Headshakers and Micklem bridles,

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be positive

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Has anyone tried using a Micklem on a horse that headshakes? did it help or makes matters worse, any thoughts welcome as I am running through several ideas and having felt it may be the worst thing to try I am now thinking it could help with other issues.

The horse is only a very slight headshaker, almost stops with a nosenet, he has a very sensitive mouth so ridden in a Nathe but at times just runs through the bridle in a panic not for any obvious reason he just sets his jaw and runs, teeth etc are fine and he is undergoing rehab so limited in what work he can actually do, it seems to be worse at the moment as he is getting fit yet not able to do enough to occupy his brain. Having been rehabbing now for 18 months I am getting rather frustrated and trying to start making some changes to his tack as the next step, he has been through an awful lot so I have to accept it will take time but it is not helping him if he runs off risking damaging himself in the process.
 
As no one has an opinion so far regarding the use of a Micklem for a headshaker what about reviews in general, would it be helpful regarding the running through problem?
I will probably hire one first as I am unsure about the sizing, again suggestions would help as he needs a generous browband but has a fine tb type head further down, usually in a full but that is rather generous in the cheek pieces.
 
We bought one for our 19 yo gelding, whom we had retired a couple of years ago because of his head shaking - he was virtually unrideable. Thought there was nothing to lose, so bought a Micklem, put it on him with a nose net and head shaking virtually stopped immediately. In fact he went out and won a prelim dressage competition! We bought a standard horse size, for a 15.1, and it fits perfectly, plenty of spare holes. I rode him the other day in a "normal" bridle and just about lost my front teeth with his head shaking, so he will never again wear a "normal" bridle when being ridden!
 
That is really helpful, thanks for replying, my first thought was that it would not suit as the noseband would put pressure on the front of his face therefore causing it to be more of an issue, he doesn't wear anything other than a loose cavesson usually but I could do with a little help, the headshaking is less of a problem than the running through the bridle.
I think it must be worth a try, I am getting to the stage of wondering if it is worth continuing, he has so many issues going off to the blood bank is seriously being considered, if at least one thing can be sorted it would help.
 
I bought one yesterday, rode in it briefly to try out the fitting then hacked today with a little schooling when we got back and the difference in the way he is taking the contact is very pleasing. I hope it was not just because it was a new feeling for him as it could be part of the jigsaw towards finally getting him back to proper work, the only issue is that with his nosenet and full cheek bit it looks a little messy but if it doesn't bother him I can live with it.
 
I have Micklems for all of mine. I love the design with the padded headpiece relieving any poll pressure and the noseband design to miss the sensitive nerves. I have used the noseband both fastened as a drop and as a cavesson and been pleased with both. Micklem bridles and Neue Schule bits all the way for all of mine.
 
I know a friend who has one not specifically for a headshaker but for a horse that got quite tense / fussy with her mouth and horse does seem more relaxed and opens mouth less in this compared to previous bridle
 
I have just bought one. Again, my horse isn't a head shaker, just has subtle issues with the contact, slight opening of the mouth, occasionally tilting of the head.....you get the idea. Often submission to the bridle underlined on test sheets. So far I'm over the moon with it. Noticeably happier from day one. Nice closed quiet mouth. Instructor also mentioned how much nicer she was going in it and we achieved a >70% score BD at the weekend for the first time :-)
However it was a pain in the bum to fit. Dee is 16.3hh but with a tiny fine head. I got the standard horse size. In order to have the noseband in the correct place, it's on second from top hole. But because she's normally ridden in a myler full cheek the bit straps supplied with the bridle weren't long enough to reach the tiny rings on the bit. So I've been having to use it with a loose ring snaffle (which fits perfectly with loose ring). So I've ended up having to buy longer bit pieces for it to fit with my regular bit which is a nuisance. I also thought it pretty poor there were no reins included.
The difference in the horse kind of make up for these issues but it's still something I think horseware should address. Ie make the replacement parts a bit easier to buy/find! I rang them and all they could suggest was using a spur strap instead. Um yes I've just paid a for an expensive new bridle in Havana I'm going to use a mouldy old black spur strap to attach the bit ....not. They then told me there wasn't much point getting longer ones as they were only an inch or so longer.....er yes that would be more than sufficient! And then said they'd send me some but then hung up without taking my mailing details lol! Not exactly great customer service!!! I did however find some in the end!
 
