Double Bridles, yes or no?

[MerryMaker]

Just read an interesting article in BD magazine on the use and misuse of the double bridle. I use one on my girl now we've moved up the levels a little, as she was accepting the snaffle well, but it just gave me that little extra help fine tuning her. However, it's always carefully checked, the curb chain isn't too tight nor is it too lose, and the curb rein is "there" but not used, if that makes sense.

I've seen a lot of riders at shows with a heavy contact on the curb rein, or the curb too tight, or even too lose, which causes the weymouth to rotate, thus putting extra pressure on the poll mouth and cheeks, so the rider thinks they are being "kind" by fitting a loose curb and this is doing more harm than good.

I never hack in a double, and school her regularly in a snaffle so that she doesn't become desensitised.

However reading the article has made me think more carefully about using one! Just wondered what everyone else thought really!

 

[Spot_the_Risk]

I haven't read the article, but completely agree about the tension of the curb, loose floppy chains with the shank of the curb in a straight line with the rein leave me cold.

 

[hellspells]

I started mine in hers this summer - its be a long process to find out what she is comfortable with and what bits she likes etc.

I'm the same - my curb chain is 'there' but not tight or swinging in the wind either. My curb rein is constant but not tight. But she is more than willing to let me know if she isn't happy with it!

Not so much in dressage but I have seen showing classes where horses are rushed into inappropriate (IMO) doubles - as thats what many judges like to see. However once in a Riding horse class I was the only one in a snaffle (came 3rd) and the judge said she'd much rather see a young horse go nicely in a snaffle and be happy than see a uncomfortable horse in a double - although agaisnt the grain.

 

[Halfstep]

I ride my gelding mostly in the double now, as he's happier in it. I haven't got my BD mag yet (stamps feet, bloody post), but I agree about too loose curb chains. Most of the time, when you see horizontal curbs it is because the chain is far too loose and allowing the arms to come horizontal and the mouthpiece to rotate. Not nice on the horse. People think they are being "nice" by having a loose curb, but in many ways its just as bad as having it too tight.

 

[MerryMaker]

Halfstep, do you go to Addington often? Maybe I've met you there hehe I always bumble about talking to people when I'm waiting for my class etc

 

[Halfstep]

I tend to go there when they have BD on at the weekend! I'm easy to spot - little blue lorry and bay gelding with LOTS of attitude LOL

.

 

[MerryMaker]

Hehe oh I wish I had a lorry

Then I could go out all the time. Bah.

 

[Ezme]

I was always taught a double bridle and spurs are refinements of the aids..... its very rare you acctually see them used like this however...