Bridle Recs - Any Schockemohle Alpha/Delta knockoffs?

[halt]

Are there any Schockemohle Alpha knockoffs popping up yet? I’m looking for an anatomical bridle that has the nose band and cheek pieces as a single strap piece.

I already bought the Alpha and returned it after it BROKE while I was riding. The “hook/stud” closures that fix the bit straps to the noseband are VERY poorly designed and fragile… Thank god for my saintly horse who just stopped once the bit flew out of his mouth. They are more like little knobs you push through the leather holes, not true “hook and stud” hardware.

I’d prefer brands with buckle loop enclosures after that but will look at brands that also have hook stud closures.

[Jilly]

I have the Arena Ergonomic by KL Select that I would like to sell as it doesn’t fit my Friesian. Used once I am asking $200
New it is $284 Black
https://www.klselect.com/bridles/dre…-arena-bridle/

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@Jilly

I have the Arena Ergonomic by KL Select that I would like to sell as it doesn’t fit my Friesian. Used once I am asking $200
New it is $284 Black
https://www.klselect.com/bridles/dre…-arena-bridle/

That is a gorgeous bridle, but I’m specifically looking for an anatomical bridle that has the nose band and cheek pieces as a single strap piece.

[hungryowl]

My mare is a little fussy about her head and she seems to really like the Alpha. It is very light and pretty compared to the Micklem, BUT one of the flash pieces came unattached after just a few days. I fixed it with fishing line. But I almost bought this one since it looks quite similar - don’t know about the leather quality.
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Kavalkade_Ivy_Padded_Bridle_Flash_Noseband_wReins/descpage-KELI.html?from=gshop&gclid=CjwKCAiA44LzBRB-EiwA-jJipJKZK8kAyyK_cEIXwHlOFKl91ide8X5UoSrC1pTQszuMHHuMWSBUaxoCcU0QAvD_BwE

[Training_Cupid]

Probably stating the obvious, but have you tried a Micklem?
What about PS of Sweden Nirak https://www.psofsweden.com/bridle/bridle-from-ps-of-sweden-nirak

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@hungryowl

My mare is a little fussy about her head and she seems to really like the Alpha. It is very light and pretty compared to the Micklem, BUT one of the flash pieces came unattached after just a few days. I fixed it with fishing line. But I almost bought this one since it looks quite similar - don’t know about the leather quality.
https://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Kava…xoCcU0QAvD_BwE

This also has independent cheek pieces, which I don’t want - but looks like a nice and affordable option for those who are priced out by $chockemohle and competitors! Sorry to hear about your luck with your Schockemohle, sounds like they really have quality control issues.

@Training Cupid

Probably stating the obvious, but have you tried a Micklem?
What about PS of Sweden Nirak https://www.psofsweden.com/bridle/br…f-sweden-nirak

I’ve tried a Micklem but the quality wasn’t great and I couldn’t get the nose to fit my horse. Do you know if the Nirak comes without the jawstrap? I have a horse that hates flashes, which is what drew me in to the Delta. I would go without the noseband if I could, but it’s required in competition.

[Training_Cupid]

@halt

I’ve tried a Micklem but the quality wasn’t great and I couldn’t get the nose to fit my horse. Do you know if the Nirak comes without the jawstrap? I have a horse that hates flashes, which is what drew me in to the Delta. I would go without the noseband if I could, but it’s required in competition.

For the Micklem, did you try to Competition or original? The Competition is nicer leather.

No I don’t believe the Nirak comes without the jaw strap. I don’t actually have it, just recently was researching options for my horse. (But I was looking for a curved noseband to avoid facial nerves, not single strap - I ended up going with a Passier Marcus Ehning II)

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@Training Cupid

For the Micklem, did you try to Competition or original? The Competition is nicer leather.

No I don’t believe the Nirak comes without the jaw strap. I don’t actually have it, just recently was researching options for my horse. (But I was looking for a curved noseband to avoid facial nerves, not single strap - I ended up going with a Passier Marcus Ehning II)

Yeah, the Competition (Diamante sp?) left me cold. Do you like the Passier Marcus Ehning? I saw that, it looks very interesting and similar to the Schockemohle, with I assume far better quality.

