When/why introduce double bridle? Dressage

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Horses24-7

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Hi all

I currently work my horse in a loose ring French link, we compete at novice level but are working at elementary at home. He's 10 so not a baby :)

I don't want to introduce a double bridle yet and I know my trainer will guide me when/if he needs one. But I was wondering at what point do you introduce one and for what reason? Obviously above medium you need one but what would be the advantage/reason for using one in elementary, medium etc?

Thanks all x
 
Horses24-7 said:
I didn't know that :o

Do many at that level use a snaffle? Just out of interest?
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Very few, I have seen ONE person competing inter I in a snaffle, and never anyone higher.

I would introduce when you just need more refinement for your aids than a snaffle can give :)
 
I've just put my boy into a double at home only every now and then and not at a competition yet, as i have been told that some judges at my level actually prefer to see them in a snaffle. He is schooling Advanced Medium competing Medium. The reason for using the double is that he is very foward going and can get strong when asking for that bit more, the double just makes him that bit softer, just having the weymouth there makes him more rideable without using it.
 
It's an individual thing for the horse and the rider.

Bruce is a very strong boy, and a double allows me to get a greater degree of accuracy and suspension due to the heightened level of communication.

Personally I've found it easier to ride him into a consistent contact in the double too (particularly since introducing changes and upping the engagement I demand from him). He has the tendency to go BTV and sit 'just out of reach', and it is far easier to minutely adjust the contact in a double. It is much nicer to not feel like I'm constantly 'fiddling' (re: refined aids) to keep the contact as per the snaffle - which brings me back to the point of greater communication :)
 
My horse is currently working at Medium and competing at Elementary, he's never had a double and as he's pretty soft mouthed can't see me ever needing one. Out competing I'd say it was about 50/50 at elementary level and slightly more than 50% in a double at medium. I've seen a few doing advanced in snaffles around here, not sure about higher levels. I think now they are not a requirement more riders are just sticking with the snaffle.
 
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