same side, united in a love for the horse and we need to show who “we” are – and that is a group of animal lovers. We need simple explanations, quick and compelling answers to ease concerns, and all stakeholders should be ready to respond to questions. We should reach out, not shut down.

After all, horses can’t be forced, therefore we should celebrate their cooperation with us. High-handed communication will not work with people or horses. The answers lie at the heart of dressage, in education.

At the moment, we have shining examples of harmony with our Olympic gold medallist, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, demonstrating near-perfect connection in a double bridle and the judges are rewarding it. Education is our armour, and the smartest way to win an uphill battle against ignorance is with words of wisdom, not war.

● Do you think double bridles should be made optional in high level dressage? Or not? Let us know your views at hhletters@futurenet.com

• This exclusive column will also be available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 10 November

You may also be interested in…

Double bridle debate continues – as FEI dressage committee has its say

‘Controversial’ proposal around double bridles and spurs sparks debate

How to ride in a double bridle

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

New data has shone a light on riders’ attitudes to noseband tightness – as Canada takes steps towards implementing new tack rules.

In January, H&H reported that Equestrian Canada (EC) had launched a noseband-measuring pilot project, with the view of implementing a rule that reflects scientific recommendations; that a horse’s noseband “should not be tight enough to prevent the placement of two adult fingers between the noseband and the frontal nasal plane” (news, 13 January).

Currently EC’s rules say that abuse of horses at EC-sanctioned competitions is not tolerated. Acts of cruelty can include nosebands used in such a way that they interfere with the horse’s breathing, or tight enough to cause pain or discomfort.

As part of the project stewards measured the tightness of 551 nosebands across 32 competitions using the International Society for Equitation (ISES) taper gauge, a tool that precisely measures the space between the noseband and nasal plane. More than 1,500 EC members also took part in a survey on noseband fit – and potential rule changes.

Researchers have now published the findings from the work, in Animals. Of the 551 measurements taken, 71% passed the 1.5cm (two fingers) measurement; 19% passed 1cm (one finger); and 10% were too tight to fit the taper gauge. Stewards unanimously agreed that over-tightened nosebands present a welfare issue; 60% believed the current rules are sufficient and 40% did not. Stewards also commented on other issues, such as nosebands being positioned too high or too low.

Of the 1,528 survey respondents, only 181 professional riders felt over-tightened nosebands were a welfare issue, compared to 613 amateur competitors. Overall, 326 of respondents said being able to fit only one finger between the noseband and nasal plane was acceptable. Just over 74% of respondents mostly agreed that all disciplines should have the same standardised rules for noseband fit and that a measurement gauge was a fair method to measure this – but only 65% agreed that noseband fit should be measured at the nasal plane.

The researchers discussed that noseband fit depended on many factors, including the breed and conformation of the horse and the type of noseband used.

“While the noseband taper gauge admittedly cannot account for all types of head conformation, it is within the realm of science to create a gauge that could,” they said.

“For now, though, a standardised rule across the board may not be well received by competitors who already feel weighed down by rules.”

The researchers concluded that misinformation and misunderstanding of noseband research was evident, indicating a need for the education of riders and coaches on the importance of appropriate noseband fit – and the consequences of over-tightened nosebands.

“Making nosebands optional in disciplines that currently require them was suggested. Despite differing viewpoints, there was a clear desire to improve equine quality of life,” they said.

An EC spokesman told H&H the body launched the project to investigate the need for and acceptance of new standards to noseband measuring, before they formulated a rule-change proposal.

“EC is keen to share and support the results of the paper as well as the data collected to further inform the community and provide information regarding the rule change proposal that has been submitted to the national rules committee,” said the spokesman.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The FEI dressage committee is “in favour” of keeping the double bridle compulsory at the top levels of international grand prix – as the debate continues.

The FEI independent ethics and wellbeing commission’s recommendation to make double bridles optional in grand prix dressage – and spurs optional in any FEI discipline – came to light when the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC) published a letter strongly opposing the proposal (news, 6 Oct).

The letter, which has since been removed from the groups’ websites, raised points including their opinion that opposition to the double bridle stems from a “lack of understanding“ of how and why it is used, that double bridles and spurs used properly allow riders to give defined aids, and that making them optional would have “no positive impact on horse welfare”. In response, the FEI said the proposal was part of an ongoing consultation process – and an interim report will be presented at next month’s general assembly.

The matter has continued to be a talking point and in an update on 14 October, the FEI gave H&H further information on how the recommendation arose. The FEI spokesman said the ethics and wellbeing commission met in August and agreed to submit six recommendations on “technical/sport aspects, and research and education” to the FEI. The technical/sport recommendations were shared with the technical committees, and on 20 September the dressage committee discussed the proposals, during which it was highlighted that under the current rules, double bridles are optional up to CDI2* level – but mandatory at CDI3* and upwards.

“This change, introduced in 2019, reflects a progression in the level of skills of the athlete and training of the horse from low and medium level to the highest level of performance,” said the spokesman.

“The dressage committee is in favour of maintaining the double bridle compulsory at grand prix level.”

The spokesman added that a final report was presented to the FEI board, and on 14 October the recommendations were submitted to the national federations and stakeholders, ahead of discussion at the general assembly.

As the debate continues, H&H sought opinions on the proposal from stakeholders.

Last week IDTC president David Hunt wrote to H&H (letters, 13 October) after the organisation “heard some of the reaction” to the IDRC and IDTC letter. He said the organisations’ opposition to the proposal was based on the “optional” aspect, and said it was put forward as “advancing horse welfare” – but if something is deemed harmful he believes it should be banned. He added that “welfare and sport issues must not be confused”.

He then told H&H making the double bridle optional is a “slippery slope”.

“Riding in a double bridle and spurs is traditional, but it is also a very skilful thing. What concerns me is if they try to dumb everything down; you allow more people perhaps to compete, but you’re dumbing down the the level of competition,” he said.

“‘Welfare’ is being used as an escape because it catches people’s attention. If [the ethics and wellbeing commission] think a double bridle is a welfare issue, then we shouldn’t be using it.”

Mr Hunt, who said he was not aware the letter had been taken down, added that the sport is “rigorous in its protection of horses”.

“We have stewards in place and we are very restrictive in the bits we are allowed to use, unlike other sports where they have a massive variety. Our horses are looked after to such a high degree, and I struggle to find why they keep picking on dressage,” he said.

“If we start allowing things to creep in then we’re dulling the whole brilliance of the sport. That’s what makes it so beautiful, because horses are in self-carriage and they’re not supporting and leaning on the bit, which they can do in a snaffle.

“We are constantly making sure that we have welfare as our main objective. We are open to and seek people’s opinions – but I don’t want our sport dragged down by a small majority of people who think that the horse should only be out in the field grazing.”

Irish dressage rider Dane Rawlins, who is on the IDTC board, agreed with Mr Hunt that it is a “sport issue, not a welfare issue”.

“The epitome of riding international grand prix is to produce a horse to the highest standards with the classical tack. My grand prix horse goes better in a snaffle than a double, it’s harder to ride in a double sometimes, but it’s not a welfare issue,” he said.

“Part of the achievement of international dressage is to do things correctly and well with your horse. The perception that putting a double bridle on is some barbaric way of overcontrolling a horse is misguided.”

The Dutch national federation is in agreement with making double bridles optional – and put this suggestion to the FEI during the periodic rules revision this year. At the time the FEI dressage committee responded that double bridles should remain at CDI3* and above, “as this is the highest levels of competition”.

“The welfare of the horse is our number one priority. Therefore we put forward several proposals in this year’s rules revision that underline this,” Irish Boelhouwer, the federation’s high performance manager told H&H.

“There is no valid reason to keep the double bridle mandatory. If a rider thinks his or her horse would perform better in a snaffle, why not let them? Everybody can keep riding with the double bridle if they think it works best. The jury still looks at all the same markers regardless of their bridle. We’ve given the riders in the Netherlands this option in the last 15 years and there has been absolutely no problems, the same goes for use of spurs. It’s disappointing that these suggestions are dismissed without any substantial arguments”.

Olympic dressage rider Laura Tomlinson told H&H she felt it is not a “black and white” issue.

