Maybe I’m looking for a unicorn here, but I figured the COTH experts would know best. Just looking for a regular, ole’ bridle that won’t get me laughed out of the ring. Horse in question is a bright chestnut with a nostril-covering massive blaze.
Ideally looking for:
-Not a figure eight
-Flash attachment
-Wide noseband
And I’m in Canada.
ETA: Editing because I’m dumb and apparently don’t my > and < than signs, haha.
I really like my bridle that I got from Dover. It was one of their Circuit brand. I’ve had it for over 10 years, it’s held up great, looks very nice (I got the padded fancy stitched) and didn’t break the bank. 10 years later and I still get compliments on what a nice looking bridle it is. I had originally bought it thinking I’d just use it as a schooling bridle, but after oiling it up it looked so nice, I used it as my show bridle.
Here is the closest approximation to the exact one I have that I could find on their website.
ETA: I just saw on your list of specs that you want a flash attachment. Dover also has this version of the same bridle that has the flash.
I have been VERY happy with the bridles I have gotten from Smartpak. I have the Plymouth padded fancy stitch non flash model for every day use and cleans up great for schooling shows. I am much happier with the leather quality for the price and I like the roller buckle on the noseband. I had the Dover version but the leather was cheap in quality.
Smartpak bridles:
Plymouth $79.95 https://www.smartpakequine.com/plymouth-padded-flash-bridle-by-smartpak-9023p?cm_sp=CS--Plymouth%20Padded%20Flash%20Bridle%20by%20SmartPak--NA&cm_vc=Rec
Harwich: $166.95 https://www.smartpakequine.com/harwich-eventer-bridle-by-smartpak-8383p
You can find really nice tack on eBay sometimes. I have had good luck getting quality brands like Edgewood for a great price (for used - but, hey that just means someone else had to break it in!).
Another vote for Dover! I got their el cheapo Circuit bridle almost 10 years ago (I was 16 and could afford basically nothing) and I still get compliments on it today! I even replaced the crown piece with an even cheaper one when the Dover crownpiece didn’t fit my horse’s oddly shaped head and it still looks great now.
As a Canadian, both Dover and SmartPak are on the no-fly list, unless the OP is in a geographic area that makes driving across the border a possibility.
My current favorite that meets your needs, I didn’t see anything about color, the only drawback is that it only comes in dark havana or black is the Mark Todd Anatomic Bridle, I got mine from Lori at Saddle Solutions. Leather is quite nice.
http://www.overafarmstud.co.uk/contents/media/fsblarge.jpg
I have a Vespucci, which I am not overly thrilled with that I have had for 7-8 years but have not used much. I am also quite happy with my Red Barn Fusion (I think that’s the model), but it does not have the flash you are looking for.
I think you will be hard pressed to find a wide noseband (1"+) bridle that also has a flash.
I bought a Tolga bridle from horsemart (http://horsesmart.ca/contents/en-us/d288.html). I got a flash one with the “comfort” fit. I really like the fit and color. Was a little turned off on how it does not take any oil but after a few months it is now soft and simply lovely.
If you want one from Smartpak, I’d send it to you in Canada.
I got a nice Mondega wide noseband hunter bridle at Greenhawk for about $250 last year. I use it daily and it’s holding up perfectly. It’s a subtle two-tone - dark brown leather with slightly lighter/reddish padding, and the insides of the reins are the same reddish color. It’s lovely and has gotten good feedback in the ring.
I don’t think it comes with a flash, though, since it’s a hunter bridle. But you wouldn’t be using your flash in the ring, would you…? So you could make do with an aftermarket flash?
This isn’t quite the same one I bought but similar. I was just in the Greenhawk in Calgary last week and they still have the one I bought. http://greenhawk.com/wdItemDesc.asp?strilhID=Web&strmdNumber=RIE6369&stricSKU=RIE6369
Another rider at my barn just got a LOVELY english bridle at Lammle’s, of all places. I don’t remember the make but it might be worth checking them out too. It’s a monocrown or padded crown, shaped, with raised padded fancy stitched everything. They don’t sell english tack on their website but at least a few of the Lammles in Calgary have figured out that english tack sells for more $$ than western and have started stocking it.
If you’re worried about getting laughed out of the ring solely because of your bridle, you can probably delete that from the list of your concerns. But I definitely get wanting the horse to look nice. Since you want a flash, maybe try one of the eventing companies, such as Bit of Britain.
Although Smartpak may be off the list for reasons of shipping, their house bridle line is made by Harmohn Kraft. That brand also makes other quality lines including the Americana and Aramas, both of which I have liked very much. (As of now an Aramas bridle will be replacing my Edgewood.) I don’t know about the flash noseband, but I do know that both lines manufacture a wide noseband, and particularly, Aramas comes in a lovely chestnut color that oils up similar to Edgewood’s color. If you care about that, it may flatter your boy’s head.
PS, may I suggest changing the “greater than” sign in your title to “less than”?
Yes, please fix the greater than sign…
Two years ago I bought 2 bridles from Schneiders just for everyday use. I was so impressed! Those bridles have gone to AA shows and fit right in.
[I have no association with Schneiders – I am just a happy bridle buyer 
]
http://www.sstack.com/english_bridles_snaffle-/
PS. Unless you have a ratty old, ill fitting, bright orange bridle, any well cared for, well fitted bridle is acceptable. Believe it or not, people do not go around looking at bridles and grading them on a 1 - 10 scale. 
I would definitely say that my Tolga bridle is a much better quality than the Mondega that my friend bought at roughly the same time.
I found this on the link with the Tolga bridles:
http://horsesmart.ca/contents/en-us/p672.html
Seems to meet all of your requirements, but it’s a wee bit over budget. Looks like a very nice bridle though!
[QUOTE=Denzel;7967013]
I found this on the link with the Tolga bridles:
http://horsesmart.ca/contents/en-us/p672.html
Seems to meet all of your requirements, but it’s a wee bit over budget. Looks like a very nice bridle though![/QUOTE]
The “Peter” one is more expensive than the other comfort ones. http://horsesmart.ca/contents/en-us/d519.html. Good luck in your search!
[QUOTE=Peggy;7966610]
Yes, please fix the greater than sign…[/QUOTE]
LOL! Yeah, good quality show bridles for greater than $300 is a problem I would have no trouble solving!
Well, figure eights may now be on the table. Her rider is leaning towards one, so we will be trying that out (without the pelham, of course!)
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. They are very helpful!
How does everyone feel about Pessoa bridles?
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