Does anyone have a GFS bridle?

[Ellietotz]

I have the GFS Simplicity bridle and I'm still not sure if I like it.

I've had it about a year, it's been cleaned and oiled multiple times but it still hasn't softened up. The leather looks dry and creased and almost goes white/powdery even when it's clean.

Has anyone else had the same problem?

I'm tempted just to get another one but not sure whether to try and pursue with it!

Recommendations on others too would also be appreciated! Thank you.

 

[poiuytrewq]

My daughter had one and it was much the same as yours sounds. We used it for about a year or so and it got no better.

 

[Ellietotz]

My daughter had one and it was much the same as yours sounds. We used it for about a year or so and it got no better.

That's a shame as it looks nice but it feels horrible. I wouldn't be surprised if the outer leather started peeling, it looks like it would.

I wonder what else is nice with a cut back headpiece that isn't ridiculously expensive!

 

[poiuytrewq]

Do Shires do anything? I have had a few shires bridles which were actually pretty nice.
otherwise can highly recommend Henry James! They are a bit more expensive though!

 

[Ellietotz]

Do Shires do anything? I have had a few shires bridles which were actually pretty nice.
otherwise can highly recommend Henry James! They are a bit more expensive though!

I did actually have a nice Shires one but the brass buckles went green fairly quickly but perhaps ones with silver would be better. I'll have a look at them and Henry James. Thank you!

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

My GFS was the same as yours - its now in the 'spares' box, rigid & dry.
I have a Henry James for each of mine which are fantastic - expensive but it'll last forever if looked after.
Also have an Eco rider which is lovely soft & supple.

 

[lannerch]

I have a gfs horse does that count ?

 

[The Bay]

My daughter’s got one and we left it soaking in neatsfoot a couple of times over night…. Worked a treat!

 

[Ellietotz]

I have a gfs horse does that count ?

What does that mean? Lol!

 

[Ellietotz]

My daughter’s got one and we left it soaking in neatsfoot a couple of times over night…. Worked a treat!

How did you do this please?

 

[lannerch]

What does that mean? Lol!

https://www.gassonsfarmstud.co.uk/ my mare is a gfs sports horse

 

[pansymouse]

My daughter’s got one and we left it soaking in neatsfoot a couple of times over night…. Worked a treat!

It might make the leather soft but it will also ruin it by weaken the leather make to susceptible to ripping. Much better to massage an animal fats and bees wax based conditioner into it. In my restoration work I can take leather from rigid to supple this way without compromising it's structural integrity. It's hard work and you will have to do it several times before you achieved the desired result - a bit like schooling a horse; the best result come with hard work and patience.

 

[ApolloStorm]

I have the simplicity. I love it, all the leather is lovely and soft! the only part that isnt is where the noseband fastened there is a small amount of white 'dryness' but that goes when I clean and condition. I also think there sizing is a bit off since I got a full and the noseband is on the losest hole and its still slightly tighter than id like.

 

[vmac66]

Horsemanship saddlery do really nice bridles. Ive had mine for 3 years, lovely soft leather and still looks good.

 

[Leandy]

I did actually have a nice Shires one but the brass buckles went green fairly quickly but perhaps ones with silver would be better.

Brass needs cleaning! You would need to get out the Brasso to keep them shiny. Stainless steel is more practical. I'd never expect brass to stay shiny without regular polishing.

 

[Ellietotz]

So I gave it a good clean last night and oiled it. Although it is softer as in more bendy, it just feels rough like the outer leather is just a weird feel!

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

How did you do this please?

Don't use neatsfoot oil it's terrible for leather it rots the stitching use a proper leather conditioner.

 

[lannerch]

I find kocoa line leather dressing is excellent at softening new leather , if that doesn’t work nothing will

 

[The Bay]

Don't use neatsfoot oil it's terrible for leather it rots the stitching use a proper leather conditioner.

We only did it a couple of times overnight and like I say it worked a treat alongside regular cleaning with a quality saddle soap