Anatomical cavesson bridle - recommendations

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

Money no object, and if I could get over my dislike of how space age it looks, I'd have this https://stuebben.co.uk/accessories/0021-002510-000000000000

Sorry nothing personal but that’s hideous and extremely expensive ?.

I’m not overly convinced about anatomical bridles I’m sure there are some that work better for some horses but it seems like a fashion trend beyond anything else. I guess though if I had a horse displaying discomfort I’d explore all options to make him comfortable.

 

[Squeak]

I highly rate the fairfax. I got a fitter to come out so that I could try the different nosebands and make sure that I felt a difference before I committed to buying it.

My ex-racer is so much happier in it. He goes forward into the contact and swings forward from the beginning rather than working for 20 minutes to get him settled. It's also stopped his breathing issues due to sucking back his tongue. For jumping their drop stops him from getting strong by tipping on his head (ex-racer) without stressing him.

My other horse is an enthusiastic and sensitive mare and she goes in the drop because it gives me that bit more than I had in a cavesson and flash and most importantly she doesn't take offence when I have to steady her jumping.

It's one of my favourite bits of kit, it's allowed me to progress with my horses just by making them more comfortable.

ETA my horses used to rub at the end of a session in their other bridles and now hardly do it.

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

I am also saving so I can buy an anatomical bridle.
I have been recommended both Horsemanship saddlery and these

https://www.henryjamessaddlery.co.uk/collections/bridles

I have no idea how to choose a headpiece though or which I should buy.

I've saved up & bought both my boys these piece by piece as postage is free, was also struggling to find a bridle that didn't have a flash or drop noseband of some description.
I put my own together so to speak as I wanted the comfort 3D headpiece on the cavesson which doesn't come as standard - its so light & padded!
I absolutely love them & fantastic quality. Only bit I didn't buy from them is brownbands as I fancied some bling!
I've also now bought reins & grackles for both in their black Friday sale on back order so looking forward to them arriving.

 

[mini_b]

Have you tried with no noseband?
That’s how I worked out that my mares sensitivity was around the side of her face. She was always happiest with no noseband, and to compete I ended up in a micklem.

No I haven’t yet which is the obvious first port of call...

 

[mini_b]

Sorry nothing personal but that’s hideous and extremely expensive ?.

I’m not overly convinced about anatomical bridles I’m sure there are some that work better for some horses but it seems like a fashion trend beyond anything else. I guess though if I had a horse displaying discomfort I’d explore all options to make him comfortable.

Yes exactly! I’ve got there with the bitting and now there’s something still not quite right so just working out where to go next

 

[mini_b]

Have you tried with no noseband?
That’s how I worked out that my mares sensitivity was around the side of her face. She was always happiest with no noseband, and to compete I ended up in a micklem.

If I have improvements with no plain noseband - then what sort of noseband am I then looking at getting. The micklem has a drop type noseband which I would have initially thought wouldn’t be suitable. Confused myself here!

 

[McFluff]

It depends on your horse. Some seem to be more sensitive with nerves along the side of their face, which is where many traditional cavesson sit. If this is what causes your horse to rub their face, then you need a noseband that is cut to avoid that part of their face. This is what the micklem does (and others, like fairfax, PSOS). The micklem is a drop, which my mare didn’t need, but was much happier in. My gelding is totally different and hates anything that fastens under the bit.

 

[mini_b]

It depends on your horse. Some seem to be more sensitive with nerves along the side of their face, which is where many traditional cavesson sit. If this is what causes your horse to rub their face, then you need a noseband that is cut to avoid that part of their face. This is what the micklem does (and others, like fairfax, PSOS). The micklem is a drop, which my mare didn’t need, but was much happier in. My gelding is totally different and hates anything that fastens under the bit.

I’ll try no noseband for a bit and report back when I think I’ve sourced the irritation. you’ve all been very helpful thank you!

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I am also saving so I can buy an anatomical bridle.
I have been recommended both Horsemanship saddlery and these

https://www.henryjamessaddlery.co.uk/collections/bridles

I have no idea how to choose a headpiece though or which I should buy.

