"not a micklem horse" on dressage sheet

Yes, it's odd. I use one because of the well thought out design - shaped to fit around the ears and on the face more comfortably, and my horse likes it too.

Yep, same here. Bought due to anatomical design and how it fits. It fits so much better than a normal bridle and does not move at all
 
They are still relatively new and a LOT of people therefore dont really understand them and think they are a bit of a gimic. Just ignore the comments and work on getting your mare relaxing into her bridle.
 
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