“You can respond on so many levels; there’s the welfare side, the sport side, and the traditional side,” she said. “There are horses who are more comfortable in a snaffle bridle, not because of what the rider is doing, but because of the way their mouths are shaped. I definitely have horses who I prefer to ride in a snaffle.

“I don’t know whether I think it should or shouldn’t be optional, but I think there should be a healthy debate and we should come up with the reasons for and against.”

World and European medallist Michael Eilberg told H&H the argument comes down to horse and rider preference.

“People who have horses that are happy in a double will be happy to keep the rule, and people who have horses they wish they could ride in a snaffle would like the rule to change,” he said.

“I’ve had it myself where a horse doesn’t like the double and doesn’t give such an easy ride, and the riding might not be as good, so the options do lend themselves I think possibly to better riding if the double was optional – but I agree with David Hunt that this is a sport issue, not a welfare issue.”

British team dressage rider Richard Davison told H&H it is a “shame” that the work of the ethics and wellbeing commission had this “unfortunate start”.

“This clearly shows that the FEI needs to take its stakeholders with them on any policy move, and we need to collaborate. For me, the issue has been a lack of collaboration and communication with stakeholders before the recommendations were presented to the FEI,” he said.

“We need to work together with the commission because the point of the commission is not only to decide on issues of wellbeing, but is to protect the use of horses in sport – which are very commendable aims.”

Mr Davison added that the double bridle being optional at grand prix level is “nothing new” – it is optional at national level in a number of countries including the UK.

“We all know some horses will find one bit in their mouth more comfortable than two – that’s why you’ll see many top riders training up-and-coming horses in snaffles or doubles and they interchange them, so I don’t really feel it’s necessary to start going down rabbit holes of what doubles and snaffles do and don’t do,” he said.

“The principle of the double bridle being optional is already embedded in FEI rules, all that they’re talking about is extending that to CDI3* and upwards.”

You might also be interested in:

‘Controversial’ proposal around double bridles and spurs sparks debate

More powers to pull riders up and debate over dressage: how horse sport may look in 2023

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A proposal to make double bridles and spurs optional at grand prix level in international dressage has sparked debate.

Last month, the International Dressage Riders Club (IDRC) and International Dressage Trainers Club (IDTC) published a joint letter to the FEI and the FEI’s independent Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission opposing the proposal – stating “neither the double bridle nor spurs represent a welfare risk to horses” and there are already “sufficient controls” to ensure against misuse.

The discussion arose after the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission – established in June – held a consultation and submitted a number of recommendations to the FEI in August for “internal discussion”, including the possibility of making double bridles optional in grand prix dressage – and spurs optional in all FEI disciplines.

The IDRC and IDTC said opposition to the double bridle comes from a “lack of understanding” regarding how and why it is used.

“Yes, the misuse of the double can lead to force and injury, this is true with the snaffle or any other bit, or even a hackamore. For this reason there are restrictions on exactly which bits can be used, for example length of shank or size of port,” the letter states, adding that proper use of a double bridle demonstrates “the ultimate in expertise”.

“There is close scrutiny of the horse at the end of any test. Any indication of injury results in elimination. This is a powerful incentive to ensure riders are judicious in their use of the reins.”

The letter adds that proper use of double bridles – and spurs – allow riders to give refined aids, and making these optional would have “no positive impact on horse welfare”.

“While it might be tempting to make these items optional as a ‘peace offering’ to critics in the hope that they will be satisfied, that approach is incorrect and naive. But more importantly, giving in to unwarranted or ignorant criticism is practically and ethically wrong,” it read.

• Read the IDRC and IDRT letter in full

In response to the letter, the FEI told H&H it is “firmly committed” to horse welfare and ensuring good governance standards, and it was the FEI’s duty to “keep an open mind” and seek meaningful solutions to recurring problems through dialogue and consultation.

The FEI spokesman said the Equine Ethics and Wellbeing Commission’s recommendations have been shared with the technical committees for their feedback and an interim report will be presented at the General Assembly next month.

“These proposals are part of an ongoing consultation process. We take note of the concerns expressed by the IDRC and IDTC, which will be brought to the attention of the board and the equine ethics and wellbeing commission.”

World and European medallist Gareth Hughes told H&H he understands both arguments and said he trains all his horses in snaffles and doubles.

“Nice riding is nice riding whether you do it in a snaffle or a double,” he said. “That’s what we should be more fixed on; riding that produces horses nicely, and how the sport moves forward in terms of what the judges are looking for in the arena that stops other sorts of riding coming into the sport – and promotes that harmonious side to it. When you ride like that, it really doesn’t matter if you have a snaffle or a double on.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers told H&H that it was “curious” why the proposal should be controversial.

“Surely it is how the horse performs that is of most relevance, rather than the bitting or other accessories used? Double bridles can be a useful tool, but they are also a powerful tool, and it seems right to give riders the choice,” he said.

“A constant mantra for the sport must be around challenging the status quo, including questioning our practices. Some might ask, why make this change? We’d ask, why wouldn’t you?”

You might also be interested in:

More powers to pull riders up and debate over dressage: how horse sport may look in 2023

Debate as 150 top riders unite against plans to ban top hats *H&H Plus*

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Nosebands and bit type are only a “small part of the puzzle” when it comes to bridle fit – and more consideration should be given to the individual horse.

This was among the messages highlighted during the recent World Horse Welfare webinar, Bridle fit – why getting it right is so important (1 June). Vet and researcher Rachel Murray, of Rossdales Diagnostic Centre, and Society of Master Saddlers saddle and bridle fitter Di Fisher discussed why ensuring a bridle fits properly is so important for performance and horse welfare.

“I’m sure we are all really well aware how important saddle fit is for our horses, and what can happen if we continue to ride and train our horses with ill-fitting saddles, but the reality is many of us don’t place the same importance on correct bridle fit,” said World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers, who hosted the webinar.

Dr Murray gave a presentation based on previous research around the importance of good bridle fit, the issues that can be caused when a bridle is unstable or sits on pressure points – and the importance of regular dental care.

“There have been concerns raised about nosebands and bits particularly in competition horses and this has led to the introduction of measurements of noseband tightness with national federations. This is based on a number of different areas of research; however, there has been little discussion about the rest of the bridle because the focus tended to be on the noseband,” said Dr Murray, who added that the noseband should not be thought of as a problem, but for its “positive role“ in stabilising the bridle.

“Noseband tightness and bit type are really important but they’re only a small part of the jigsaw, and it’s vitally important to consider the whole bridle. There are real opportunities now to use current knowledge to guide recommendations for bridle fit.”

Dr Murray discussed the various nerves and muscles in horses’ heads and that these affect many different structures throughout the body. She said the take-home message is “remembering the anatomy underneath the bridle”.

“If you get it right, your horse will perform better as well as feel better because you’re impacting the whole horse’s body,” she said.

Ms Fisher agreed with Rachel and encouraged owners to be aware of each individual horse’s conformation.

“Consider whether your horse has got enough room at the noseband, look at the headpiece and just look at the bridle to see if you can do anything to help your horse and give it a bit more comfort,” she said, adding that no two horses’ heads are the same shape and that one bridle will not fit every horse.

“Many manufacturers have changed the way they make their bridles – they have anatomical headpieces now and most of the cheaper brands have these, too. It’s a case of looking at the different bridles within your budget and trying to find one that is going to suit your horse’s anatomy.”

You might also be interested in:

Education key to changing views on tight nosebands

One in four horses’ bits don’t fit, research finds

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In our 99th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Jennifer Donald talks to top showjumper Holly Smith, who discusses what she looks for in a top horse. H&H’s Pippa Roome then catches up with H&H’s Polly Bryan to discuss last week’s NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships. Pippa then talks to the H&H news team to discuss spinal chord injury research, data in horse sport and why we need to worry about the future of Hackneys. Finally, we’ll be hearing from bits and bitting expert Tricia Nassau-WIlliams, who talks about bridle design and what will work for your horse. We hope you’ll enjoy listening.

Episode 99 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, our popular audio service available every Thursday morning for our H&H digital subscribers, is now live.

Each episode is available for all H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app 24hrs after its early release to our H&H digital subscribers. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode. This will allow more listeners to make The Horse & Hound Podcast an essential part of their week on Friday morning.