I had a Henry James one first and it is also gorgeous leather. The only reason I changed was because I bought one of the wider headpieces thinking it was kinder but when I had the bit fitter out she showed me how it was actually too wide for my ponies head and therefore creating pressure where it wasn’t sitting correctly. On my ponies dainty little head the horsemanship saddlery one just suits her better. But Henry James stuff is great quality. Their stirrup leathers are fantastic.

 

[Tiddlypom]

.

 

[mini_b]

Had a go with no noseband (snaffle) and absolutely no head rubbing or trying to flatten me when I get off to rub.
Think it’s the noseband ?

 

[Roxylola]

Had a go with no noseband (snaffle) and absolutely no head rubbing or trying to flatten me when I get off to rub.
Think it’s the noseband ?

If you can, I'd consider trying a crank fastened so its flush with his nose. I suggest a crank as they're often wide and well padded, I don't mean tight, just so its snug not loose. You might find hes happier with that.

 

[mini_b]

If you can, I'd consider trying a crank fastened so its flush with his nose. I suggest a crank as they're often wide and well padded, I don't mean tight, just so its snug not loose. You might find hes happier with that.

Sorry if this sounds thick but how will a crank cavesson make a difference?
His cavesson is currently wide and plain (think chunky hunter) And still rubs his head when it’s either worn correctly or slack. I thought that extra padding put more pressure in places?

I’ve moved it up and down as well and it’s still not right for him.

Im not being obtuse - I genuinely don’t understand. thank you!

 

[Roxylola]

Sorry if this sounds thick but how will a crank cavesson make a difference?
His cavesson is currently wide and plain (think chunky hunter) And still rubs his head when it’s either worn correctly or slack. I thought that extra padding put more pressure in places?

I’ve moved it up and down as well and it’s still not right for him.

Im not being obtuse - I genuinely don’t understand. thank you!

Only that I thought you said it was quite loose currently. There's clearly something he doesn't like though if taking it off has resolved your issue. I was just thinking outside the box a bit that snug but padded might work. I guess it depends how tight, how padded etc but I'd agree you definitely do not want pressure points at all. If he were mine and I got a big change with removing the noseband I'd be looking at other nosebands- grackle you said he still rubs, so try a crank or drop. Assuming you want to compete and therefore need a noseband in some form. Otherwise you've resolved your issue

 

[mini_b]

Only that I thought you said it was quite loose currently. There's clearly something he doesn't like though if taking it off has resolved your issue. I was just thinking outside the box a bit that snug but padded might work. I guess it depends how tight, how padded etc but I'd agree you definitely do not want pressure points at all. If he were mine and I got a big change with removing the noseband I'd be looking at other nosebands- grackle you said he still rubs, so try a crank or drop. Assuming you want to compete and therefore need a noseband in some form. Otherwise you've resolved your issue

Thanks! no I do need a noseband for competing otherwise I would have just left it off ages ago and been done with it
I might try hiring a micklem or is that again missing the point entirely with the issue I seem to be having.

 

[Roxylola]

Thanks! no I do need a noseband for competing otherwise I would have just left it off ages ago and been done with it
I might try hiring a micklem or is that again missing the point entirely with the issue I seem to be having.

At this point, I'd try anything available that I can without buying and see what works best tbh

 

[mini_b]

At this point, I'd try anything available that I can without buying and see what works best tbh

...that’s where I thought this was going.
now to find something to borrow that will fit the whopper head. Thanks x

 

[Elno]

I'm sorry for waking up a dead thread, but @mini_b what did you ultimately end up with? Did you find a noseband that your horse accepted or did you ride without a noseband?

I have a mare with almost exactly the same issues so really curious how you solved it ?

 

[mini_b]

I'm sorry for waking up a dead thread, but @mini_b what did you ultimately end up with? Did you find a noseband that your horse accepted or did you ride without a noseband?

