Anatomic Bridle -- Micklem vs Collegiate

OP seems to have dropped it from the running but throwing this out there in case it’s helpful to others:

Our jumper has a PS of Sweden bridle that his previous lease human bought for him, albeit with a flash and not the high jump noseband. None of us (me, the trainer, my kiddo, or the horse) are crazy about it. The crown piece is not a good fit on this particular horse and it’s almost impossible to put on the bridle without catching the poor horse in the mouth with the noseband. But the biggest issue is that something about the design of the optional throat latch causes the brow band to unsnap while riding and it’s hard to fix without dismounting. It’s only happened to my child once or twice but it happens to me fairly often while riding the horse and happens to the trainer almost every ride. Given that it happens the most to the trainer, I’m guessing it has something to do with changes in the gullet area as the horse comes into a balanced frame that makes the snap come undone.

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As a PP mentioned, the throatlatch rules have been clarified, so you should be fine without one, as long as your bridle has a chin strap at or right below the jowl.

The PS Sweden Nirak is actually much more similar to the Micklem, but a better looking bridle, with more adjustment options around the nose (but not made for anything Roman nosed! or big). I switched my mare from a Micklem to Nirak and have been quite happy with it. The functional different for the horse, vs. many of the other anatomica bridles, is that Micklem and Nirak have bit attachments integrated down by the noseband, rather than having separate bit hanger cheek pieces, so there is more of a nose+bit effect, and IMO, more stabilization of the bit.

I also have a PS Sweden High Jump for my younger horse because she has a long nose and this design fits her better (I don’t like how low on the nose many drop styles fit). The High Jump is not dressage legal because it has stiff wires in the curved part of the noseband to hold its shape. The Collegiate knockoff does not have this, so it’s legal. A barnmate has the Collegiate version and has been happy with it on her TB. When I get to the point of needing to worry about legality, I’ll probably try a PS Sweden Pioneer, and if that doesn’t fit right, just use a plain caveson for the kid, depending upon how her training is coming along. Pretty sure the Nirak won’t fit her schnozz.

Bossy Bridle is doing 20% off PS Sweden for Black Friday, just FYI if that puts it in your price range.

Does anyone know what the sale usually is at Solo Equine? Or how their cobs run? I have a large pony who’s a slightly smaller cob.

Just a heads up that Solo is discontinuing the Seven due to fitting issues (I emailed about it a few weeks ago). So if you’re wanting to take a chance with it, it’ll probably be heavily discounted in their sale tomorrow.

Their website says up to 50% off some bridles, so it could be worth the risk!

Thank you for the heads up, I really appreciate it.
Did they elaborate about the fit issues? Care to PM me the details?

I have followed their measurement guide and my mare fits into the full/warmblood sizing.

I have been waiting patiently for their Black Friday sale to arrive! :slight_smile:

FYI - I just checked out their website and they are sold out of the Seven :frowning:

So, maybe I haven’t made up my mind! :lol: While I do plan on getting a Comfitec (for XMas) I also ordered a plain drop noseband with a monocrown/shaped headstall. He does tend to be a “less is more” kind of guy, so I think it’s worth a shot! Has anyone used the sheepskin pad made for the Comfitec noseband?

Sorry for not getting back to you quickly! Stephen didn’t elaborate, just said they were discontinuing it and suggested another bridle for my mare (she doesn’t need an anatomical bridle - I just like to the look of that one).

I bought a Solo Stellar this AM - did you end up buying a Seven?

Sadly no Solo Seven for me. It was sold out by 7 am! Now I am on the hunt for another bridle. I guess I should have stayed up late on Thursday night/Friday Morning.

The hunt for a suitable bridle continues! I find that with the Micklem my mare is less frantic to itch her face & ears vs the bridle that her owner has for her. I just don’t like the price point of the Micklem vs the quality of the item. It’s wonderful to borrow, but I wouldn’t pay the price that it retails for.

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Why limit yourself to one bridle? :slight_smile: It’s like saddle pads and other equine stuff. You can almost never have too many.

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I was just about to suggest a drop noseband. I feel as though they are often overlooked in favor of the anatomical style bridles…that are still essentially a drop noseband, such as the Micklem. I think a drop with a nicely shaped crown piece, is a good simple set up.

My guy likes it simple and stable. So a drop works for him.

I’ve not seen any dramatic improvements from a Micklem or Micklem style bridle. However, I have not used one, so this is just second hand observance or opinions of others.

I did have interest in the PS of Sweden Nirak and Pioneer, but never pulled the trigger.

You know you might be an enabler, right? :lol: I already have a blanket addiction, let’s add bridles to the mix? I did end up getting the drop AND the Comfitec with the fleece padding on the nose. It will be a fun experiment to see which one he likes best!

Nether, get a Schockemoehle