• View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

In our 99th weekly episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, H&H’s Jennifer Donald talks to top showjumper Holly Smith, who discusses what she looks for in a top horse.

H&H’s Pippa Roome then catches up with H&H’s Polly Bryan to discuss last week’s NAF Five Star Winter Dressage Championships.

Pippa then talks to the H&H news team to discuss spinal-cord injury research, data in horse sport and why we need to worry about the future of Hackneys.

Finally, we’ll be hearing from bits and bitting expert Tricia Nassau-WIlliams, who talks about bridle design and what will work for your horse.

• We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 99

.

.

Listen now to other recent episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast…

The Horse & Hound Podcast 98: Jonelle Price | Grand National & World Cup Final review | Bit size | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 97: Tiger Roll’s former jockey Davy Russell | Caring for your horse’s teeth and mouth | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 96: Show horse producer Edward Young | Bitting strong horses | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 95: Grand prix dressage rider Sonnar Murray-Brown | Cheltenham Festival review | Bitting issues | News round-up

The Horse & Hound Podcast 94: Italian eventer Vittoria Panizzon | How bitting has changed | News round-up

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In the right hands, the double bridle is a powerful and versatile tool which gives the rider a huge range of options to refine the rein aids, but in order to achieve this the rider needs to fully understand how to ride in a double bridle, which includes how to hold double bridle reins.

After all, as dressage legend Kyra Kyrklund points out: “A knife and fork are useful for eating, but put them in an ape’s hands, and they can be dangerous.”

Caroline Moore, FBHS and British Eventing youth performance coach, shares Kyra’s concern: “It’s an effective tool in the right hands, but it’s often seen in the wrong hands. If the curb rein is used too abruptly and with too sharp an action, it can seriously bruise the horse’s jaw and cause all sorts of back issues from the horse hollowing away from the action.”

Both experts warn against using the double bridle for the wrong reasons.

Caroline says: “In the eventing world, people sometimes go to the double bridle when they feel the horse is too strong or they can’t keep him connected, but you should not use it to manufacture submission. The horse has to be properly through and connected, working over the back, with the correct understanding of submission so he yields to the aids effectively in a snaffle.”

Kyra is equally adamant: “It is a tool for collected work. You should not use the double bridle to get the horse on the bit. If a horse is strong because he is on the forehand, a double bridle is not the answer. Many people use the double bridle before they have educated themselves or the horse. Jump the basic steps here and, sooner or later, that will become a problem. The right time to use a double bridle is with the more collected work when you are at medium level – for the flying changes and half-passes – to give you a more refined influence on the horse.”

How to ride in a double bridle: the basics

Caroline says: “Part of the problem is that some riders don’t know how to use the rein aid properly in the first place. You have to understand the basics; it is about pressure and release – at the right times.

“I usually start riders off with two reins on a pelham, so they learn to control each rein without having the effect of the double bridle. It is one way of teaching someone to use two sets of reins.”

In the same vein, Kyra gives her horses time to become used to the double bridle: “I don’t just put it on one day and start teaching the horse something new. You do work the horse finds easy and sometimes you have to hack them in it.”

Understanding the effect of the double bridle on the horse is equally fundamental.

Caroline explains: “You need to understand the action the bits have. The bridoon raises the horse’s head. It sits in the corner of the mouth. You use it as you do a snaffle.

“The curb has an effect on the horse when the shank moves to an approximately 45-degree angle, the curb chain goes into the chin groove and the horse yields by taking his nose in. It also puts pressure on the poll and the horse reacts by lowering his poll to avoid the pressure.”

How to hold double bridle reins

If you look back through history, you discover there are many different ways of how to hold double bridle reins, from the crossed, traditional two-and-two method; uncrossed two-and-two; the three-and-one and Fillis, to name but a few.

Caroline uses and teaches the most common, the traditional crossed method whereby the left curb and bridoon reins are held in the left hand, and the right curb and bridoon reins in the right hand. The curb rein is held between the little finger and the ring finger, the bridoon is held underneath the little finger. The curb and bridoon reins cross over, hence the name.

She says: “As you ride with your thumb on top of the reins pointing towards the horse’s ears, this method allows you to put more pressure on the bridoon easily as it is the lower rein. I also find it easier to shorten the bridoon rein this way without affecting the curb.”

Kyra started out with the crossed method, but learnt a version of the uncrossed two-and-two from dressage master Herbert Rehbein: “He always kept the curb rein under the little finger, then two fingers up, the bridoon rein, the reins in parallel. I want to be able to influence with each rein independently on one side or the other. You can have one or two fingers in between, depending on how much of a difference in influence you want to have.

The “Fillis” hold is named after the British-born French riding master James Fillis, who rode with the bridoon rein on top of the hand. It causes the correct rein to engage automatically. When the horse’s head goes up, the curb gets naturally stronger, and when the horse is too low, the bridoon engages and naturally gets stronger. The rider doesn’t need to do anything to get the desired effect.

Kyra also uses the “three-and-one, when I have one bridoon rein on its own in one hand and the remaining three reins in the other hand [usually the left],” she explains. “It all depends on the horse you are working with.”

For this hold, the correct placement of reins in the left hand is to hold the left snaffle on the outside of the little finger, the left curb rein between little finger and ring finger, and the right curb rein between the ring and middle fingers. The right hand holds the right snaffle rein in the traditional position between the right little finger and ring finger.

Checking your double bridle is the right fit

Making sure the horse is comfortable in his double bridle is also critical, and Caroline says: “The most important thing is that the angle of the curb shank is no more than 45 degrees. Often you see an amateur working a horse with a curb shank that is horizontal.”

Kyra explains this is down to the curb chain not being tightened correctly: “If the curb chain is too loose, then you can pull the curb through more. This can result in the port turning up. Some horses don’t like the port moving too much in their mouth.

“The bits you choose all depend on the conformation of your horse’s mouth. If you have a bit with a high port and a horse with a shallow mouth, then the port may touch the roof of his mouth. If you use a curb bit that is too wide, it may move too much sideways in his mouth, and the curb section can end up on the bar of his mouth. If the horse has a small mouth, then you must not use a heavy curb bit.

“My horse Matador had a sensitive mouth, so I swapped the bridoon bit for a snaffle. This is fine, as long as the snaffle ring size complies with the rules. He also had a straight, but thin curb, which I hardly ever used, so he didn’t have too much in his mouth.”

Using a double bridle makes all the difference to Caroline’s eventer Allstar B, ridden by Ros Canter: “He is a notoriously idle horse and energy has to be created massively. You maintain that energy through the contact. We often only use the double bridle the day before and on the morning of the dressage test as it creates a light, fresh feeling; you might not get that degree of cadence without using a double bridle.”

Top tips when learning how to use a double bridle

• Use a pelham or a snaffle with two sets of reins to get used to riding with double reins. Learn to become adept at shortening and lengthening them independently of each other to help you learn how to hold double bridle reins.
• Ask for advice – trainer, friends, saddler, bit-fitting consultant – to ensure the bits, bridle and curb chain fit correctly. Finding the right bits is not always straightforward and can takes some trial and error.
• Give your horse time to get used to having two bits in his mouth. Start off using it with work he finds easy.
• Make sure your horse doesn’t associate the double bridle with being asked for something he finds difficult or unpleasant. Sometimes, it helps to take him for a hack in his double bridle.

You might also be interested in:

9 smart double bridles you can order today

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The next Black Friday is 25 November, 2022. When the time comes, don’t worry about scouring the internet for the best horse tack deals and special offers as we will be doing the hard work for you by gathering them together here...

Good quality tack is a big outlay, but can last years if you can get your hands on a great product – Black Friday sales are a great opportunity to buy something that might normally be out of your budget.

Whether you’re looking for anatomical bridles, saddles, girths or technical stirrups, this is the place to find and compare all the best deals. We will be regularly updating this page with the very best Black Friday horse tack deals that we can find.

In the meantime, check out our guides to the…

• best bridles
• best anatomical bridles
• best GP saddles
• best dressage saddles
• best jump saddles
• best long girths
• best short dressage girths
• best stud girths
• best stirrup leathers
• best technical stirrups

What is Black Friday?

For consumers and retailers in the UK, Black Friday is a recent phenomenon, but it has been going strong the United States for decades.

