Double bridle & bitting question(s)

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lucky7

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Am confused! :confused: Never had to use one before and don't plan to, but you never know! would be interested in learning more about them.
What bits can you use with different double bridles? then there are head slips? can someone clarify please :) :confused:

Are weymouth double bridles only suited to weymouth bits?? what about pelhams? what double bridle would you use?

Also i know that at county level (and higher levels of dressage) it is correct in some classes to wear double bridles, what if your horse is a baby and is used to and goes well in a snaffle?? do you still have to change to a double?

Sorry for the numpty questions but i would like to know more :p

Thanks
 
You don't have to use a double bridle for a pelham, but if you want it to look like a double bridle then you can use a Rugby pelham and add a sliphead.

For a normal double bridle you add the sliphead for the bridoon and use either all fixed cheek (so eggbutt bridoon with fixed cheek curb) or both loose ring (loose ring bridoon and sliding cheek weymouth.)
 
Just to add to touchstone's answer, in my little bit of the showing world, ponies in 'novice' classes are fine in a snaffle, and in some cases it's required. If you've done well previously and are out of 'novice', then you're expected to be in a double/pelham. This cuts both ways, in if you're horse doesn't go that well in a snaffle in a ring full of other horses cantering, you may HAVE to go in Opens even without the experience just so you can have some brakes in! Whether that the case accross the board or just in my limited showing reach I don't know - but that is including county etc.
 
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Hi, yes that is what a sliphead looks like although the buckle to fasten it should be on the offside.

Personally I wouldn't use one without a curb, although I see no reason why you couldn't, but it will alter the action, although I'd remove the curb hooks to stop them flapping around or possibly pinching. You can get elastic/leather curb straps which are much gentler than the curb chain if your horse is sensitive.

Yes you can use a sliphead with a standard snaffle bridle.
 
touchstone said:
Hi, yes that is what a sliphead looks like although the buckle to fasten it should be on the offside.

Personally I wouldn't use one without a curb, although I see no reason why you couldn't, but it will alter the action, although I'd remove the curb hooks to stop them flapping around or possibly pinching. You can get elastic/leather curb straps which are much gentler than the curb chain if your horse is sensitive.

Yes you can use a sliphead with a standard snaffle bridle.
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Thank you, you have cleared that up nicely for me :)
 
If you decided to go for a double bridle, may I suggest you have a lesson with an instructor who will fit it correctly, maybe even ride your horse to see how they react to it and then teach you to ride with it correctly.

My horses prefer a weymouth with a slight port and sliding cheeks. One has a french link bridoon and the other a standard snaffle joint. I have just managed to find an old nickle sliding cheek weymouth and snaffle which they love.

I have seen double bridles being used with wilkie snaffles, hanging cheek snaffles and other types of bits in the show ring for the top rein.

Pelham - no sliphead is required unless you are using a show/rugby pelham which are adapted for this purpose.

Reins - I have thicker plaited reins for the snaffle bit and thinner plain for the curb. You can also use laced reins for the snaffle, and some people use plain leather, but normally of different widths.

This article will tell you everything you need to know -

http://www.classicaldressage.net/members/lesson_pages/spurs_doublebridle.html
 
Theresa_F said:
If you decided to go for a double bridle, may I suggest you have a lesson with an instructor who will fit it correctly, maybe even ride your horse to see how they react to it and then teach you to ride with it correctly.
Click to expand...

Definitely would :)

Thank you for the link too
 
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