Best anatomical bridles?

[Meadow21]

My horse has recently developed an issue with his facial nerves after sickness, causing bad head shaking. He is on medication now which has massively improved things and I have started him under the saddle again. However he seems agitated when ridden in a bridle, shaking when it is on his face. His teeth and saddle are all up to date and he sees physio 3/6 monthly, so it is purely the bridle being on his facial nerves that upsets him. I am happy to spend a lot as I just want him to be comfortable, but There is so much out there I’m unsure where to start. I have had a bridle fitter up who sold me a micklem which he seems to dislike more than the original bridle. I currently ride in a very loose unbranded hunter bridle, which he seems most comfortable in however he still will not school in it, only hack. It is not an issue with bitting, he was previously well schooled in both a snaffle and bitless bridle, both now upset him equally. Any advice on anatomical bridles or alternative bridles would be very helpful, he is only hacked and schooled lightly however he previously loved his work (especially hacking) and I’d hate to retire him if I can find a bridle he is comfortable in.

 

[Regandal]

I have a bridle from Horsemanship Saddlery, both the horse and I like it. Good quality leather, very soft. My horse is a photosensitive head shaker and if there’s even a hint of sunshine he wears a full face mask.

 

[AUB]

I’m very happy with my Finesse Bridle.

 

[SussexbytheXmasTree]

I would go made to measure. I’ve watched a WHW seminar on bridle fit and how it influences stride length let alone general comfort. ( I think the research was done by Fairfax)

Also recently at camp we had a bespoke bridle maker come and talk about various types of bridle fit, pressure points especially nosebands and also how many anatomical headpieces just don’t fit and cause more issues. She also referred to the Fairfax research. Also heard some tricks a certain dressage rider uses to disguise head tilt by placing the browband slightly higher one side to create an illusion of straightness.

Obviously she had a vested interest in selling bespoke but if I was going to spend a lot I’d skip off the peg and go bespoke. She talked a lot of sense and our instructor had one of her bridles which she loves. This was KellyJ Leather and has an FB page.

 

[cauda equina]

I used a Micklem for years and although better than his standard bridle the horse still wasn't completly comfortable (lots of chomping and nose rubbing)
We now only hack and he wears just a headpiece and bit, no browband or noseband, and is much happier

 

[Griffin]

I have a bridle from Horsemanship Saddlery, both the horse and I like it. Good quality leather, very soft. My horse is a photosensitive head shaker and if there’s even a hint of sunshine he wears a full face mask.

I have a Horsemanship Saddlery one too. My mare loves it and goes very well in it. It has cured her flinging her head in the air.

 

[Goldenstar]

I have fairfax bridles and while at first I dislike their appearance I have to say the horses do like them.

 

[webble]

I've not tried it but I like the look of the barefoot contour physio and its sensible money too

 

[Slightlyconfused]

I have a Horsemanship Saddlery one too. My mare loves it and goes very well in it. It has cured her flinging her head in the air.

I have on too and mine loves it. No major issues before having other and not totally taking the contact forward. Thought it was a bit issue, had a bit laday out who does those bridles and the change of bridle fixed it 90% and the bit just polished it off.

 

[Zoeypxo]

I love the premier equine ones.

 

[rextherobber]

Another vote for Horsemanship Saddlery!