PS - I should also point out that the Micklem bridle was originally developed using the advice and expertise and approval of Dr Maureen Hassett, former senior lecturer of the Dublin Veterinary College and this is the link to the Equitopia Film made in conjunction with Dr Monica Aleman, equine neurologist at the University of California. https://youtu.be/z4UvzfI31Eo
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The article that Equibrit posted a link to is very interesting. It deals only with the tightness of nosebands used in competitions, and seems to show that horses ridden with flashes more often have the flash adjusted too tight (at less than half a finger worth of give), while those in Micklems are often tighter than the standard “2 finger” rule (at 1.5 fingers), but are usually used more loosely adjusted than flashes.
The authors don’t make any statement about the different designs of the various nosebands.
BTW, the authors suggest that eventers ride more commonly with over-tightened nosebands than do riders in dressage and hunters. The N is “750 horses in national and international level competition in eventing, dressage and performance hunter classes in Ireland, England and Belgium.”
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[QUOTE=William Ireland;n10328364 I forgot to say that the option the Micklem gives to use the clips, to connect the bit rings to the nose piece, means that any sudden or severe pressure on the tongue can be limited or prevented entirlely. This simple addition can be of immense benefit to horses that hate too much pressure on the tongue or have got in the habit of putting their tongue over the bit, or those that are ridden by less proficient riders. [/QUOTE]
I did not know that this was an option for the multbridle: very glad that I do now. I’ve never seen this bridle used in this fashion, with the clips. I’d very much like to try it with this set up.
(in the literature about the bridle they are called tongue protection clips)
IIRC, use of the clips is specifically illegal in dressage and the dressage phase of eventing in the FEI rules…
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I have come to view the standard cavesson as an article of jewelry. For some horses with a rather long plain face, it enhances their appearance.
If you are starting a young horse in a Fulmer, or Austrian free ring bit , a dropped cavesson is useful in stabilizing it, along with the bit stabilizers.
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Vineyard is right about the bit clips not being legal for competition dressage and I didn’t mean to suggest this, but they are a very useful addition for young horses and novice riders in training and of course for jumping in either training or competition. They have a similar effect as an Australian racing noseband, extremely popular in racing to reduce pressure on the tongue, but unlike this noseband the bit clips don’t pull the headpiece forward into the ears.
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I think it’s a good reminder that every horse needs to be ridden back to front.
Start with the horse itself. Is it sound? Is it uphill, downhill, etc?
Move on to the saddle. Does the horse like it? Can they move freely forward. Does it keep the rider in balance?
Move on to the bit. Does the horse like it? Does it fit the anatomy of the horses mouth?
IMO the bridle is just there to hold the bit and for subtle stop, go, and steering. The legs and seat should be doing most of the work.
A horse that opens its mouth is usually bracing against the hand for a reason. The hocks are too sore for collection, or the saddle is pinching, or the bit is causing to much bar or tongue pressure, etc. Eliminate the pain and the horse becomes soft. Now there are always exceptions. And a wound up horse galloping around cross country is going to go differently than an adult hunter. But basic flat work should be similar.
My noseband is never tight. A few years ago my horse got kicked in the face the morning of a clinic. I took the noseband off and he went the same way he always does. I left it off for several months out of laziness.
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Sorry Goodtimes, I just couldn’t let this one pass. One must always beware of sore jocks!
And William Ireland, where might I find metal versions of the plastic clips that come with Micklem bridles? I prefer to hang the bit off clips instead of the short leather/ buckle attachment and the plastic might not be suitable for riding out of the ring. I do that do I can remove bits for cleaning easily and/ or change bits as needed.
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Equibrit, Thanks for sharing these studies. It seems that a regular caveson, properly fitted, was adjusted correctly, more often than any of the other nosebands. However, the Micklem, as well as a drop came in closer, than the flash.
I feel ashamed that I used a flash on Tessie. I was one of the people who did it up tighter, than was necessary. It was never as tight as I have seen on some Event horses, though. (IE: M. Little)
I keep my Micklem noseband quite loose on Nike. I have replaced the browband to one that is much larger, than the one the bridle had when I bought it. Nike has a very wide forehead.
A quote from someone, whom is not liked very much on COTH forums: “When you know better, you do better.” I have learned so much more, in my old age, that has me doing better, than I did with Tessie.
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OOPS! Lol! “hocks”
I just wanted to chime in on this - I switched to a Micklem a few years ago as I had a horse who was quite fussy in the contact. He definitely went better in the Micklem, although it was not a super dramatic improvement. He has, however, a habit of grinding his teeth which I have not been able to fix. I’ve had his teeth done, chiro, saddle, different bits, etc. He is terrifically healthy and sound and happy, but will sometimes make this noise even on a completely loose rein hacking out. Even as he progressed in his training and his acceptance of contact (although submission will never be his strong suit, he showed successfully at 2nd last year and will be ready to show 3rd this year…), this noise persisted.
As a result of Mr. Micklem’s comments on this thread, I revisited how I do up the straps in the bridle, and loosened the upper strap a hole (the lower one is already not too snug). I then rode and discovered my horse was almost completely silent - no teeth grinding at all! I am kind of amazed, and chagrined that it took me this long to try this solution…
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