Padded headpieces - do they really work?

[Beatrice5]

I have noticed a lot of padded headpiece bridles around these days and wondered if they were just an expensive fashion or if they really made a difference?

I like the thought of making my horses as comfortable as possible but to be honest have never noticed them to be uncomfortable over the poll. They are always obliging to have their bridles put on and have no sores or rubs ( probably as I only ride twice a week for a jolly hack)!

So what does everyone else think?

 

[KatB]

If you ride with a flash or grackle noseband done up reasonably tight, the thin bit of leather that runs over the poll from the noseband does put quite a lot of pressure on the poll and can't be comfortable. If you ride in a cavesson, it would be less....

However, I have always thought the "does it really make a difference" thing, but my mare has a Albion bridle, which i was without for a few days, and I can honestly say she was a lot softer in it than she was in the replacement bridle... conincidence maybe, but i am sticking with my padded headpieces thanks

 

[Prince33Sp4rkle]

some horses notice, some dont-my mums ISH couldnt care lesss, but he's the sort that goes equally as well in any snaffle, any noseband, any bridle etc.
My Tb,and my friends warmblood REALLY notice, and both are noticable softer, but also more consistent in the contact in their elevator bridles.

 

[Beatrice5]

Ooh maybe I need to borrow one and give it a whirl. Mind you I am not really riding at the moment as she is in foal and rather a barrell but just a walk around the school probably wouldn't hurt

Poor OH is going to get an expensive christmas list now then

Do the little padded slide on poll pieces work?

 

[Christmas Crumpet]

I bought one for my TB last year because he wears a flash and I noticed that the headpiece felt very tight when flash was done up. He seemed much happier in padded headpiece and I think whatever makes the horse happiest is the way to go. The new horse gets ridden in a padded headpiece too and he's quite happy.

 

[posie_honey]

i've known friends who swear by them... my horse on the other hand threw herself on the floor when i tried one

got saddler to make her a M2M narrowed headpiece and she did go far better in that than a normal width one - she has a narrow bridle path and is v ear shy...

 

[Izzwizz]

I use an Elevator bridle and it does what it says on the tin!! Fab bridle and very soft. Horse definitely goes better in it that before she had it.

 

[cavalo branco]

You could experiment with a gel pad that goes under the headpiece of your current bridle - I tried it as a temporary measure - that was 2 years ago!!