Working hunter bridle question

[LegOn]

I do a good bit of working hunter with my horse & I currently wear a plain grackle bridle, but I'm really interested in the new Collegiate Comfitec bridle - there is a place near me that hires them so was going to give it a go before I buy which is great! But if he goes well in it, would it be okay to wear for working hunter or am I going to have to go back to my grackle (which I'm wondering then if there is much point in buying it!??)

Photo of the bridle for anyone who doesnt know them - they have the split noseband.

Anyone who has used one I'd be interested in an opinion on them aswell!

 

[Fiona]

I'd not use it past a very local level, as it does look a bit unusual.

I'm trying to get my show connie going again in a normal bridle for that reason, as he was ridden in a micklem for a year.....

Fiona

 

[conniegirl]

you would be far better off in a grackle for WH class.
At a small local show it probably wont get a second glance, above that it will.

 

[Meredith]

I don’t know about showing. but I tried one for my part cob, cob size, and had to send it back. I had tried to measure as best I could but the straps are in such a different place it was difficult. The straps under the noseband were far too short and the cheeks too long.
( not the pony in my avatar)

 

[Dyllymoo]

I found it didn't fit my ISH. It just didn't sit right. It was a full but just felt small in places. I ended up selling it and didn't even get to ride in it. The person I sold to had much better luck and she said her mare went really well in it and had previously been a bit fussy.

 

[LegOn]

you would be far better off in a grackle for WH class.
At a small local show it probably wont get a second glance, above that it will.

That's my fear! What about this one - Ecorider Grackle bridle... more anatomical than standard grackle but still not hugely different looking... except for the throat lash?? Thoughts??

 

[Meredith]

Are these suitable?
https://www.henryjamessaddlery.co.uk/search?type=product&q=grackle

 

[be positive]

The one above would not look too bad if the throatlash was not there, I dont see what purpose it serves other than to look ugly, if showing I would get rid of the fluff on the noseband, which if it fits as it is in the photo may be tricky to adjust, if the reins are included swap for a pair without buckles, just realised I have almost completely redesigned it

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

The one above would not look too bad if the throatlash was not there, I dont see what purpose it serves other than to look ugly, if showing I would get rid of the fluff on the noseband, which if it fits as it is in the photo may be tricky to adjust, if the reins are included swap for a pair without buckles, just realised I have almost completely redesigned it

Agreed BP.
Basically, that bridle isn't suitable for showing except at a very local level but I'd still look for something more aesthetically pleasing. (Sorry x)

 

[conniegirl]

That's my fear! What about this one - Ecorider Grackle bridle... more anatomical than standard grackle but still not hugely different looking... except for the throat lash?? Thoughts?? View attachment 38944

In showing it is very important to dress the horses head properly to make it look it’s best. The bridle you have posted makes what is probably a very pretty horse look very plain, slightly Roman nosed and thick through the jowel.


Showing people often obsess over tiny details like width or thickness of leather on bridles because it can make a huge difference to how the horse looks.

 

[Orchardbeck]

I just bought a ComFiTec in a flash sale which made it an absolute bargain (I love experimenting), I got the cob size first and he is usually a very small cob size, however I had to swap it for a full...my horse loves it!! I got it in black though so I can use it for dressage, we'll probably stick to a plain grackle for WH if we get our act together for next season.

 

[AdorableAlice]

There are so many beautiful heads adorned with the most ugly bridles nowadays, why ?

 

[cauda equina]

Clever marketing!

 

[LegOn]

I do ridden showing aswell so did spend alot of time making sure I got a bridle that suits his head cause he doenst have any white markings so making sure it suited him & wasnt too plain etc but I also showjump & do a good bit of working hunter up to National level.

I currently have a lovely Jeffries grackle bridle with a comfort headpiece aswell but I think its still a little close behind his ears & he is quite sensitive around his ears so I was hoping a more cut back headstall might help - but I guess I could just get a different headstall for my current bridle.

I like there is more research done into the nerves on the face now & how it can affect performance so I am opening to trying new technology!

 

[LegOn]

I have always like this one but its a bit more expensive! Sabre Cordoba bridle...

 

[Fiona]

What about a Henry James headpiece for your existing bridle?? They do 3 different ones, with different levels of cut back-ness...

Fiona

 

[LegOn]

What about a Henry James headpiece for your existing bridle?? They do 3 different ones, with different levels of cut back-ness...

Fiona

Just went off to have a look - those are nice! But the same problem the throatlash isnt in the 'traditional' place and my bridle has a normal grackle strap that goes up & over the headpiece - those has the side attached nosebands, so essentially I might aswell buy the full bridle! Which are lovely but I'm worried they arent traditional enough for working hunter - same problem I have with the Colleigate one & the Ecorider one!

Gonna do a bit more research - expect more opinions asked & more ideas very welcome!

 

[Fiona]

Just went off to have a look - those are nice! But the same problem the throatlash isnt in the 'traditional' place and my bridle has a normal grackle strap that goes up & over the headpiece - those has the side attached nosebands, so essentially I might aswell buy the full bridle! Which are lovely but I'm worried they arent traditional enough for working hunter - same problem I have with the Colleigate one & the Ecorider one!

Gonna do a bit more research - expect more opinions asked & more ideas very welcome!

Aww sorry, I didn't realise.....

Fiona

 

[conniegirl]

maybe contact a bridle maker and see if they can make you one to your specifications?
Anna Pennell makes stunning bridles for not a silly amount of money, she would probably be up for making you a head piece to suit your horse.

 

[milliepops]

Sabre bridles are lovely. and if you buy direct they will piece them together from the sizes you need. I have a pretty old Cordoba which looks like new when cleaned up properly.