Which bridle? Current bridle rubbing horse..

[kit279]

My little grey horse came back from going cross country with a nasty rub on his muzzle that was bleeding a little. He's currently in a cavesson with a flash, don't know the make - it's never rubbed before but he's quite a sensitive horse and I want to get him a new one that won't rub.

Would a grackle be better? Or can anyone recommend a cavesson that doesn't rub?

 

[glamourpuss]

I've recently got a Frank Baines comfort poll bridle for my boy. The noseband and the headpiece are padded with the softest leather I have ever felt. I would think it is very unlikely that would rub.

I got mine of ebay for about £70

 

[Silverspring]

If it rubbed it might be that the flash is pulling the cavesson to far down and making it tight (reasons I don't like a flash number 1!) or the cavesson is on too tight to keep the flash strap up (reason number 2) or the flash strap itself is on too tight (reason number 3)

A grackle or mexican noseband would be more comfortable, you could get the same effect (keeping the gob closed) without having to have the noseband tight. When fitting it you should be able to fit 2 fingers between face and noseband with ease.

A drop would also be as effective but if the horse has senstive skin it might rub a little as it does have to go on moderately tightly.

As for brands just go with any established British brand and you won't go wrong. Keep the leather clean and supple (there are debates about how to do this but I use oil and avoid the stitching!) and you should prevent it happening again.

 

[littleme]

elevators are lovely and soft leather, also mark todd bridles are very soft?

 

[Dovorian]

I had a grey which suffered from rubs - I used a sheeskin noseband and cheek pices from a sheepskin headcollar set - it worked fine. Years ago I used chamois leather to make 'sleeves' for a drop noseband which rubbed - but that was a long time ago when we also used a chamois to stop saddle slip going XC!