Black Friday is the first Friday after Thanksgiving and is traditionally seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season, with high street retailers opening their doors at the crack of dawn and offering big discounts for shoppers who have set their alarm clocks.

The rise of internet shopping has allowed the Black Friday tradition to spread throughout the world, and it hasn’t passed the equestrian world by either. From your local tack shop to massive online retailers, there will be great discounts to be had.

You might also like:

Best Cyber Monday equestrian deals 2025, 50 hand-picked deals by our experts and horse owners

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Research is proving that bridle pressure can inhibit a horse’s performance, but what’s key to a perfect fit? Dr Rachel Murray MRCVS explains

RECENT developments in technology are enabling us to understand more about the effects of the bridle. Investigations using under-bridle pressure mats are revealing that bridle design and fit can significantly affect a horse’s movement pattern – and therefore his ability to perform.

The nature of equine anatomy means that certain areas of the head are vulnerable to pressure. The better the design and fit of the bridle, the lower the pressure in these areas and the fewer the locations where pressure points can be seen.

At the sites where pressure does occur, this is unlikely to be continuous and will vary depending on the point in the stride. Additionally, depending

on the position of the horse’s head, the location of maximal pressure can vary.

When a horse’s head is more vertical, for example, greater pressure tends to occur at the top edge of the noseband (nearest the eyes). Pressure is more likely to occur under the bottom edge when the head is more horizontal.

Pressures are usually higher during faster paces, or when movement is more extravagant, meaning that good bridle fit and design are especially important for the performance horse. However, pressure points can occur with any horse, whatever his job, so the bridle must be fitted and checked as carefully as the saddle.

VITAL ADJUSTMENTS

THE more stable a bridle is on a horse’s head, the less likely he is to experience pressure points at the front and back of the headpiece, or rubs at the corners of his mouth as the bit moves.

Some “give” is needed in the noseband, however, as the head moves. Since the noseband is attached over the top of the head, it can act as a fixed unit; this can then create pressure points on the poll and also underneath the horizontal fitting, particularly if done up tightly.

It is important that the noseband is not too tight or fastened with the horizontal part too high. There should be space between the noseband and the facial crest. Side rings, such as those typically seen on a drop or crank noseband, allow the noseband to move better with the horse’s head and can help reduce pressure under both the noseband and headpiece.

Pressure points are likely to occur under buckles or metal fittings, particularly if these are located over the higher-risk locations. These fastenings should be positioned carefully and padded where possible. Stiff material or hard edges can also create pressure points and are better avoided. A rolled or narrow noseband strap under the headpiece can localise pressure over the poll, so needs to be carefully checked.

A number of higher-risk locations involve the headpiece: at the front, where it pushes against the base of the ears; at the back, where it impacts against the wings of the atlas; and underneath, on the top of the poll.

Additional risk areas are situated underneath or close to the browband attachments (pressure points can occur here when the horse swallows, or moves his tongue or jaw); under the noseband, on either side of the nasal bone; and over the jawbones on the underside of the chin.

FACING FACTS

THE fit of a bridle is affected by a horse’s conformation. Few horses have a symmetrical head, so the shape and fit on one side may need to be different to the other.

The distance between the corner of the mouth and the facial crest can vary. A horse with a long mouth and a low facial crest will have a very short distance to accommodate a noseband, so a wide noseband can create real problems – especially if he has thick skin, which can become bunched up between the bit and the noseband and cause rubs or pinching.

Careful selection of the noseband width and shape, choosing a design that narrows at the sides, for example, is critical if there is limited space.

Generally, a wider headpiece over the top of the head reduces pressures over the midline of the poll, although the distance between the back of the ears and the wings of the atlas can vary between horses. If the atlas is positioned close to the back of the ears, there is very little space.

For horses with this type of anatomy, narrowing of the headpiece at the sides may reduce pressure points at the front and back and improve both comfort and performance. This is particularly important if the horse has a large crest, which can cause the bridle to fly forward over the ears, or is ridden in a curb bit with long shanks – where the headpiece is more likely to be pushed against the back of the ears.

The height of the browband and cheekpiece buckles needs to be assessed relative to the bony prominences below the ears. The browband should be long enough, and the headpiece of sufficient length that the browband does not sit too high.

The padding on a noseband should be wide enough under the jaw or over the nose to limit pressure points on these bony edges. If a horse has a wide jaw, the length of the padding should be assessed in relation to his shape and size. Some horses have a longer distance over the top of the nose to the mouth, while others have a bigger chin; where possible, consider the individual and tailor the bridle shape and size to his conformation.

When a bitless bridle is used, the positioning and shape of a bridle over the horse’s nose is even more important, as pressures created at this location may be much greater than with a standard noseband.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS

STUDIES have shown that high pressures under the bridle reduce the quality of a horse’s movement, both limb flexion and stride pattern. By selecting bridle fit and design to suit the anatomy of the individual, these pressures can be avoided and performance will be improved.

Signs of discomfort range from a dislike of being tacked up or handled around the ears and an unwillingness to go forwards, to head tossing or ear drooping on one side during ridden exercise. More obvious indications include white hairs at pressure points, rubbing on the corners of the mouth or the cheeks, or a swelling or indentation over the nasal or jawbones.

Extra padding is not necessarily the answer, since this can make the bridle more unstable and lead to problems elsewhere. Consulting a Society of Master Saddlers-trained bridle-fitter will be worthwhile if problems persist.

Identifying pressure zones

THE head comprises large areas where there is limited soft tissue covering the bone, leading to anatomical prominences and moving parts with little padding. The shape and location of these can create pressure points under the bridle.

The numerous nerves and blood vessels that run over and around the bony prominences are at risk of irritation or injury, if the shape and fit of the bridle is not optimal.

Key areas of interference include:

● The edges of the nasal bone.

● Under the mandible (lower jaw).

● Bony enlargements around the roots of the teeth – a particular problem in the young horse.

● The facial crest – the bone that sits under the cheekpiece and above the noseband.

● The temporomandibular joint and hyoid apparatus, which move with the jaw and tongue motion.

● The skull, which is quite pointed at the poll.

● Behind the ears; while this area does have muscle coverage, space is limited by the bony side wings of the atlas (the first neck vertebra).

You can also read this feature in the 20 May issue of Horse & Hound magazine.

You might also be interested in…

At the cutting edge: equine eyelid surgery

Back conformation and saddle fit: what’s new in the veterinary world? *H&H Plus*

How to help keep your horse happy and healthy while in transit *H&H Plus*

How different grazing systems can help you control your horse’s weight *H&H Plus*

Reducing the pressure and force exerted on horses’ heads by bridles can lead to improved gait, including increased limb flexion and movement, a study has found.

Rachel Murray of Rossdales presented the research, published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, at the World Horse Welfare conference on 
13 November.

She told guests while saddles are usually “carefully fitted and measured”, the bridle is “often forgotten”, despite the presence of important structures in the head.

“Lots of concerns have been raised on social media and other places, in relation to parts of the bridle, in particular nosebands and bits,” she said.“Some of this research is well supported; other parts, or things used or put across on social media, there’s less evidence for.”Dr Murray said there has been little discussion on bridles.The researchers used pressure mats to compare the maximum forces exerted on horses, under their normal, well-fitting bridles and under another modified for comfort. They also assessed the horses’ movement in both bridles.

They found pressure under the headpiece, browband and noseband, but it was intermittent, according to the point of the horse’s stride. As a horse cleared a jump, for example, there was no pressure under the headpiece.

Dr Murray said buckles on headpieces, noseband straps under headpieces and rolled bridles or rope cause pressure points.

The location of pressure on the noseband is affected by where the horse’s head is, so dressage horses with their heads further down than showjumpers will feel pressure in different places.

She added the pressure under the noseband of a bitless bridle can be “significantly greater” than under a normal noseband.

“There are lots of challenges and things we can do to optimise what’s happening,” she said, adding that a noseband pushed against the facial crest will mean increased pressure — and so decreased hindlimb movement.

A cavesson is more likely to have pressure points as it does not bend enough, and buckles create pressure points, while a crank noseband is likely to be “easier for the horse”, partly thanks to its rings and separate parts.

Flash nosebands are also likely to cause pressure, while grackles and drops are associated with reduced force.

