Micklem Bridles (Or Similar)

[Wishfilly]

It's my birthday coming up, and I'm thinking about treating Blue to a new bridle. At the moment, I ride him in the standard grackle which he came with- over the last year his schooling has improved and he seems a lot more comfortable in his mouth, so I was thinking of getting him a posh new bridle.

I know a lot of people use Micklems now, and I like the idea that they are designed with the horse's wellbeing in mind- but I also read something recently about them possibly stopping horses from swallowing?

Anyway, would you recommend? And if so, what size for a cobx about 14hh? Pony or Cob?

And if not, what bridle recommendations do you have?

 

[Tiddlypom]

If he's happy with a grackle, then how about a posh new grackle bridle?

Sabre Cordoba sensitive bridles are beautifully made and shaped, and they do a grackle version . Nicely spendy for 'posh' at £187.50.

https://www.shop.sabreleather.co.uk...ican-grackle-snaffle-comfort-bridle-737-p.asp

Micklems can be very useful. I use a Micklem multibridle for some in hand work, as the noseband clip for the lunge rein is very handy. Micklem sizing is a bit weird, I'd try before you buy. Also, some horses love them, while others loathe them.

 

[Wishfilly]

If he's happy with a grackle, then how about a posh new grackle bridle?

Sabre Cordoba sensitive bridles are beautifully made and shaped, and they do a grackle version . Nicely spendy for 'posh' at £187.50.

https://www.shop.sabreleather.co.uk...ican-grackle-snaffle-comfort-bridle-737-p.asp

Micklems can be very useful. I use a Micklem multibridle for some in hand work, as the noseband clip for the lunge rein is very handy. Micklem sizing is a bit weird, I'd try before you buy. Also, some horses love them, while others loathe them.

Oh, that is a very nice option too! I'll see if I can find any way of trying a Micklem before buying- thank you for the advice!

 

[w1bbler]

Oh, that is a very nice option too! I'll see if I can find any way of trying a Micklem before buying- thank you for the advice!

There used to be several retailers that rented micklems-redpost was one. Usually get 2 weeks to try it & rental price taken off if you buy ?
Was pre covid though, no idea if they still do it?

 

[holeymoley]

I tried one of these thinking I was being kinder than having a normal flash/cavesson bridle. It was excellent to put on and looked more pleasant, horse took off with me across field. Thought it was just a bit of excitement then tried to school in it, no idea what was wrong but he didn’t like it all! Sometimes better to stick with what works.

 

[Wishfilly]

There used to be several retailers that rented micklems-redpost was one. Usually get 2 weeks to try it & rental price taken off if you buy ?
Was pre covid though, no idea if they still do it?

Yes, redpost will rent it for 10 days, so definitely an option to try!

I tried one of these thinking I was being kinder than having a normal flash/cavesson bridle. It was excellent to put on and looked more pleasant, horse took off with me across field. Thought it was just a bit of excitement then tried to school in it, no idea what was wrong but he didn’t like it all! Sometimes better to stick with what works.

Definitely a valid point about sticking with what works- I feel like in theory we shouldn't "need" a grackle, but if the micklem doesn't work out I'll definitely consider investing in a posh grackle bridle.

 

[criso]

Not sure about horses being able to swallow, mine will happily snack on hedgerows if allowed.

It suits him as he has a funny sized head and a traditional bridle would have needed custom made. He was in a full headpiece and browband, cob cheekpieces and no noseband looked right. He's in a micklem small horse.

However if you horse likes a Grackle, stick with a Grackle. When Fairfax did noseband testing Grackles came out best followed by drops, crank cavessons, standard cavessons and flashes at the bottom.

Henry James do nice bridles with comfort headpieces and different noseband options. https://www.henryjamessaddlery.co.uk/collections/bridles/products/sheepskin-grackle-bridle

 

[milliepops]

If he's happy with a grackle, then how about a posh new grackle bridle?

Sabre Cordoba sensitive bridles are beautifully made and shaped, and they do a grackle version . Nicely spendy for 'posh' at £187.50.

https://www.shop.sabreleather.co.uk...ican-grackle-snaffle-comfort-bridle-737-p.asp

Second this recommendation. My Cordoba has just been pulled out of the cupboard for yet another horse.. top quality, good design and if you buy direct from Sabre you can pick and choose the sizing.

 

[Wishfilly]

Not sure about horses being able to swallow, mine will happily snack on hedgerows if allowed.

It suits him as he has a funny sized head and a traditional bridle would have needed custom made. He was in a full headpiece and browband, cob cheekpieces and no noseband looked right. He's in a micklem small horse.

However if you horse likes a Grackle, stick with a Grackle. When Fairfax did noseband testing Grackles came out best followed by drops, crank cavessons, standard cavessons and flashes at the bottom.

Henry James do nice bridles with comfort headpieces and different noseband options. https://www.henryjamessaddlery.co.uk/collections/bridles/products/sheepskin-grackle-bridle

I've heard this before, about grackles being more comfortable, but he definitely resents the bottom strap being done up. That is a gorgeous bridle though, definitely one to consider if the micklem doesn't work out.

Second this recommendation. My Cordoba has just been pulled out of the cupboard for yet another horse.. top quality, good design and if you buy direct from Sabre you can pick and choose the sizing.

Thank you for the recommendation- it does look like a really nice bridle.