Bridles and Itchy Heads

[GrassChop]

I just wanted to follow on from the Micklem bridle thread but didn't want to hog it.

It has got me thinking about rubbing their heads after and mine has always done that so now I'm wondering if it's the bridle. She will also stop occasionally to rub the side of her face on her leg.

I struggle finding one that works for her because a lot of them have the noseband cheek pieces closest to their eyes and there's not enough space on my mare for this as it'll be too close to her eyes. I've put an example picture to make sense of what I mean. A lot of them are like that image but I need it so that number 1 is behind number 2!

I like that the Micklem is all one piece so that would solve that issue but I just don't like the "flash" strap but do need a noseband.

Maybe it's work trying a Micklem unless there are others out there similar but without the lower strap?

 

[Kaylum]

Have you checked it's not sitting on the bottom of her ears and that the browbabd is not too tight.

 

[GrassChop]

Actually, I've just seen this https://www.kramer.co.uk/Horse/Brid...MIjaWM7q_qiAMVHo9QBh3gpDC-EAQYESABEgJv9vD_BwE but looks quite chunky.

 

[I'm Dun]

horsemanship bridles

but I'd get a bit fitter out to fit one for you to get it spot on

 

[GrassChop]

Have you checked it's not sitting on the bottom of her ears and that the browbabd is not too tight.

Browband has plenty of space and I've tried a couple where the noseband straps go closest to the eyes and they don't work, sadly.

 

[Kaylum]

I mean backing her ears at the bottom

 

[Meredith]

This is my Horsemanship bridle. It was fitted by a recognised bridle fitter. It may not be perfect, I don’t know but my pony who rubbed his head a lot now only does it when he is sweaty.
Note, I do the throat latch shorter now as I find it slips down to the bickle.

 

[GrassChop]

I mean backing her ears at the bottom

No it curves round her ears

 

[GrassChop]

This is my Horsemanship bridle. It was fitted by a recognised bridle fitter. It may not be perfect, I don’t know but my pony who rubbed his head a lot now only does it when he is sweaty.
Note, I do the throat latch shorter now as I find it slips down to the bickle.


View attachment 147502

Unfortunately, the space between my mare's eyes and where the cheek pieces sit is not that wide so I struggle if the noseband cheek pieces have to sit in front.
Just attached an image to show where I have the strap for the noseband. If I have it in front, it'll be on her eye but it doesn't sit right there either as you can see how close the cheek pieces for the bit are already.

 

[Squeak]

Another voting for a bridle fitter. It will save a lot of aggro in the long run if you can try a load on in one go and try riding in it to make sure it helps/ fits.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

I just bought this Rhinegold one from Ebay, comes up quite large but it sits well away from the eye due to the noseband design, but doesn't act like a flash type like a lot of the others that are designed this way (the flahs strap is removable so I took mine out).. And it's good on the pocket at about £68

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/166897038277?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=777008&algo=PERSONAL.TOPIC&ao=1&asc=274142,273439&meid=0925bf5320c54bfcbc9829b27a545e20&pid=101949&rk=1&rkt=1&itm=166897038277&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=4375194&algv=RecentlyViewedItemsV2WithMLRV6RankerPricelessTop30Features&brand=Rhinegold&_trksid=p4375194.c101949.m162918&_trkparms=parentrq:42af7baa1920ab117925bd26fffeec52|pageci:fa5d27d1-7f1e-11ef-8b0c-7a0e5dfe17e9|iid:1|vlpname:vlp_homepage

 

[beatrice]

Have a look at the Stubben Freedom bridle - expensive but available for trail from a few places.

 

[Meredith]

Quote from @AShetlandBitMeOnce
I just bought this Rhinegold one from Ebay, comes up quite large but it sits well away from the eye due to the noseband design, but doesn't act like a flash type like a lot of the others that are designed this way (the flahs strap is removable so I took mine out).. And it's good on the pocket at about £68

I think that’s very similar to my Horsemanship one. An extra jaw strap I think? Does the angle of the anatomic headpiece change the hang of the noseband and cheeks?

Another vote for a bit and bridle fitter.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Quote from @AShetlandBitMeOnce
I just bought this Rhinegold one from Ebay, comes up quite large but it sits well away from the eye due to the noseband design, but doesn't act like a flash type like a lot of the others that are designed this way (the flahs strap is removable so I took mine out).. And it's good on the pocket at about £68

I think that’s very similar to my Horsemanship one. An extra jaw strap I think? Does the angle of the anatomic headpiece change the hang of the noseband and cheeks?

Another vote for a bit and bridle fitter.

No specifically that I have noticed, it's not wildly different from a normal bridle like the Stubben one is, the second jaw strap just keeps it away from the eye

 

[FitzyFitz]

You could always try taking parts off the bridle to see if its one particular part that bothers her more? One of mine I ride in literally just a headpiece with a throatlash on. He still rubs the side of his head after a ride and is generally quite itchy but it's much better than when he used to lie on the floor and remove his bridle.

Won't help you if it's the cheekpiece buckles that are the problem, but if it's nose or browband you could just take them off and see if it improves anything.

 

[lizziebell]

On the basis that the bridle fits and there’s no rubbing or discomfort, I do wander, with many horses if it’s just a release behaviour from wearing something and/ or being a bit sweaty, rather than anything sinister. I think of it akin to taking off my bra! Even though I wear super comfy sports types which I don’t even notice when I’m wearing them - I still always like a good back scratch when I take a bra off !