Micklem bridle advice and success stories please

[MyDogIsAnIdiot]

Background: I have a 3.5 yr-old cob mare. She was working well, but always holds her head slightly on an angle (tipping it to one side). I've had the dentist out and he had to pull a cap (?) from the back that was very very sharp (I cut my finger on it). She's still holding her head to the side and I have no brakes if cantering in company.

She needs a new bridle anyway and I was looking at the Micklem Competition bridle in a tack shop today. Is it worth buying and trying her in it, or should I just get a normal one? She's currently ridden in a full cheek jointed snaffle with a plain cavesson noseband. I really don't want to put her in a stronger bit (want to compete BD), and she doesn't need a flash.

So, is it worth me getting a Micklem? Or just persevere with fortnightly lessons and hope she goes better when I bring her properly back into work in the summer?

 

[Eggshells]

I am a bit of a micklem fanatic having started using one a few months back so my vote would be YES!

A definite advantage is the design of the bridle, which removes almost all inward pressure so should help her if she has sensitive cheeks. Mine went fine in a normal bridle but was slightly reluctant to be bridled, fairly fussy in his mouth when ridden and frantic to rub his head as soon as the bridle came off. He's been in a Micklem for a few months and now drops his head and opens his mouth for the bridle, is a quieter in his mouth and while he still likes a post work face rub it is now much less urgent and violent.

My only complaint is that they are quite expensive for the quality you get.

Hope that helps and good luck xx

 

[dotty1]

My mare goes very well in her Micklem bridle with a Myler comfort snaffle. If you aren't sure you can hire them - google hire a micklem bridle or you could just buy on and if no good sell it as they do hold their price well.
She is only a baby at 3.5 years and you may find that after the winter off she will come back into work with no head tilting anyway.

I have the competition bridle in brown and find the quality fine, very supple.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I am a Micklem fan, especially for young horses. As she is a cob, I suggest hiring or borrowing one first to check the fit, as they do not fit all chunky heads.

Another thing, is the snaffle a single jointed one? The head tilting could be an evasion if she dislikes the nutcracker action. Perhaps a lozenge snaffle would be more comfortable for her, I have found the neue schule team up bit to be excellent on a cob baby though there are a lot of other options.

 

[Hippona]

I have two - I have found both horses go much better in them.
The arab was very reluctant to take a contact, and the highland was very fussy in his mouth despite trying every bit known to man. Both are much happier in them, I would recommend them - maybe try hire one if you're not sure?

 

[Stephanotis]

Micklem bridles certainly get my vote for all the reasons noted above. The only thing I would add is that you because of the way the bridle is configured you can't use bits with a small ring ie full cheek bits. I think they do mention this somewhere on the website. I have tried on mine and you simply cant get the loops that hold the bit in place long enough.

 

[kathantoinette]

I've got the competition one. I love it - he seems much more settled in it than the conventional bridle. I did try a friends before I bought it though. I'm sure if you did buy one and decided you weren't happy with it, you'd get your full price back on eBay.