double bridles

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harrihjc

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I'm planning on trying my 5yr old in a double bridle for the first time, and was wondering if anyone had any tips for how to deal with this and fit it properly? I know it seems like a dumb question, but I want to make sure everything is OK and minimise any possible shock to the system for him bless him
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I haven't used one for a very long time! Is there anything I should be on my guard for? Sorry *hangs head in shame*, its a really odd ask!
 
One question, why are you putting him in a double bridle? Just curious, not quizzing or condeming!!!
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Normally bridoon 1/4 inch smaller than weymouth... Weymouth should be sliding cheek with loose ring or fixed with eggbutt, there are soooooo many varieties, depends on horses mouth, small large, tongue, fat, fleshy, roof of mouth, low- high, port or no port, straight bar etc.....
 
Good question! I'm putting him in a double bridle for showing. He works nicely in a snaffle, it's certainly not to try to get him in an outline or anything like that!
 
When I put on a double for the first time, I like to just leave them to have a play around with it and get used to it for 10-15mins (tied up on the yard), then take them for a hack, using only the top rein, and making sure the bottom (curb) rein is fairly loose. In that way it acts like a snaffle, and slowly you can start to introduce pressure from the curb rein when required.
 
i rode mine in just the bridoon in the school until he was going nicely in it, then i added the weymouth and as above hacked out with it on a loose rein-you might want to have a few stop and starts on the yard to check there is no adverse reaction! you can do that from the ground too- with the double on-pull the curb reins as if you are asking them to stop, then you will have an idea what they will act like when on top!! safer in my opinion!
 
You could try the French Rugby Pelham? It looks like a double but is only one bit. Look it up on the internet... in case you did not want to put two bits in his/her mouth?
 
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You could try the French Rugby Pelham? It looks like a double but is only one bit. Look it up on the internet... in case you did not want to put two bits in his/her mouth?

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The trouble is it is meant to look like a double, but doesn't at all, especially on a horse (rather than a pony) - the bigger rings of a real double, or a normal pelham seem to suit most (but not all) horses better than a rugby pelham. A double also gives a lot more refined aids than a pelham, which some ride judges prefer.

I'd try the double, if your horse gets on with it, that's great, if not, then that's the time to think about alternatives.
 
Thanks for all your advice everyone! I fitted it yesterday and just let him stand on the yard for 10 mins or so, I'm not going to ride him in it until my instructor has properly checked fitting etc. He didn't seem at all phased by it, he always has something in his mouth bless him, so I don't think it was much of a shock. I'm glad people suggested just using the bradoon for a bit, that's what I was planning on doing, just a gentle walk until we get the feel of it
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I will post some pics once I have some
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He looked very smart
 
Thanks, thats great! From all the pics I've seen it looks like the weymouth sits quite low in the mouth compared to the bradoon...?
 
Yep, that's right. The bridoon is in the normal "snaffle" position, with the weymouth slightly infront and slightly lower than the bridoon. Just have a play and see what's comfortable for the horse, and make sure the weymouth isn't so low it's banging on the teeth.
 
well I had a little walk round on him with it, and he wasn't phased by it at all, in fact, he behaved beautifully, possibly better than his normal behaviour in just a snaffle! I was rather shocked!
 
had my lesson in it today, and as far as that went he was very good. Was a little sod in other ways tho, dam 5yr old tantrums!
 
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