Buckles or billets, which do you prefer?

[annie9686]

Out of curiosity, as the title says: Buckles or billet hooks (aka. hook studs), which do you prefer and why?

Thanks!

A X

 

[joosie]

I don't mind either, but I guess because I'm a groom and I do a lot of tack-cleaning I'd have to say buckles take the edge as they're far easier to undo!

 

[ngrace]

Definitley Stud billets (they are both billets) because they look so much smarter and if oiled properly they are actually LESS fiddley to undo! But thats a big if
However there was one person on the forum who explained that buckles were safer and reccomended for eventing because you can see wear and tear more easily because the buckles are more visible than the stud.

 

[ngrace]

Actualy now I think about it, you cant really see inside where the buckles are attached to the leather either!

 

[Maesfen]

Definitely billets, very much smarter and I can never get away from the thought that buckles were only used on cheap tack back when I was a child so don't trust them now and think they look tacky, excuse the pun!

 

[Alec Swan]

The smartest of all, but perhaps only in my opinion o), is when the bit is actually stitched into the cheeks and the reins. I've made up several double bridles in this fashion, it's neither difficult nor expensive. It also adds a certain elegance to the whole thing.

If I knew how to post pics, then I'd include some.

Alec.

Ets, stitched in bits are also the strongest and most reliable system yet devised. a

 

[KVH]

Buckles! Purely for ease

 

[brown tack]

Billets all the way, a much tidier look on the head

 

[miss_c]

It depends... for everyday I prefer buckles, but in the show ring I much prefer billets. However I do see an awfully large number of people with billets out!

 

[horsey mad matt]

billets definately!!!

 

[Tnavas]

Depends on how well made the bridle is.

I have a lovely buckle bridle which looks great on my Clydesdale as it is wider and stronger.

For shows I have billet bridles they look smarter.

All my bridles have been handmade from English leather - I scour local saddlery stores for secondhand bridles so that I can get the better quality ones.

 

[Maesfen]

The smartest of all, but perhaps only in my opinion o), is when the bit is actually stitched into the cheeks and the reins. I've made up several double bridles in this fashion, it's neither difficult nor expensive. It also adds a certain elegance to the whole thing.

If I knew how to post pics, then I'd include some.

Alec.

Ets, stitched in bits are also the strongest and most reliable system yet devised. a

Alec, you're quite right of course, nothing looks better and more professional but many people now have to use the same bridle with different bits and nosebands in which case stitching is not feasible. If I ever get a one and only horse to ride again you can be sure the bridle will be stitched but until then, I'll just have to insist on billets.

 

[Piaffey]

Definitely billets, very much smarter and I can never get away from the thought that buckles were only used on cheap tack back when I was a child so don't trust them now and think they look tacky, excuse the pun!

I think exactly the same as this and I don't really know where it has come from. Buckles look too bulky as well.

 

[Mike007]

Billets are banned in racing because they are dangerous and fail far more easily than a buckle,or stitched tack.

 

[marmalade76]

Definitely billets, very much smarter and I can never get away from the thought that buckles were only used on cheap tack back when I was a child so don't trust them now and think they look tacky, excuse the pun!

Ditto this.

 

[Enfys]

Honestly? Neither, but for ease of use on everyday English bridles (of which I have one) buckles over billets.
Stitched or - grudgingly, billets for showing English.

My bridles have neither, mostly they come with chicago screws which are a pain as they loosen very easily, so I change everything for ties, easy to check (and replace) and deceptively safe as they are threaded first. Reins also have rawhide ties, but then I very rarely, if ever have to have the same kind of contact (and thus wear on fastenings) as I would with an English trained horse.

 

[kerilli]

Billets are banned in racing because they are dangerous and fail far more easily than a buckle,or stitched tack.

Buckles, for exactly that reason.
I'll use billets for dressage but I think buckles look much smarter, and far safer.
a certain HHOer had to pull up 1/2 way round a BE xc this spring when a cheek-piece billet came undone. v annoying (not to mention dangerous).

 

[EstherYoung]

Buckles because it means you've got a flat piece of leather lying against the horse's face and it's less likely to rub (the buckle being on t'outside n'all).