I have a mare with almost exactly the same issues so really curious how you solved it ?

ooo hello!
the micklem actually did the trick for us. I hired it to try before I bought.
the quality is crap tbh but I wanted the option of being able to return as it’s still £150+

I'm going to save for something better quality leather such as the fairfax/ps of sweden.

folks have found cheaper but better quality anatomical bridles but I chose the micklem purely as I wanted the option to return it.

Another thing about rubbing I found was that make sure you check where the bit sits in his mouth (how many wrinkles)
I put it where I thought it should go, just a little wrinkling. An instructor at a clinic (very experienced knows way more than me I must add..) lifted the cheek pieces to where it should be. She said the bit was too low.

The face rubbing started again and he got a bit funny about putting his bridle on. So I dropped the cheeks slightly but lifted it with the bit straps (you’ll see on the micklem) so it was a happy medium between the two.

hope you get it sorted!

 

[Elno]

ooo hello!
the micklem actually did the trick for us. I hired it to try before I bought.
the quality is crap tbh but I wanted the option of being able to return as it’s still £150+

I'm going to save for something better quality leather such as the fairfax/ps of sweden.

folks have found cheaper but better quality anatomical bridles but I chose the micklem purely as I wanted the option to return it.

Another thing about rubbing I found was that make sure you check where the bit sits in his mouth (how many wrinkles)
I put it where I thought it should go, just a little wrinkling. An instructor at a clinic (very experienced knows way more than me I must add..) lifted the cheek pieces to where it should be. She said the bit was too low.

The face rubbing started again and he got a bit funny about putting his bridle on. So I dropped the cheeks slightly but lifted it with the bit straps (you’ll see on the micklem) so it was a happy medium between the two.

hope you get it sorted!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer! ?

I actually tried a Micklem for a brief moment but she has a wonky head and I think the size was a bit too small, and at that moment we also had some saddle issues so probably the timing was a bit wrong. Will try again! Tried riding without a noseband today and yes she was perfectly relaxed and didn't rub at all, but it was a PITA when she decided to be a little brat and it felt like the bit ring would go through her mouth when we had a serious argument about direction, so unfortunately that option is a no go ?

 

[mini_b]

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer! ?

I actually tried a Micklem for a brief moment but she has a wonky head and I think the size was a bit too small, and at that moment we also had some saddle issues so probably the timing was a bit wrong. Will try again! Tried riding without a noseband today and yes she was perfectly relaxed and didn't rub at all, but it was a PITA when she decided to be a little brat and it felt like the bit ring would go through her mouth when we had a serious argument about direction, so unfortunately that option is a no go ?

if you decide to go for it again and need help with sizing and want to hire one, Victoria at hireamicklembridle was really helpful with my 500 questions and bang on with sizing.
definitely think the saddle issue will have started you on the back foot so certainly worth another go!

 

[Tabs]

Horsemanship saddlery do a lovely anatomical cavesson bridle. I have the Saturn one in brown and their reins and the leather is good quality and soft.

I would absolutely NOT recommend this bridle . I bought one just 2 months ago for my daughter's horse. She fell off holding onto the reins and as she hit the ground on impact, both sides of the straps of the cheekpieces snapped off at the buckle, ripping the bit from the horses mouth and would certainly have hurt like hell.

I contacted Maureen from Horsemanship saddlery and her response was that she was glad it broke as they are designed to break to avoid damage to the horses mouth! However the opposite is exactly what happened. Had the leather been strong enough, the bridle would have stayed intact causing no harm to the horse.

Nowhere on the website states a safety clause of this type . I was appalled at the flippant pleasure she displayed at my expense. She even had the cheek to finish the jest off with 2 kisses. The effort i put into acquiring the best bridle for my horse a waste of time and i dont fancy forking out £63.00 to replace a brand new piece of tack i just bought 2 months ago!

 

[Tabs]

Ok this is all very good thank you so much!!
Everyone that’s got a horsemanship saddlery bridle, could you let me know what the actual improvements were you had personally. Cheers all x

Read my response below if its any help.

 

[ownedbyaconnie]

I would absolutely NOT recommend this bridle . I bought one just 2 months ago for my daughter's horse. She fell off holding onto the reins and as she hit the ground on impact, both sides of the straps of the cheekpieces snapped off at the buckle, ripping the bit from the horses mouth and would certainly have hurt like hell.