In a bridle padded at key points, and with shaped parts, it was found the pressure was “significantly less” under the headpiece and noseband.

“We can affect the comfort of the horse,” Dr Murray said. “If we decrease the pressure under the bridle, we improve forelimb protraction, and it bends its knees and hocks more.

“We think this is because we’re freeing up areas in the muscles of the head, allowing the horse to move and swallow better, and move the tongue and muscles to the front legs; so it is able to move in better quality movement.

“When we fit a bridle, we need to make sure we assess the anatomy of the individual horse to make sure we’re optimising our bridle fit for each horse.

“When we think about bridles, we need to remember that routine, tailored dental care is essential. We need to realise noseband tightness and bit type are only a small part of the jigsaw and fitting the entire bridle is vital for the welfare of our horses.”

Dr Murray is working with World Horse Welfare on guidelines for bridle fit.

You may also be interested in…

Is bitless best? Study reveals horses’ tolerance of different bridles

First bit- and bridle-fitting qualification now available

The course is for anyone hoping to become a qualified bit fitter

Rider’s ‘pit crew’ rush to the rescue when bridle breaks just before test

One USA team rider nearly didn't make it down the centre line at the Rotterdam Nations Cup

The Micklem bridle: what you need to know

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When the Nicky Henderson-trained Wenyerreadyfreddie triumphed in the Ascot Underwriting Chase on Saturday (3 November), eagle-eyed racing fans may have noticed his bridle looked a little unusual.

The seven-year-old chestnut gelding was, in fact, sporting a Micklem bridle — most commonly seen on competition horses and very rarely on the racecourse.

The Micklem is designed to avoid the sensitive areas on a horse’s head by fitting higher up on the nose where the bone is thicker and avoiding any inward pressure on the molar teeth.

Pressure on the poll is also minimised because the headpiece is a single strap that is wide and padded. The bit is attached to the nosepiece to reduce pressure on the tongue or mouth.

Whereas grackle or cross nosebands are often seen on jumping racehorses’ bridles, you are less likely to see a Micklem bridle being used.

“Wenyerreadyfreddie is particularly funny about his head and is very sensitive in the poll area,” explained Nicky, champion National Hunt trainer.

“We think he might have had a knock on the head at some point, because he is funny about things like loading into the horsebox too,” he added of the son of Beneficial, who joined the Lambourn yard in November 2016.

“He always carried his head high as well. I can’t remember who actually told me about the Micklem bridle, but we tried it out on him and it was very successful, so we kept him in it. Now he is ridden every day — both at home and in races — in a Micklem.

“His stable lass, Katie, rides him each day and she says it makes a huge difference to the way he goes.”

Continued below…

The Micklem bridle: what you need to know

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

The gelding has run eight times for Nicky, recording two wins and is rarely out of the placings.

So will we see other trainers following Nicky’s lead? Only time will tell…

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A showjumper turned heads by competing without a bridle in a $10,000 championship class at a major international show.

Melanie Ferrio-Wise rode Wings, known at home as “Vlad”, in the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) adult jumper championships with just a strap around his neck for steering.

The pair had a couple of fences and a run-out, but Melanie told H&H she is as happy as if she had won.

“I could have been first or last place and I would have been just as happy,” said Melanie.

“No ribbon can take the place of the feeling that I felt coming over that last fence.

“Would I have liked to have been placed in the top 12, and taken a bridleless victory gallop? Of course! Who wouldn’t? But I was just so happy to have a teammate that is so amazing, that was content with finishing the course.

“I look forward to showing this season bridleless at every venue that will allow it, and working towards coming back to WIHS next year.”

Melanie and her husband Brendan have spent three years rehabilitating the horse from injury and for behavioural problems.

The horse stood as a stallion in the Dominican Republic until the age of nine, where he also showjumped, before being gelded and imported to the US to train as a dressage horse.

He came to Melanie and Brendan in North Carolina after he became difficult to handle and they turned him away for months to give him “time to be a horse”.

“Turnout was interesting because he had no clue how to be a horse,” added Melanie.

“A horse would tell him to move and he would just stand there and take the kick, not ever moving.

“Eventually he was slowly learning to be a part of a herd, but he was not getting any more sound in his feet and body.

“We felt like we were fighting an uphill battle, with no signs of what was wrong. But we stayed faithful that we could get him back to health.”

He started to become easier to handle on the ground and the pair decided to send him to live in a big field at Brendan’s parents’ farm for a winter and he came in “perfectly sound”.

Returning to work

Brendan gently started to reintroduce Vlad to ridden work.

That summer, Melanie lost her long-term campaigner Boyd and found herself without a horse to ride, so decided to try Vlad.

The pair did not gel instantly, but as time went on they “became a team”.

“I took him to his first show that following winter, and we played around in the 2’3” division,” said Melanie, adding she was “pretty nervous” as she had not competed in years.

“That is the day we found out Vlad’s passion was jumping. We started to jump, and the horse that was so difficult was all of a sudden much more willing to work.”

She added she was “terrified” to take him around her the 3ft course, but did it after some “extra encouragement” from her grandmother.

“Vlad was amazing — he was no longer the horse I had once labelled difficult: he was packing me around like it was nothing,” she added.

“A couple weeks later, Vlad and I went to another local show and did the 3’6” division.

“I knew he could do it, but I was not feeling so confident. Yet again, he packed me around the course. I was just blown away by this little wonder horse and he wowed everyone who saw him jump.”

The pair moved up to competing at 1.20m at affiliated shows in 2016.

She advertised Vlad for sale last summer, as had been the plan, but a growth was found on his stifle while he was away on trial and he returned home.

“Not long after we got him home I received my acceptance letter from WIHS — this was a ‘tears of joy’ moment,” said Melanie, adding it had been a “childhood dream” to compete at the show.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Who needs a bridle anyway? Check out the bridleless leather bit

No bridle? No problem! Forgetful hunt follower uses headcollar instead

Followers of the Bicester with Whaddon Chase were surprised when one of their number arrived on a horse wearing a

Ascot Gold Cup winner shows off his showjumping talent

The Group One winner, who earned more than £352,000 during his career on the track, has enjoyed the switch to

Going bridleless

They had been playing around with bridleless jumping for about a year ahead of the show and started to find he was happier without a bridle than wearing one.

“I did not do this for attention or to get people to know us,” added Melanie.

“That thought never crossed any of our minds. I did this for Vlad, because let’s be honest, who would try this at WIHS!”

She added he behaved like a “total professional” while schooling at the show in a busy arena and knew after that he was ready for the class.

“We made some mistakes in our course, but I was beyond happy to fly over the last fence,” she said, adding he felt “amazing” to ride.

A big jump from the 14-year-old gelding over the final part of the treble threw Melanie forwards and she lost her stirrup, but she managed to keep her balance and finish.

“I finished the course with no bridle and one stirrup,” she said, adding she was “in tears” as she jumped the final fence.

“He was forward, but when you walk into the ring with a little 15.3hh horse, whether in a bridle or not, you have to ride forward to get the striding in the lines.

“When you take away the ability to control the situation — being bridleless — things don’t always go as planned, but that is the beauty of what we accomplished.

“Vlad loves his job, if he didn’t we would not have finished that course.

“I gave him the freedom to make the decisions he needed to, and he decided he was just as happy to finish that course as I was.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Described as ‘a kind and sympathetic bridle for horses that are sensitive in the mouth’, Lottie Butler finds out how the Micklem bridle works

How did it begin?

Forty years ago, William Micklem (pictured), an international coach, speaker and author, began thinking about an alternative bridle and noseband for horses. Twenty years ago, he produced his first prototype. Now, the Micklem bridle is approaching sales of 1,000 a week.

There are two types of bridle available — the competition bridle and the multibridle, which functions as a bridle, a lunge cavesson, a bitless bridle and a headcollar. The competition bridle is available in a choice of styles including plain leather, with a raised and stitched noseband and browband, and a diamante browband option.

What makes the Micklem bridle so popular?

Jenny Leggate, trainer and founder of Equibuddy, a charity that uses equestrian vaulting to help people with learning difficulties and disabilities, has been using the Micklem bridle on all of her horses for over three years.

