Does anyone have experience with these bridles, and if so, what was the quality like? What other brands would you compare them to?
I am looking at this bridle in particular:
https://www.barnestackroom.com/collections/bridles/products/jumper-bridle
I have one from 2017 or so. Personally, I wouldn’t pay for them, much less pay what they charge (mine was given to me). I’m not convinced it was actual leather as I’ve never seen leather that thick for strap goods and it had some weird sort of plastic coating on it (sides and top/ bottom). It didn’t clean or oil like leather does/ should and was always stiff and dirty looking to me. The bridle ran huge (horse size was closer to oversized) while the breastplate runs between true to size and smaller. I used mine for a few months off and on (never used the reins as they were unbelievably thick/ stiff) then it sat then I sold it. I MUCH prefer the much cheaper bridles I have from bridles and reins (Royal Sports) - soft, looks very high quality, I get compliments on it all the time.
Since kaya842 gave it such a negative review, I would pass. In that price range you should be able to find a very decent bridle at Dover or Smartpak. I’ve heard good things about Ovation, Aramas and Bobby’s and they are all reasonably priced as are the Dover and Smartpak brands.
