Bridle without noseband?

Foxford

Foxford

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I'm in the process of lightly backing my youngster and would like to get him a new bridle. I don't need or want a noseband. Finding an option that will accommodate this is difficult, since the mono headpieces are now so fashionable. I like the ergonomics of the cutback headpiece, but I don't need the strap coming down to attach a noseband to. So I'd be fine with an older style bridle - but I would like the shaped headpiece!

I can't find anything and have even checked out some western-style ones, as I know they don't use nosebands. Has anyone solved this problem and could recommend a brand/model? Or should I see if I can get a local saddler to make something to my specs? I'm aware that when he starts going out to things he'll need a noseband, but I can switch to my old Micklem at this point.
 
Depends on your feelings about biothane 😅 I have one from pioneer endurance without a noseband. Not a shaped headpiece though.
www.fundis-equestrian.co.uk

PS of Sweden Bridle Helsinki, without Noseband, without Reins

PS of Sweden Bridle Helsinki bridle for vet checks, clinic visits, shows and other places where a bit is required and you want a stylish but practical bridle without noseband the headpiece is designed with an air channel to provide…
www.fundis-equestrian.co.uk www.fundis-equestrian.co.uk
I've not used this brand but is this the sort of thing you're after?
 
Have you considered buying individual parts to make your own bridle to your specifications?

Mix & Match Anatomical Headpiece - Kramer Equestrian

Mix & Match Anatomical Headpiece and more of Western Riding. At Kramer Equestrian's online shop for horse lovers.
www.kramer.co.uk www.kramer.co.uk
www.premierequine.co.uk

Anatomical Shaped Headpiece Brown

Crafted from the very finest Italian leather, this anatomically shaped, padded headpiece provides superior comfort and is designed to distribute pressure over the less sensitive areas of the poll and away from the ears.
www.premierequine.co.uk www.premierequine.co.uk
 
Quantum bridles? The noseband slots between some leather at the right height so if you just don’t slot it in nothing is left dangling. Designed to be ergonomic and comfortable for the horse.This one
 
I bought a reasonably priced bridle and just cut the extra unwanted part off. Can't just think of the make, could be shires
 
I have the PS of Sweden Helsinki, and like it. The leather isn’t quite as nice as his Henry James grackle, but still good.
 
Sanversera said:
I bought a reasonably priced bridle and just cut the extra unwanted part off. Can't just think of the make, could be shires
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I would do this - 5 mins with a Stanley knife and you'll be sorted - then you can get the headpiece shape you want in the make you want.

Maybe irrelevant but you aren't allowed to do dressage (even local riding club basic stuff) without a noseband. So i ignore the unnecessary dangly bits for 99% of the time and just attached a very very lose noseband when we do out and about.

If you ever might take your youngster out - even for experience / education (rather than the joy of dressage 😂) then you will need to be able to add a noseband.
 
I just use a shires velociti bridle. It’s not got a shaped headpiece but can easy put the noseband back on for when I need it.
 
maya2008 said:
Most inexpensive bridles will come as separate pieces. I usually buy the Windsor ones and just take the noseband off.
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This is exactly what I did. I now have a Pioneer endurance bridle, which not only has no noseband (unless I attach the headcollar bit), it has no throatlash, either. It's so easy to put on and stays put just as well as one with a throatlash.
 
I have one of these, you can change the noseband or remove. The headpiece is shaped and padded but the noseband goes through a slot and over the top of the headpiece. Can find them or something similar on ebay.

www.hopevalleysaddlery.co.uk

Jefferies Wembley Pro Show Bridle - Havana

<ul><li><span>Made using the finest English leather</span></li><li><span>Padded & shaped headpiece</span></li></ul>
www.hopevalleysaddlery.co.uk
 
I never use a noseband anymore so I feel your pain

My older horse has a quantum bridle, but I don’t think it’s worth the money. He is tricky to fit a bridle to though and this was the best option. The leather is nice, but not £250 nice

Before that he had a Horsemanship Saddlery bridle, which comes in many headpiece shapes and, as it has 2 straps, can be used without a noseband if you attach a double buckle throatlash to the bottom strap. Lovely leather too at less than half the price of the quantum. I would advise a fitter though. I contacted the lady who owns the company to advise about suitable headpiece styles from photos and measurements (something she advertises on the website that she can do) and it didn’t work out

My new youngster has a PS of sweden Helsinki as found one second hand. Leather is a bit average, but I got it second hand so don’t mind for the price I paid. Would have been annoyed if I paid full price. Can’t comment further than that as he isn’t bitted yet so it’s just hung in my garage doing nothing for the moment

For cheap and cheerful, look at 2 strap headpieces by FSS on eBay. You can buy individually if you already have the other parts or you can buy with cheeks and a throatlash
 
Peglo said:
I just use a shires velociti bridle. It’s not got a shaped headpiece but can easy put the noseband back on for when I need it.
Click to expand...
What do you do with the hanging straps. I have the same issue with the same bridle - I’d prefer to remove the nose band but don’t want to cut the straps.
 
JenJ said:
Have you considered buying individual parts to make your own bridle to your specifications?

Mix & Match Anatomical Headpiece - Kramer Equestrian

Mix & Match Anatomical Headpiece and more of Western Riding. At Kramer Equestrian's online shop for horse lovers.
www.kramer.co.uk www.kramer.co.uk
Click to expand...

Thanks so much to everyone who replied. It was very helpful to have so many options to look at. I was mindful of the advice about some of the leather quality and decided to go cheap - at least then I won't be disappointed!

In the end I went with this one + the cheek pieces which was sub-£40. Apparently I was carried along by the western inspired look, as I've also ordered him the D-ring snaffle from there. My old NS bits are too big for the newbie, so he needed something more than the mullen mouth I had for his in-hand bridle.

Yee hah, I'm sure we'll be the talk of the yard next week! 😂🤠
 
Foxford said:
Thanks so much to everyone who replied. It was very helpful to have so many options to look at. I was mindful of the advice about some of the leather quality and decided to go cheap - at least then I won't be disappointed!

In the end I went with this one + the cheek pieces which was sub-£40. Apparently I was carried along by the western inspired look, as I've also ordered him the D-ring snaffle from there. My old NS bits are too big for the newbie, so he needed something more than the mullen mouth I had for his in-hand bridle.

Yee hah, I'm sure we'll be the talk of the yard next week! 😂🤠
Click to expand...
Perfect! I struggled to find one a few years ago when I wanted to try my horse with no noseband but he already had a mono crown bridle so couldn’t. It’s shouldn’t be hard but seems to be- much like finding a nice cavesson with no flash!
 
I took a lead from this thread and whipped off Harry's noseband this afternoon. I popped the straps into makeshift keepers (plaiting threads) and he schooled brilliantly. I'm hoping it's a case of "less is more" and will give this a bash for a few more sessions. Thank you for the inspiration 😊Screenshot_20250609_203847.jpg
 
I got a lovely one from Horsemanship Saddlery, not cheap but beautiful quality and still looks brand new 3 years later. So much so I have just bought another bridle from there for my new one.
 
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