“The Micklem bridle is fantastic as you can swap seamlessly between lunging and riding without a fuss. You can also adjust the bridle to be ridden bitless without removing it, and the design also enables you to share the contact when riding and leading.”

In addition to versatility, the design of the Micklem bridle takes into account the shape and physiology of a horse’s skull, avoiding potential pressure points that can be found on traditional bridles.

“When you fit the bridle, you are much more aware of how it sits on the horse, and can make many alterations to ensure it is the very best fit. They are simply much more comfortable for the horse,” says Jenny.

William explains some of the principles behind the design: “The horse’s top jaw is substantially wider than the lower jaw, and so a tight cavesson or flash noseband can squash the delicate tissue inside the mouth between the edge of their top jaw molar teeth and the pressure from the noseband. As such, horses that try to open their mouth while wearing a tight noseband can end up with bruising or lacerations inside the mouth.

“Cavesson nosebands can put pressure on the motor and sensory nerves for the lower half of the horse’s head. This can result in numbness around the nose and mouth, which is why so many horses rub their noses on their forelegs after work. Similarly, dropped nosebands sit on the delicate two ends of the nose bones, both no wider than a pencil. This can cause discomfort and, if a horse resists, serious damage to the bone.”

How does the Micklem bridle work?

A Micklem bridle avoids these sensitive areas by fitting higher up on the nose where the bone is thicker, and avoiding any inward pressure on the molar teeth. Pressure on the poll is also minimised as the headpiece is a single strap that is wide, shaped and padded. Similarly, the bit is attached to the nose-piece to avoid any pressure on the tongue or bars of the mouth.

“The Micklem is a very kind and sympathetic bridle for horses that are sensitive in the mouth,” says eventer Harry Meade. “It’s very good for a horse who drops or evades the contact. The bridle doesn’t have long cheek pieces, which means there is much less movement and the bit is very static, so it helps the horse to settle and accept the bit.”

Sharon White, an event rider based in West Virginia, has also found the bridle useful for horses that are sensitive in the mouth. “It is designed completely for the horse’s comfort, and puts equal amounts of pressure on all areas of the horse’s skull,” she says. “We have found it particularly good on horses who stick their tongues out or are generally fussy in the mouth.”

American event rider Lauren Billys went from riding in a long shank pelham to a rubber D-ring snaffle for all three phases after trying her horse in a Micklem. “The horse had a wonderful movement, but was very tight in her jaw and struggled to be completely supple. She would also itch her head persistently every time I took her bridle off,” she explains. “Since I’ve started using the Micklem bridle, she’s much more consistent – steady and ready for each aid! And the head itching has stopped.”

What sort of horses are they suitable for?

Suitable for all levels and disciplines and approved by the FEI for international competitions, a growing number of amateur and professional riders are using the Micklem bridle — from Pony Club to National Hunt, British Eventing to Riding for the Disabled.

“Fitting bits and nosebands is a bit of an art, and so the Micklem is a very useful addition to our tackroom,” concludes Harry.

Micklem bridle options

Rambo Micklem Multibridle

Colours: Brown or black | Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse or large horse |

Designed to comfortably fit the shape of the horse’s skull, avoiding pressure on sensitive areas, the Multibridle can be used as a bridle, lunge cavesson or as a bitless bridle with three strength options. It comes with tongue protection clips, bit straps, curb groove strap and strong bitless strap.

In the UK? View now at naylors.com

Rambo Micklem Original Competition Bridle

Colours: Dark Havana or black | Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse or large horse |

This show quality bridle is made from hand-finished leather with soft padding on the headpiece, browband, noseband and cheekpieces. It comes with tongue protection bit clips and two sets of bit straps. It cannot be used as a bitless bridle or lunge cavesson.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk, naylors.com or sportsdirect.com

Rambo Micklem Deluxe Competition Bridle

Colours: Dark Havana or black | Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse or large horse |

Like the Original Competition Bridle, this is made from hand finished leather with soft padding on the headpiece, browband, noseband and cheekpieces. It also comes with tongue protection bit clips and two sets of bit straps, and dannot be used as a bitless bridle or lunge Cavesson. It has a wider nose piece, plus a raised nose and browband with contrasting fancy stitch detail.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk

Rambo Micklem Diamante Competition Bridle

Colours: Black | Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse or large horse |

Like the Deluxe Competition Bridle, this is made from hand finished leather with soft padding on the headpiece, browband, noseband and cheekpieces. It also comes with tongue protection bit clips and two sets of bit straps, and dannot be used as a bitless bridle or lunge Cavesson. It has a wider nose piece and diamante effect studs in the browband.

In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk or sportsdirect.com

You might also like:

8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room

Eggbutt snaffle or loose ring: what’s the difference?

Snaffles are the most widely used bits on the market, but what is the difference between a loose ring and

13 breastplates that will help prevent the slip

Choosing the right bit for your horse

Lever or combination nosebands: what are they and how do they work?

The lever or combination noseband is being seen more often, but how does it work and what types of horse

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Finding the perfect bridle can be a difficult task. For this reason we’ve compiled a list of made-to-measure bridles to ensure you get the best fit for your horse.

Kate Negus padded drop noseband bridle

This classic English leather bridle is made using top quality leather that has been carefully selected by the company. The padded drop noseband bridle has a raised and padded noseband and browband, but the size and style of all of the pieces can be selected at the time of purchase. This gives a made-to-measure fit that also suits the rider’s tastes. This bridle is available in black and chestnut.

RRP: from £175

Visit: www.katenegus.com

Sue Carson Saddles comfort bridle

This revolutionary designed comfort bridle incorporating all of the features that Sue has found, as a rider and trainer, to be beneficial to horses. The bridle is made to measure in England from top quality leather to suit your horse’s sizing and your preferred colour combinations. The bridle features a padded headpiece that helps to reduce poll pressure and resistance. In addition to this the noseband sliphead threads over the headpiece. The bridle also has a long headpiece so that the browband doesn’t pinch, buckles on both ends of the throatlash to maximise its adjustability and a concealed flash fixing inside of the noseband. This is easily adapted to a double bridle. A choice of reins are available.

RRP: from £160

Visit: www.suecarsonsaddles.co.uk

Albion KB comfort bridle

The original pressure relieving KB comfort bridle is tailor made to perfection with a patented design. The bridle has an almost infinite range of options, which can be made-to-measure in different styles and sizes to achieve the perfect fit and look every time. For something extra special you can choose from a wide selection of patent leather and Swarovski options. The slip is anatomically positioned over the padded, cutaway headpiece and features an oversized padded browband. This ensures ear clearance and minimises ear and poll nerve pressure, while featuring a soft padded noseband for extra comfort. Recognised as one of the leading anatomically designed made-to-measure bridles on the market today, this bridle is chosen by professional riders worldwide including William Fox-Pitt, Laura Tomlinson and Emile Faurie.

RRP: from £213

Visit: www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk

Grand Prix rolled Larissa double bridle

Wolds Exclusive Bling offer a range of exclusively made Sedgwick leather bridles and browbands to suit all horses. The bridles are designed to maximise comfort, durability, and to look stylish and “blingy”.

RRP: from £169

Visit: www.woldsexclusivebling.com

Next week: don’t miss our pick of the best headbands and ear warmers

Would you like to be considered for this series in future? If so, please email H&H cathy.comerford@timeinc.com

A bridle has been proven to improve a horse’s comfort and way of going in a recent study. The two-year project investigated optimal bridle design, before creating a bridle that matched the findings.

Sites of high pressure under the headpiece of a double bridle and a standard crank cavesson noseband were determined on 12 high-level competition horses using pressure mats under their usual bridles.

High-pressure zones were found behind the base of the ears on headpieces and on either side of the nasal bone on nosebands.

A bridle, which has since been released to the market by Fairfax Saddles, was then created to reduce the pressure in these areas, as well as additional sites where high pressure was recorded. The bridle was tested on the 12 horses and the results were compared to their usual bridles.

In ridden tests, peak pressure with the horses’ usual bridles was on average 106.7% greater than with the Fairfax bridle, and peak pressure under the noseband was 47.8% greater with their own noseband in comparison to the Fairfax bridle. Forelimb protraction, measured using high-speed video, also increased, by 4.2%.