I contacted Maureen from Horsemanship saddlery and her response was that she was glad it broke as they are designed to break to avoid damage to the horses mouth! However the opposite is exactly what happened. Had the leather been strong enough, the bridle would have stayed intact causing no harm to the horse.

Nowhere on the website states a safety clause of this type . I was appalled at the flippant pleasure she displayed at my expense. She even had the cheek to finish the jest off with 2 kisses. The effort i put into acquiring the best bridle for my horse a waste of time and i dont fancy forking out £63.00 to replace a brand new piece of tack i just bought 2 months ago!

But surely a quick release (the bridle breaking) is better than a constant pressure? My reins actually snapped the other day and I was so glad they did. My sharer had let pony graze on a long rein and the reins ended up tangled in her feet. Pony freaked and yanked her head up and thankfully the reins snapped. I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn’t, certainly a lot more damage to her mouth. Have ordered a new pair and once again they were sent very promptly.

I’ve always found the owner pleasant and helpful. I had an issue with the browband and she sent another immediately at no further expense.

 

[mini_b]

Read my response below if its any help.

I’m sorted with a bridle - sorry you’ve had problems!

 

[Tabs]

But surely a quick release (the bridle breaking) is better than a constant pressure? My reins actually snapped the other day and I was so glad they did. My sharer had let pony graze on a long rein and the reins ended up tangled in her feet. Pony freaked and yanked her head up and thankfully the reins snapped. I dread to think what would have happened if they hadn’t, certainly a lot more damage to her mouth. Have ordered a new pair and once again they were sent very promptly.

I’ve always found the owner pleasant and helpful. I had an issue with the browband and she sent another immediately at no further expense.

Actualluy, i was in contact with them and they now have a safety clause about it on their website

 

[Tabs]

Actualluy, i was in contact with them and they now have a safety clause about it on their website

I was in contact with them and they had sent me an email with a free head piece. It was very kind and i am glad to say that they have added a safety clause about their bridles breaking. I jumped the gun a bit there as i really thought they were hanging me out to dry but i was clearly mislead... That is good customer service that they are willing to help.

 

[Tabs]

I’m sorted with a bridle - sorry you’ve had problems!

It got sorted by Horsemanship. They contacted me via email but i didn't get it so i thought i had been hung out to dry when i clearly hadn't. I have to hold my hand up and say i was annoyed in thinking i had been disregarded, not the case!

 

[Elno]

if you decide to go for it again and need help with sizing and want to hire one, Victoria at hireamicklembridle was really helpful with my 500 questions and bang on with sizing.
definitely think the saddle issue will have started you on the back foot so certainly worth another go!

Well, I went ahead and bought a Micklem competition bridle in Standard Horse. My mare had a proper mental break down when she had it fitted yesterday ? It was much too small over the throat and nose lash so sat extreamly tight even on the last hole, and the madam was NOT happy. Went and exchanged it for a Large horse (X-full) but had very low hopes of her accepting it since the reaction was pretty severe - reared and head tosses and was very cross, plus all of her other bridles have always been in full so was kind of bummed because I thought that it wouldn't fit.

But holy crap, it fitted and she LOVED it! ? No rubbing or head tossing and so happy and willing. I just lunged her in it but the difference is amazing!

 

[mini_b]

Well, I went ahead and bought a Micklem competition bridle in Standard Horse. My mare had a proper mental break down when she had it fitted yesterday ? It was much too small over the throat and nose lash so sat extreamly tight even on the last hole, and the madam was NOT happy. Went and exchanged it for a Large horse (X-full) but had very low hopes of her accepting it since the reaction was pretty severe - reared and head tosses and was very cross, plus all of her other bridles have always been in full so was kind of bummed because I thought that it wouldn't fit.

But holy crap, it fitted and she LOVED it! ? No rubbing or head tossing and so happy and willing. I just lunged her in it but the difference is amazing!

oh I am pleased!!
It’s such a relief when you’ve explored multiple avenues to find something that works for you!