Double Bridles - Talk to me :)

[Lippyx]

I have a photo shoot booked in for me and Toby next month, and I would love to put a double bridle on him. I don't have to ride him in it, but would like to try one on him.

I see you can get the extra head piece to convert a standard snaffle bridle to a double, so that will be cheaper, but how do I know what bits to get? Do I get the same size as he is in now? Also, what sort of mouth piece do I get (if there are different ones) in the Weymouth bit?

Best way to introduce one to the boy?

Never really had the chance to "play" with a Double Bridle, so any info would be fab!!

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

You could try a show pelham that is a single mouthpiece, but has an extra ring that you attach the headslip to and the 'bridoon' rein so looks at a glance like a double.

Or you could try a swales pelham that is again a single mouthpiece, but looks 'fancy' for the piccies

As for sizing, if a single mouthpiece then the same size as normal (within brand size differences), with a double I have found that both bits seem to need to be about a 1/2" bigger, but this might depend on the horses head/mouth shape.

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

Show Pelham:

Swales

 

[WelshD]

Maybe look at a Rugby Pelham, these can look very like a double bridle set up, personally I hate them but it will look correct enough for some photos. The bonus is that you can normally find them second hand very easily and cheaply

A Rugby Pelham should always be used with a sliphead, a show Pelham may or may not be depending on the exact style

To answer your original question you normally have the Weymouth bit the correct size for your horse, the Weymouth is normally ported or mullen mouthed, the bradoon should be slightly bigger and is normally single jointed.

 

[Lippyx]

Thanks guys!! I have found a few show pelhams on eBay quite cheap, so watching them. Also found a "Gallop" double bridle, with padded head piece, starting at 4.99, so watching that too!!

How exciting... Cannot wait to see him in one!