Riders were asked to score their horse’s quality of work in each bridle. All reported a positive difference with the Fairfax bridle and a marked difference was reported by nine of 12 riders for straightness, eight for rhythm, suppleness and impulsion, and seven for contact and collection.

“We found that the horses moved significantly differently wearing the Fairfax bridle, where there were lower pressures than under their own bridle,” independent researcher Dr Rachel Murray told H&H.

Vanessa Fairfax, owner of Fairfax Saddles, added: “During the summer we ran a series of regional bridle clinics and have shown that the performance benefits can be felt by non-elite riders on horses of varying abilities and ages, as well as by the elite rider on the grand prix horse.”

This is not the first time research has been carried out on Fairfax Saddles’ products. In 2011, a scientific study was carried out on the company’s performance girth. The girth, which was tested by the British Olympic squad, was proven to improve a horse’s symmetry and freedom of movement (news, 30 August, 2012).

‘It feels completely different’

Dressage rider Henriette Andersen has been trialling the FEI approved bridle.

“It feels completely different — the horses are just more comfortable,” she told H&H.

“It takes the pressure away and it makes them an awful lot lighter in the rein and more comfortable in themselves because of that.”

Shaun Mandy, dressage rider and trainer, trialled the bridle in July.

“For me there was more lightness, a softer neck and evenness,” he told H&H.

Rachel Murray carried out the research alongside Vanessa Fairfax, Russell Guire of Centaur Biomechanics and master saddler Mark Fisher. A peer-reviewed paper detailing the research, which began in 2013, was published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science on 7 September.

“There is not nearly enough research into tack,” added Rachel. “I hope the publication of this paper makes others follow suit, and think more about how tack can benefit both performance and welfare.”

The Fairfax performance bridle has been available to buy with a limited selection of retailers since June and goes on widespread sale on 4 January, 2016. Clinics will be run in the New Year so riders can try the bridle on their own horses.

For more information visit: www.fairfaxsaddles.com

Ref: H&H 24/12/15

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Kate Negus Saddlery has launched a design your own noseband and browband service.

Both products can be personalised with customer’s choosing the colour — either black or white — of the leather lining and how many crystals they’d like.

The new pieces “give our customers even more scope to personalise their horse’s bridle,” said Julia Andrews from the company.

The new pieces are made from quality English leather and have a patent leather finish.

The noseband is compatible with the grand prix headpiece but a standard size can also be made.

Prices start at £42.50 for the browband and £103.50 for a cavesson noseband.

More information on Kate Negus Saddlery

British Olympic gold medallist Carl Hester has helped PDS design a new snaffle dressage bridle.

The bridle has been designed to improve comfort for the horse while still looking stylish.

The crank fastening noseband has a wider surface area across the bridge of the nose and reduces in width as it curves around the cheek and under the nose. To headpiece is wider between the ears to reduce pressure on the poll.

The padded browband is finished in patent leather. The cheekpieces and insider grip reins are in rolled leather.

“This stunning, rolled dressage bridle will enhance the head of any horse and is designed to provide comfort and performance for horse and rider,” said a spokesman from the company.

It comes in black, sizes cob, full and x full, priced £225.

More information here

3 new bridles have been added to Kate Negus Saddlery’s grand prix range.

The bridles are made from English leather and feature padded browbands and pull back fastening nosebands. The size and style of the pieces can be chosen when buying the bridle.

“We’re offering the leather lining on a classic cavesson bridle, flash bridle and double, so there’s something for everyone,” said Julia Andrews, managing director at Kate Negus Saddlery.

“The grand prix range, as per our other collections, offers that bespoke fit too which, with the grand prix headpiece and soft leather lining on the noseband and browband, helps improve comfort for the horse.”

The bridles are available in black and chestnut and prices start from £230.

To find out more, visit www.katenegus.com

Owning separate bridles for shows and for working at home is often considered an expensive luxury — but equestrian retailer Classic Dressage has come up with an interesting compromise.

The company has launched a range of UK-made bridles that it says are interchangeable and of premium quality — but without the hefty price tag.

The new range of double and snaffle bridles can be bought as standard but key components, such as the brow-band, noseband and reins, can be quickly and easily interchanged to give a show or working bridle.

The Classic Dressage snaffle and double bridles come with a Swarovski Crystal Wave brow-band as standard and are complete with reins. Additional pieces can then be purchased separately. A plain brow band can be added for everyday use, as can additional rein sets with a rubber grip. Separate nosebands such as a drop or a patent crank, can also be separately purchased for special days out.

The bridles have a padded, contoured, integrated headpiece and are available in black or brown with white padding.

Prices are £225 for snaffle bridles and £325 for doubles.

For more information visit: www.classicdressage.com

Mark Todd has added to its range of tack products with the patent collection, which includes bridles and headcollars.

The Mark Todd patent dressage bridle (pictured right, RRP £99.99) has a patent browband and noseband, while the patent piped dressage bridle (RRP £104.99) features patent detail.

The bridles have stainless steel buckles, flash attachments and rubber grip reins.

Matching headcollars are available in both styles (starting at RRP £44.99).

Available in cob, full or extra full, the patent bridle, headcollar and piped bridle come only in black, but the piped headcollar is also sold in brown.

Visit www.wefi.co.uk to find your local stockist.

When choosing a bridle for your horse there is now more choice than ever. From the latest rolled patent leather complete with bling browband for the dressage arena to Australian nut brown bridles with high ring grackle nosebands in the showjumping ring, there is something to suit every horse and rider.

But with so much choice, where do you start? Bridles usually come in fairly standard pony, cob and full sizes, in either snaffle (single cheeks and reins) or double (with slip head and double reins) styles. But with a bit of extra thought it is possible to select a bridle that not only fits, but also improves the appearance of your horse’s head.

H&H hunting editor Catherine Austen says: “I like bridles to be plain, dark brown leather. The width of the leather should depend on the size of the horse’s head and its type. Wide, flat leather suits cobs and hunters with ‘handsome’ rather than pretty heads, while Thoroughbreds, horses with fine heads and ponies look good in narrower leather with lighter stitching.”

If you are competing you need to check your bridle complies with competition rules. For example grackle nosebands are not allowed in pure dressage, but are acceptable in the dressage phase of eventing, while double bridles are only allowed from elementary dressage upwards. So if you are not sure, consult your rulebook before going shopping.

Dressage divas

H&H dressage editor Alice Collins loves patent leather and a bit of bling for her sport, believing that the right bridle can enhance the overall appearance of any combination.

“My perfect competition bridle would be rolled black leather,” she says. “I don’t want — or need — a throatlash as it makes a short neck look even shorter. Most throatlashes are far too long so flap around and if you can tighten it enough to ‘keep the bridle on’ as they are designed to do, it may interfere with the horse’s ability to flex.

“White padding on a wide cavesson (double bridle) or flash noseband (snaffle bridle) helps break up a face with no white markings, as does a curved browband. I like either rolled browbands or a thin curved browband with some bling — but not too wide. You don’t need to blind the judge as you come down the centre line.”

The right reins

Some bridles come complete with reins, but they may not be of your preferred style so always check before you make your purchase. Some shops may be prepared to sell you a bridle without reins or swap the reins for a small additional charge, so it’s worth checking.

H&H eventing editor Pippa Roome prefers rubber reins for any jumping including cross-country.

“I like reins that buckle on to the bit, rather than using billets, as they are less likely to come undone,” she says. “But I would have a pair of stud billet reins for dressage as they look smarter. And don’t forget to take off your martingale stops for dressage if using the same pair of reins for all three phases.”

Alice likes her reins to match her bridle and be half-lined with rubber for added grip without being bulky. “Half-lined reins shouldn’t have a notch of leather covering the area where the rubber starts. It looks ugly,” she says.

H&H news editor and side saddle aficionado Flora Watkins likes a traditional pair of double reins. “One laced leather rein and one plain leather rein on a flat show hunter bridle would fit my needs,” she says.

Which noseband?

While there are some competition rules to consider regarding nosebands, in general they should be chosen based on your horse’s needs.

It is currently common for new bridles to come with flash nosebands as standard. H&H staff members have found it difficult to find a new bridle with a simple raised cavesson noseband, but some manufacturers have made the loop detachable, giving you the ultimate in flexibility, although shop around as appearances vary. We don’t advise wearing a flash noseband without the flash strap, or trying to cut the loop off yourself. Both will end up looking untidy.

