Micklem bridle question

[Fingerontheneckstrap]

My horse tends to go better in a micklem. We use it for flatwork and showjumping. Would love to use it for cross country but my bit for XC is the expert bits eggbutt loop. Aware that this uses some poll pressure which would be removed with it being a micklem bridle. Now wondering if there’s any point using it for XC if the bit won’t have the same functionality?

I do also have a universal but I feel this would not only lose the same poll pressure but also be slightly unstable with it being a loose ring. Thoughts?

 

[Flying_Form]

I’m no expert but I think when they’re a loose ring like a universal or a traditional Wilkie it can cause over rotation and again not relieve poll pressure as you said. However with it being a fixed cheekpiece im not sure if it could still have some functionality any other ideas from other members ?

 

[Cragrat]

The Micklem still has a headpiece, and the cheekpieces are still connected t the bit even if it via a D ring, so I don't see how all poll pressure would be removed?

The drop noseband acts to stablilise the bit, ( that was the reason William Micklem included it as part of his design,) so I don't think the universal would get too unstable.

 

[New Forests Rock]

Think you will find a Micklem will provide poll pressure, certainly seems to have done on everything I have ridden in one (and it is my bridle of choice).