Micklem Bridle Opinions?

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mc80007

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I've been casually searching around for new bridles as I don't desperately need a new one right now but in the near future I will, and i've just come across the Micklem. After reading all the reviews and things about how much better it is for the horse etc I'm still not convinced. My horse seems perfectly happy in his cavesson right now, and although I would like to try one, I'm also worried about the flash. My horse doesn't need one and I would be reluctant to use one because of this. He has also never needed a drop noseband. Lots of people have said that their horse was more controlled and they could use their dressage bridle for xc and sj after using the Micklem, but I don't need the extra control (he is in a happy mouth snaffle for everything) and I would feel bad putting something more controlling on when he doesn't need it. Has anyone had and experience/opinions? Is it really better than a traditional bridle? Thank you!
 
Mine goes better in his, doesn't give me anymore control than a standard bridle. He doesn't need a flash either so only do it up very loosely. The throat strap is a funny size though, my boy is normally pony size but in this I needed cob and it does up on the last hole. He goes very well in it thanks to how the head piece is cut, he's very sensitive. Love the lunging ring, makes life easier. The leather is a bit naff but don't think it's English leather.
 
My current bridle is slightly too small (came with horse) and I am gradually switching pieces of tack that need replacing hence reason for new bridle!
 
Following! Im in the same boat! Horse came with quite an ill fitting bridle and tends to yank his head round a bit.
I've noticed recently at daughters competitions every other rider seems to be using one
 
Some horses love them and it makes a big difference to them .
Some don't seem to show any difference in them .
A few actively dislike them .
You have to try and see .
 
Just to add it does not have the action of a flash or a drop. The noseband should sit where a cavesson sits and the chin strap is for comfort and bit stabilisation. If it is being used like a flash/drop it is being used wrong. My horse really likes it!
 
mc80007 said:
My horse seems perfectly happy in his cavesson right now, and although I would like to try one, I'm also worried about the flash.
Click to expand...
If your horse is happy in his cavesson, then why change it :)?

Goldenstar said:
Some horses love them and it makes a big difference to them .
Some don't seem to show any difference in them .
A few actively dislike them .
Click to expand...
This. I have had very positive experiences with Micklems, but they don't suit every horse.
 
My fussy in the mouth TB is going better; he's more consistent in the contact, less tongue flappy etc since changing to a (loosely fastened) Micklem bridle.
 
I just found the sizing very weird? To the point where I really couldn't get it to fit nicely. My boy is in an extra full sabre with shorter cheekpieces.
The micklem I tried was from Hope Valley saddlery and they were happy to exchange once and then took it back when I couldn't get on with it!
 
If it isn't broken don't fix it would be my advise! I would stick with what your horse goes best in. Micklems suit those horses that already have issues the bit or bridle, that's not to say that a straightforward horse won't go well in one, but often it makes no difference. They particularly suit those sensitive to mouth pressure as the bit clips and design keep the bit more still in the mouth. Had I had not exhausted every option I wouldn't have bothered buying one, the leather quality isn't great. It worked to start with but now selling it, my mare is one who you have to stay one step ahead by changing tack regularly.
 
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