Padded head pieces that allow room for the horse’s ears are a popular choice among the H&H team, while a major bugbear are keepers that are either too big (leaving leatherwork flapping in the breeze) or too small (making the bridle difficult to take on and off).

So whether you want something traditional suitable for the hunting field, or something more fashionable for the competition arena, we hope our guide has helped you to decide on the perfect bridle for you horse.

Performance Rider has become the first online stockist to offer the MJM Leatherwork Bridle.

The bridles, which are handcrafted in Cheshire by Michael J Marren, are made from quality English leather and offer “unrivalled quality, value and performance.”

A spokesman said: “The MJM Bridle can be ordered in a range of headpiece, cheek piece and nose band sizes to make sure horses are wearing the perfectly fitted and balanced bridle.

“It is built to perform and provide a durable, robust and stylish bridle suitable for every day work and competition use.”

The bridle, that is equipped with solid brass buckles, clips and rings, is available in black or brown leather and comes with rubber buckle reins. It costs £99.99.

More products, including breastplates and martingales, will be coming soon to the website. For more information visit www.performancerider.co.uk or call 01483 346011.

Equipe has revealed its new Emporio range of affordable saddles and bridles.

The new more affordable range is made from Italian leather and, the company claims, “offers customers top quality products at incredible prices”.

A spokesman said: “The new range has been designed so that your horse can look a million dollars without you having to spend a fortune.”

This flash bridle is available in cob and full sizes and in brown or black. It retails at £74 — for more information head to www.zebraproducts.co.uk.

A new bridle from French saddlery company Silver Crown is now available through online retailer Shadow Horse.

The “Silver Crown Double Bridle” is made from English leather and incorporates a padded headpiece, noseband and browband.

“The half lined rubber snaffle reins and leather buckleless Weymouth reins offer a light and communicative feel withminimal bulk,” said a Shadow Horse spokesman.

“And the 40mm wide crank noseband compliments your horse’s face, whilst spreading pressure.”

The bridle comes in black, costs £344 and is available in cob or full size.

For more information visit www.shadowhorse.co.uk

Townend has joined forces with Stubben, to create its first new product, a bridle.

The bridle, which was created by Townend and world-renowned leatherwork manufacturers Stubben, is suitable for all disciplines. It comes with a deluxe comfort headpiece, a choice of a padded cavesson flash noseband or a sheepskin padded Mexican noseband, and rubber reins.

Oliver Townend said: “I really feel we have found the perfect balance to deliver affordable products without any compromise on quality.”

The bridle will cost £119.99 and will be exclusively available to buy from www.townendonline.co.uk.

The range is set to expand and plans are already in place for new products.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British Eventing (BE) has amended its rule book to make it clear that bitless bridles are acceptable for showjumping and cross-country.

It follows an incident when competitor Mark Smith was wrongly banned from the showjumping because his horse was wearing a bitless bridle.

BE apologised. But on 20 July at Aston-le-Walls (2), Georgina Mckeown – who also competes in a bitless bridle – was told by a BE steward she could not go cross-country in the open novice.

She was eventually allowed to run and finished sixth on Del Piero.

Chris Farr of BE said: “The resultant rule change was appropriate, understandable and enforceable.

“I can confirm it has been published on the website and sent to all BE officials.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (3 August 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

British Eventing (BE) is investigating whether a competitor was wrongly banned from competing in the showjumping phase at Ascott-under-Wychwood on 2 June because of his tack.

Mark Smith was told that he could not continue in the BE90 retrained racehorse class because his Dr Cook’s Bitless Bridle was not permitted.

Mr Smith, who captained the Dr Cook’s Quit the Bit team to finish ninth in the national team chase championships in April, told H&H: “It’s a bizarre decision. The rules say any form of bitless bridle is permitted.”

BE said the matter has been referred to the sports committee meeting on 14 June.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (14 June 2012)

Are you looking to buy an eventer? View our online database of horses for sale

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new bridle has been launched by Silver Crown that allows you to mix and match components, to accommodate both the size of your horse’s head and your own requirements.

Silver Crown’s latest bridle is made from English leather and is designed to enhance comfort and encourage a more relaxed way of going.

“What makes Silver Crown bridles different from others on the market is that they combine tradition and innovation,” said Silver Crown’s Chloe Bernard.

“We realised that most horses don’t fit standard sizes well. And so we set about designing ultra adjustable bridles that would fit a multitude of horses but still look traditional.”

The bridle is available with different options for headpieces, nosebands and reins.

It costs £210 and is available from online retailers Shadow Horses. It comes in black, brown or tan with white stitching and will shortly be available in black with black stitching.

Visit www.shadowhorse.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Elevator, the mare who inspired the comfort range of bridles, has died at the age of 31.

Lorraine Greene’s “little chestnut mare with the huge heart” was put to sleep after a bout of colic.

The problems Lorraine encountered with “Ellie” while concentrating on dressage prompted her to design the Elevator bridle – which relieves pressure on the horse’s sensitive poll area.

Lorraine told H&H: “She was a typical ‘red-haired female’ – plenty to say for herself, attitude in abundance and sensitive to the point of no return.”

A qualified saddle fitter, Lorraine tried “all sorts of padded contraptions” on Ellie’s head before she found a design that worked.

The range now includes saddles, girths and headcollars.

“Ellie had a great life showjumping, eventing, dressage and in her later years competed in the veteran classes – much to her dismay, as she still thought of herself as a filly!” said Lorraine.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equipe has launched a new double bridle, which it claims will send dressage divas up and down the country “piaffe-ing with excitement”.

The bridle comes in soft Italian leather and features a patent noseband and browband.

The Equipe Patent and Rounded leather bridle is available in black, dark brown and red brown in cob and full size.

It is priced at £359, which includes rolled leather reins.

For more information visit: www.zebraproducts.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

To celebrate 10 years of KB Bridles, Albion Saddlemakers has introduced the new KB super snaffle bridle.

The elegant leather, raised and half-rolled bridle features a cutaway headpiece and the slip is positioned over the padded headpiece to disperse poll pressure.

The KB also features an oversized brow-band to ensure ear clearance to minimise nerve pressure. It has a padded noseband for extra comfort.

“The original British KB super snaffle bridle has an almost infinite range with more than 68,000 options available, allowing you to mix and match sizes for the perfect fit,” said a spokesman.

“Renowned for its quality and durability, it takes style to a new level offering two new exclusive patent leather designs.”

Made from the best full grain bridle butts, Albion claims the KB is one of the most popular and comfortable on the market today.

The bridles are available in cob, full, warmblood (WB), mix and match and customization sizes and retail from £297.

For more information visit: www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

More articles on bridles

View tack for sale

Q: Having struggled with traditional fastenings on bridles for years, I understand there is a new bridle on the market with simple “lock” fastenings. Can you tell me the name of the bridle and where I can get one?

CU, Fife

The Smart-Lock bridle from LS Sales (Farnam) incorporates a revolutionary new fastener adapted from the aviation industry. The system has no billet hook fasteners; instead, a stainless steel pin clicks into a rivet hole to hold the reins and cheeks securely to the bit.

The system allows quick changing of bits and reins and is extremely secure. The bridle itself is made from Sedgewick leather with traditional stitching, so the rivet system is unobtrusive.

The bridle also features a “foldaway flash”, a simple noseband design that enables quick and easy conversion from flash to plain noseband, hiding from view the unsightly loop that usually remains on the front of the noseband.

“This bridle has so much to offer riders — it makes life easier when it comes to changing bits,” says Leslie Sutcliffe, director of LS Sales (Farnam). “The innovative, ‘foldaway flash’ was thought of by riders, for riders.”

The Smart-Lock bridle won the innovation award for the best new saddlery and tack product at the recent British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) International trade fair and is available in dressage, cross-noseband or snaffle designs.

Information

There are two price levels — the Sterling premium range in Sedgewick leather from £225 for a snaffle bridle to £265 for the double bridle.

The Super Standard leather version is from £110 for the snaffle bridle to £125 for the double bridle.

Tel: 01608 683855, www.lesliesutcliffe.biz

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (12 August, ’10)

Looking for more articles on bridles?

View tack for sale near you