[arabiansrock]

I think the only bridles with one cheek strap are the Schockemohle and the Micklem. However Kieffer makes a bridle that is similar in anatomic design to the Delta, albeit with 2 straps. The flash is completely removeable so it can be a plain cavesson.

https://www.dressageextensions.com/kieffer-rachel-bridle/p/21046/

I just ordered this to try on my boy. In fact it is sitting on my porch waiting for me as I type. I tried and still have a Schockemohle Stanford that my horse said was nice but I was not in love with. However if the Kieffer doesn’t work I guess he will get to keep the Schockemohle.

Also there are a couple of tack stores that can order the Red Barn Arena bridle mentioned above without the flash attachment. Again 2 straps, but otherwise nicely ergonomic. I actually had hands on the Arena with flash this weekend. The leather is quite nice, but much thicker and sturdier than the Schockemohle. It looks like it will last many years and wear well. Skylands Saddlery is one who offers the no flash option on this bridle.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

[arabiansrock]

I opened up the Kieffer bridle last night and first impressions are that it is very nice. the padding is very soft and squishy, altho the Schockemohle is just a bit softer and squishier. The main leather is nicely buffed to a beautiful shine, is definitely sturdier. It seems to be a little bit thicker than the Schockemohle, and definitely sturdier/stiffer. It looks like it would hold up for a very long time if well cared for. I really like the shape of the noseband, will see how Mr horse likes it. The Schockemohle definitely drapes around the head and feels form fit right out of the box it is so soft and flexible, but that also feels like it might show wear easier unless you are very careful with it. The Kieffer will def need conditioning and a little time to shape properly to the head. Both are nice, I will keep whichever one Mr. Horse says he prefers. Will try and take pic’s of both tonight.

[allikat819]

I’ve had my Schockemohle alpha for a year and not had a single problem. It sounds like it’s a really hit or miss product unfortunately. I’m slightly worried I need to buy something different for back up!

[DownYonder]

I used a Schockemohle Alpha 3-4 times a week for several years and never had any problem with it. I just sold it to a friend for $50. It is still in excellent condition and she was ecstatic to get such a nice bridle for such a great deal (I think new ones now cost a bit over $300).

[HereComesZach]

Smartpak has a version in their in-house brand now: https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/harwich-ergonomic-crystal-dressage-bridle-by-smartpak-18663

[arabiansrock]

It’s still not what the OP is looking for. She wants that shape with one strap. But its close. I tried that bridle for my horse and sent it back. It wasn’t bad, but the leather was a bit thin, and very matte in coloring. It looked cheap, not rich and nourished. It was soft and flexible, but I hated the matte finish. And my horse hated the bridle, put it on and he said NO!

As a follow up to my earlier post, he also said NO! to the Kieffer even tho it was a lovely bridle, really nice leather. But he totally relaxed with the Schockemohle on so that’s what I’m keeping.

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@arabiansrock too bad about the Kieffer, but thanks for updating us.

@DownYonder what a steal!! If your friend decides it’s not working out for her… lol. I’m on the fence about maybe trying another, but for every good review I also see a bad one. Wish they weren’t the only one on the market right now!

[Hawks_Nest]

@halt

@arabiansrock too bad about the Kieffer, but thanks for updating us.

@DownYonder what a steal!! If your friend decides it’s not working out for her… lol. I’m on the fence about maybe trying another, but for every good review I also see a bad one. Wish they weren’t the only one on the market right now!

It might be worth trying to stubben freedom bridle. Kinda ugly but the leather should be very nice (the one’s I’ve handled have been) and it has the combined cheek pieces that you are looking for. It is not yet legal for USEF dressage but it is for FEI dressage so I’d imagine that it should be legal soon (I’m going off of the 2019 Annex A sheet).

If there is a stubben rep in your area they will probably let you trial one before buying.

[Erika]

While surfing around on the Epplejeck website, I came across this bridle that fits most of the parameters you are looking for. I cannot comment on the quality of the leather, but here is an option for you to try: https://www.ej.nl/english/horse/brid…?colorId=10246

[Training_Cupid]

@Erika

While surfing around on the Epplejeck website, I came across this bridle that fits most of the parameters you are looking for. I cannot comment on the quality of the leather, but here is an option for you to try: https://www.ej.nl/english/horse/brid…?colorId=10246

Well there you go!

I am very happy with my Passier Marcus Ehning II. The leather is good quality but not buttery soft straight away (as you might expect from a German product, lol), but as I expected it is breaking in well and getting better with age and use, and I think it will hold up nicely for a long time.