My bridle is much the same it came with two sets of straps to use on the bit which mean I used the longer ones as I use a full cheek nathe which has tiny rings, it just fits ok on the longest setting.
I bought a competition bridle, ever the optimist that he may one day compete, it came with a pair of decent rubber reins, two pairs of the bit straps, two pairs of clips, I wonder if yours was incomplete, it may be worth contacting the retailer, I bought mine from a local shop as I felt it the best option, they offered to take it back if it didn't fit and order the next size which was not in stock in Havana, sometimes buying locally is best and it was much the same price as I could find online.
I do think that they need to have parts easily available, although my local saddler would probably make or repair anything that breaks and charge less to do so.
 
I think it is the multibridle that comes without reins? I have a fussy, headshaking pony that has been wearing one for 3 years and it has transformed his way of going. He still tosses his head when excited & impatient, but is much more settled in the contact
 
be positive said:
My bridle is much the same it came with two sets of straps to use on the bit which mean I used the longer ones as I use a full cheek nathe which has tiny rings, it just fits ok on the longest setting.
I bought a competition bridle, ever the optimist that he may one day compete, it came with a pair of decent rubber reins, two pairs of the bit straps, two pairs of clips, I wonder if yours was incomplete, it may be worth contacting the retailer, I bought mine from a local shop as I felt it the best option, they offered to take it back if it didn't fit and order the next size which was not in stock in Havana, sometimes buying locally is best and it was much the same price as I could find online.
I do think that they need to have parts easily available, although my local saddler would probably make or repair anything that breaks and charge less to do so.
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No mine is the competition bridle as I didn't want the ring on the noseband. I got it from rideaway.
 
ann-jen said:
No mine is the competition bridle as I didn't want the ring on the noseband. I got it from rideaway.
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That should have come with reins, I would contact Rideaway they have probably been taken out of the pack, mine was still all wrapped up, even the multi bridle had some reins with it they were continental style as far as I could see. I have just checked the website and see that it is without reins and at a lower price than normal, it must be something they offer as most are nearer £140 with reins included.
 
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be positive said:
That should have come with reins, I would contact Rideaway they have probably been taken out of the pack, mine was still all wrapped up, even the multi bridle had some reins with it they were continental style as far as I could see. I have just checked the website and see that it is without reins and at a lower price than normal, it must be something they offer as most are nearer £140 with reins included.
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Ah right I will check my order as I think that is what I paid, they have maybe sent me the 'offer' one by mistake.....
Edited to add.... no you are absolutely right it does say at the bottom, no reins.... don't think there was an alternative now from memory..... but suspect the reins I use currently are probably nicer than the Rambo ones anyone so no bother really!
 
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yes and would never buy a normal bridle again. The Micklem avoids the trimegial nerves on the face and will help with headshaking if that is the cause. Also get a chiropractor to chack im, if the atlas is out it can cause severe headshaking and other behavioural issues such as running through the bridle. It did with mine anway. New horse now that has been put right.
 
My 4yr old head shakes a bit when tense. He's def better in a Micklem. I'm going to alter mine a bit though as he's doesn't need the 'drop noseband' strap. I currently use it with the strap inverted and buckled loosely over the nose, through the D ring (mines a combo) just to keep it out the way. I'm probably going to just cut it off. I use a sheepskin noseband cover too which also makes a difference (otherwise it rubs. He really is pathetic! )
 
I've recently been reading about giving head shakers extra salt to make them drink more. Excess Potassium is being linked with head shaking.

Drinking more means the kidneys are able to do a better job of flushing the Potassium out.
 
Tnavas said:
I've recently been reading about giving head shakers extra salt to make them drink more. Excess Potassium is being linked with head shaking.

Drinking more means the kidneys are able to do a better job of flushing the Potassium out.
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I read about this some time ago but my horse hasn't read about it, he doesn't like salt very much so will only take a small amount in his feed before he stops eating, I have tried building up little by little but once it is beyond a certain amount, about 1/2 tablespoon divided between feeds, he refuses to eat, he does drink very well and the headshaking is relatively minor in amongst all his other issues, I just didn't want to risk making matters worse by using the Micklem but he seems happy in it so we can move on to all the other things now.
 
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