Best bridle?

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Hi-

I know this has been discussed before, but looking for suggestions. It’s been a long time since I’ve purchased a new bridle and I’m way outdated. I have 2 year old (2.5 end on December) and want to start looking for a nice bridle that can double as a show bridle. He has a rather small head, I’m thinking that cob size might be best, but not sure if he’d outgrown it eventually. I have a ton of time to save up a bit of $$ for a really nice one, he won’t be started until late late next year, and then very lightly. But he does go to YHS and low key hunter breeding shows just to get him off the property and out and about, and needs a bridle for that. Any suggestions/recommendations? Thanks!

[Equestrian24]

My personal favorites currently on the market are Edgewood, Hadfield’s, Jimmy’s/Bennett’s, and EquuSport in the high end category, with Aramas and Americana in the middle, and Ovation in the lower end.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Thanks! Keep the suggestions coming! I’m also open to a bit cheaper/lesser quality bridle for now in a cob size and then reassess when he’s getting started/ridden and buy better quality.

[Railbird]

I am partial to the Joseph Sterling line from Schneiders for cheaper bridles. I have this one and it took a little work to soften up but I am happy with it: Joseph Sterling® Hartford Hunter Bridle | Schneiders (sstack.com)

I also have a show bridle from the in gate that I am very happy with

[ATXmom]

I second The In Gate - very pretty bridle for the price and the customer service is great!

[BrownMareDon_tCare]

I love my Edgewood bridles. Mine have held up really well and look beautiful on. In the past, Mary’s Tack let me mix and match, so I was able to do a cob noseband with a full crown to get a really good fit. I think the wide noseband looks great on my current big head Fred, but there are other options for those with more delicate features.

[RosebudLaVie]

I love the KL Select bridles. They also have mix-and-match parts available on their website. Riviera Equisports has lovely bridles. And I know that Remarkable Leather is coming out with a bridle that looks gorgeous, so keep an eye out for that.

[TatteredDaydreamer]

I just saw that on FB, depending on the price point that may end up being my show bridle, it looks gorgeous!

[vxf111]

This is a cob Bobby’s…

I surprised myself at how much I like it. It’s the closest to an old school Edgewood that I could find (Edgewood was backordered everywhere when I needed to buy a bridle).

He’s almost outgrown it! I am going to do an Arc De Triomphe or a Huntley’s for his horse-sized bridle, I think. I have one of each of those that doesn’t have extreme emotional attachment to it (can’t seem to bear to use a Somerset bridle on anyone else, couldn’t bear to use a Stoney bridle on Louie when Louie was cob-sized).

[DMK]

I always recommend Hadfields, especially if you want custom assembly. I’m addition to being lovely and well made, they are durable.

Edgewood was my schooling bridle but I found them too stretchy and unless Farm House pre-darkened them, too orange. But this was some time ago, so they could be less stretchy, less orange for all I know (firmly in the land a black tack, and the bits that aren’t beta tend to be patent )

[TatteredDaydreamer]

That is gorgeous, thank you! I absolutely freaking adore him.

[vxf111]

I was surprised how much I liked that bridle. I bought it in desperation to have SOMETHING, intended to replace it, and then liked it so much I didn’t replace it. It’s simple but with the white on his face I don’t think he needs a really blingy bridle.

[vxf111]

If you like him, Jane is selling a 2023 that’s a spitting image! I’m sitting on my hands because I will NOT do another baby until this one is under saddle. I have committed to not having fewer than 3 years between or I’m going to be overloaded! I have to sit out a baby until 2025

[TatteredDaydreamer]

@vxf111 Do not tempt me! Is that the Brady one? She’s got a bunch that are lovely. Unfortunately I can’t afford to buy another one at the moment. I am also always waiting on Murphy’s breeder to breed a sibling of his that comes out with spots like his mom! Out of 4 full siblings there was only 1 pinto so the odds are stacked against me, but I can dream!

[Janeway]

No bridle suggestions, but both horses are beautiful! Any chance you’d mind sharing their breeding? I always like to know that!

[vxf111]

Yes that’s him! Cute, huh?

[vxf111]

Mine is a Balou Du Rouet.

[Foitin]

I like ADT (Arc de Triomphe) bridles. They hold up well with less stretch than some.

ADT Tack — Arc De Triomphe

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Mine is a Green Stone Farm baby, they are located in Culpepper, VA. He’s by On Target GSF out of Special Delivery GSF!

[TatteredDaydreamer]

Super cute!!!