 

[Depp_by_Chocolate]

I've always associated buckles with cheap foreign bridles, but I never thought about the safety aspect of billet bridles which I've always bought. I think next time I buy a bridle I'll be looking at buckle ones and keep my billet one for the show ring.

 

[Maesfen]

a certain HHOer had to pull up 1/2 way round a BE xc this spring when a cheek-piece billet came undone. v annoying (not to mention dangerous).

TBH, that sounds like the person who cleaned the tack, let alone the one who bridled the horse didn't do their jobs properly and check it beforehand rather than it came undone on its own.

 

[scrumpyjackles]

definatly buckles !!! in my opinion safer, easier to do, and i think they look really smart

 

[Alec Swan]

TBH, that sounds like the person who cleaned the tack, let alone the one who bridled the horse didn't do their jobs properly and check it beforehand rather than it came undone on its own.

I see so many who fit a hook stud and billet incorrectly to a bit. Leather will only put up with so much "pulling about". The better way, in my opinion, is to pass the point, of the rein or cheek, through the first loop, and then before the hook stud is engaged, then pass the point through the second loop. Then all that one has to do, is press down on the billet, and the hook stud will pop through.

Fitting the hook stud before the second loop is engaged, stretches, damages and generally wears leather. That's what I think, anyway!!

Enfys, whilst we generally rather frown at American tack, I've seen so many examples, where it has been beautifully made, with such attention to detail, and I've seen the odd Western saddle, which was faultless! Not to my taste, perhaps, but the quality of materials, and the attention given to detail, have been first class.

Alec.

 

[marmalade76]

TBH, that sounds like the person who cleaned the tack, let alone the one who bridled the horse didn't do their jobs properly and check it beforehand rather than it came undone on its own.

Have to agree with MFH again.

I put my billets through both keepers before sliding bac on the stud, no bending or stretching of the leather. I haven't had one break on me yet, or come undone when not meant to!

 

[Maesfen]

Have to agree with MFH again.

I put my billets through both keepers before sliding bac on the stud, no bending or stretching of the leather. I haven't had one break on me yet, or come undone when not meant to!

Lol, same method and result for me too (as well as Alex)

 

[laa666]

I LIKE BUCKLES ON BRIDLES,THINK IT LOOKS SMARTER, HATE BILLETS, INFACT LOOKING FOR A NEW GOOD QUALITY BRIDLE WITH BUCKLES AND IN BRASS COLOURED, ANYBODY KNOW WHO MAKES THEM ??

 

[amage]

Billets are banned in racing because they are dangerous and fail far more easily than a buckle,or stitched tack.

Only banned for reins though! I use billets on cheekpieces and racing reins! Tack is checked religiously!

 

[unicornleather]

Billets are actually the leather pieces that go round the bit, that is what billets refer to in saddlery, you have either buckled up billets or hook stud billets, not just "billets" So when customers tell me they want billets on their bridles it gets confusing!
Oz

 

[unicornleather]

I see so many who fit a hook stud and billet incorrectly to a bit. Leather will only put up with so much "pulling about". The better way, in my opinion, is to pass the point, of the rein or cheek, through the first loop, and then before the hook stud is engaged, then pass the point through the second loop. Then all that one has to do, is press down on the billet, and the hook stud will pop through.

Fitting the hook stud before the second loop is engaged, stretches, damages and generally wears leather. That's what I think, anyway!!

Enfys, whilst we generally rather frown at American tack, I've seen so many examples, where it has been beautifully made, with such attention to detail, and I've seen the odd Western saddle, which was faultless! Not to my taste, perhaps, but the quality of materials, and the attention given to detail, have been first class.

Alec.

Yes Alec you are so right, that is why we spend so much timne replacing fixed loops on hook stud billets!
Rough handling and incorrectly doing up the hook stud billets in the first place,
Oz

 

[spaniel]

Hook billets for me too, much smarter than buckles - which put me in mind of cheap tack. And Im surprised how many people I have to 'help' undo and do up billets.....I also use the Alec method.....no problems at all!

 

[Faithkat]

buckles, buckle, BUCKLES!
Billets are an invention of the devil and very difficult when you have old, arthritic fingers . . . .