Shires Avignon bridle

[scats]

Has anyone got one? P needs a new bridle and I want one with a comfort headpiece but been struggling to find one without a crank noseband. Think this one fits the bill.

Couple of questions- is it nice supple leather? Her current bridle wasn’t cheap but it’s horribly stiff despite conditioning and oil. Second question- I notice it’s classed as ‘oak’, will this ridiculous alongside a Havana Brown saddle?

Thanks

 

[AFB]

The oak is quite a red brown, I was drawn to it on a trade stand as struggle to find tack that colour normally. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality as didn't expect much from Shires, however that was brand new so I can't comment on how well they stand up to use.

 

[Shay]

I have two black ones (and a breastplate) and love them. The only odd thing is that it doesn't completely dis-assemble for cleaning (or mine doesn't anyway) The way the straps go through the headpeice you can pull it apart so far for cleaning - and perfectly far enough - just not completely. The buckle end of the throat lash won't fit.

They were all use-ably soft from the start - although they have softened more since. The older one has done 5 seasons hunting so far - so it has had all manner of weather, mud, muck and everything else thrown at it. The flash attachment finally died last season so I just cut it away and used a flash strap convertor instead. The pattern stitching has also discolored slightly - but otherwise it is just fine. The other is 1 season old and going great.

 

[scats]

Thank you. I was in Charlie’s yesterday and picked one up. Gave it a good coating of neatsfoot oil (as instructions told me) and then used it last night. P was much happier having it put on and adjusted which is a majorly good sign as normally you can just about get the noseband done up between her head flinging.
It feels much lighter than her normal bridle and she was definitely more comfortable behind the ears.

I like it enough that I’m going to get one for the Diva aswell.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I absolutely love my Shires bridle. I'm a bit rubbish at leather care but a year or so on it still looks new (well except the bit the shitland chewed 😫 )

 

[ycbm]

I've just bought some reins. Leather is a bit stiff and the rubber on one starts about an inch further back than the other, but for £18 I really can't complain and would buy Shires again.

 

[{97702}]

I got my Avignon bridle second hand and I love it - very supple and very no ce to use.

My MAJOR gripe is the colour - I phoned Shires because I couldn’t find any new matching reins in that colour, and they don’t make separate reins in Oak! How stupid is that! The girl on the phone said vaguely that they had thought it would be good if they did make them, I assured her it would

 

[Wagtail]

I have two of them and both are lovely supple leather. Mine disassembles completely for cleaning. My mare finds it very comfortable.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I had one in oak too-lovely bridle especially for the price. I've had their breastplates and other bridles too and always thought they were pretty good value.

 

[HappyHollyDays]

I have a black Avignon bridle for my Connie with the matching breastplate. For the money it's a decent quality everyday bridle which cleans up really well. I actually chose it because it is very dainty and I don't like thick chunky bridles on small heads, they look odd.

 

[Nugget La Poneh]

I really want one in oak as it's close it's in colour to my saddle - but want a drop noseband and can't find one that would match

 

[ponies4ever]

i have one in oak its 2.5 years old and is still lovely despite being used in downpours enough times. if you clean it a lot then it goes a LOT darker and is more havana.

 

[Feival]

Both of mine have them.

 

[whizzer]

I bought the oak one a few years ago & was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was,unfortunately lost the horse in an accident so never got to use it.