Hunter In-Hand bridle help please!

[lindsayH]

Hello everyone, I hope you've all been enjoying the sunshine today!

I was hoping for some advice on bridles for showing a hunter pony in hand. I have never shown hunters before but have a 4 year old pony, currently being backed, that I want to get out and about. We're only talking local showing, hopefully qualifying for the amateur championships but I like to do things right.

She is small cob/large pony in bridles usually and has a head that I would possibly consider a little on the dainty side for a hunter. Am I correct in thinking we need a flat noseband/browband? Brown is correct yes? (She is black). Do we need a Pelham so we have two reins and if so, how do I handle these?!? I would prefer to use her normal snaffle and a coupling/leather lead.
Can anyone suggest a good make? My budget is tight but I'd rather have a good quality second hand one than a rubbish new one.

Thank you for your help and feel free to offer any other advice...

- Lindsay

 

[WelshD]

You can show a hunter pony in either an inhand bridle (snaffle) or a ridden bridle (pelham or double)

A hunter horse would need a ridden bridle at 4 and above however with a pony you can get away with either

Dont however use a combination (eg a ridden bridle with an inhand coupler as it isnt really correct)

Brown is correct

Flat noseband at a width to suit the face and either a flat noseband or plaited leather one

I bought an Ascot inhand bridle by Dever which at around £30 is budget but it certainly doesnt look it. I had the front part of the noseband replaced by a saddler to a flat wide one (it didnt come with a flat wide one) which cost me just £8 as the back part was fine and had the buckles on so the new part was just leather with holes (hope that makes sense!)

You'll find lots of secondhand ones come up on the Facebook groups 'Show Gear for sale and wanted' and 'Small pony items for sale (UK)'

I prefer the butterfly leads to a coupler as I think they look less bulky

This is mine, looks very expensive for what it is and its still looks almost new over a year later

My pony has a brass browband as he was being shown as an M&M here, this year he will be shown as a show hunter pony and will wear the bridle with a plaited browband

Practice plaiting at home, dont use rubber bands if you cab avoid it

Make sure any feathers are trimmed off, trim the edges of the ears, under the chin and around the coronet neatly

 

[lindsayH]

Absolutely perfect WelshD, thank you very much! That bridle is very smart and I'm pleased to hear I can use a snaffle. Much appreciated.

 

[minesadouble]

As your pony is 4 years he should be shown in a ridden bridle rather than an in hand bridle.
Fylde do lovely bridles. If you look on Horsegossip you may be able to find a second hand one.