Is there a bridle that relieves poll pressure?
Thanks!
You can try a Micklem bridle, or just a padded crown bridle, but beyond that, I don’t believe so.
Well. It’s not exactly a traditional look… but…
It’s been a long time, but I swear there used to be a bridle that angled back on the crown piece to put the “poll” section a little farther back down the neck. Does anyone remember that?
This isn’t what I’m talking about, but it turned up when I was googling, trying to find it…
I have an old (like 10+ years) bridle from Heritage in the UK that has a thickly padded crown with slots where the noseband goes outside/over the crownpiece instead of underneath. I believe they still make them and they’re called the comfort bridle (??).
I remember bridles with a somewhat offset crownpiece, too, like Simkie is describing, but I’m terrible at remembering which brand is which. 
This skeptic took the plunge on a Micklem bridle this year b/c I had a gift certificate. I honestly didn’t really think it would matter – it’s not like a bridle weighs 10 lbs or has razor thin straps. But, aghastedly, I have to admit, my OTTB really liked it. He takes the bit readily now, softly opening his mouth, he doesn’t toss his head after I pull it over his ears and he just seems more comfortable. My science brain says it’s a bit illogical, but I am not a horse, so I’m trying to just roll with it!
I still can’t find that “offset” crown piece. Perhaps it’s not made anymore. It put the top of the crown in about the same place as that Dyon bridle (here’s a shot of it on a horse) but it was way more traditional looking, with just a jog in the crown piece. I can’t remember how the noseband attached.
Wish I could turn it up, as it’s going to drive me batty. Maybe I’ll try to dig up some old tack catalogs…
Laser has one that they say relieves poll pressure: http://www.laserequestrian.com/?p=4
The albion says it disperses poll pressure: http://www.bridle-shop.com/why_Albion_KB_Bridles.asp
I know nothing of this one: http://stbridle.com/
And this that can be added to other bridles: http://firstthoughtequine.wordpress.com/2012/07/09/the-kinda-an-ergonomic-bridle-headpiece-that-reduces-poll-pressure/
I personally use the Micklem and am very happy with it.
Hm. On a double bridle they eliminate poll pressure? Too bad that’s one of the main ways a curb bit acts.
The thing about the Micklem and any other snaffle that still has the crownpiece touching the poll. The straps go from the bit straight over the poll back to the bit. So the weight of the bit will always be there. You can pad it to attenuate the pressure and you can increase the contact area to disperse it, but as long as something is there there will be pressure. I think it comes down to what is most comfortable to your horse. I liken it to bra styles. What is comfy for one woman may drive another nuts. Even though they all hold your boobies up.
ETA: A lot of horses seem to like the Micklem bridle. However, given the design to avoid the molars, I wonder if a dropped noseband might not do the same thing. Though I think the Micklems are more flattering to the head and more readily available.
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On the Micklem, no, a dropped noseband would not be the same. Actually key to its design is the angled cheek pieces that avoid facial nerves and the soft, wide crown. A regular bridle with a drop noseband would still have cheekpieces laying on facial nerves, which really bothers some horses, others don’t care at all.
Poll pressure from what?
Does the bit you are using apply poll pressure?
Most bridles don’t apply enough pressure to the poll area to cause a problem unless your bit adds pressure. Is your brow band too tight? That can cause pressure. If your horse is particularly sensitive in the poll area you should consider calling a vet that does chiropractic or osteopathy or similar therapies. IMHO it is best to eliminate the real problem (if there is soreness) than to spend money on a special bridle that you may not need.
[QUOTE=LookmaNohands;6797851]
Poll pressure from what?
Does the bit you are using apply poll pressure?
Most bridles don’t apply enough pressure to the poll area to cause a problem unless your bit adds pressure. Is your brow band too tight? That can cause pressure. If your horse is particularly sensitive in the poll area you should consider calling a vet that does chiropractic or osteopathy or similar therapies. IMHO it is best to eliminate the real problem (if there is soreness) than to spend money on a special bridle that you may not need.[/QUOTE]
I find that any bridle that has a separate nose band thread is pretty tight. Have you ever stuck you fingers under the crown piece after the bridle is on and fitted? That nose band leather is WAAAAY tight. Even if the nose band isn’t. And it’s a thin piece of leather.
I won’t use a bridle like that anymore. I have those bridles from Smartpak…
they have a comfort crown–I picked them up when they were on sale for $85 bucks!!
http://www.smartpakequine.com/harwich-padded-fancy-stitch-bridle-by-smartpak-7215p.aspx?cm_sp=Category--TopPick--7215
Or, for my older bridle, I purchased a separate padded crown that all of the parts thread through…so it’s just the one padded area that touches down on the horse.
I think another issue also is that the crown is terribly close to the ears. There are fairly large nerves there that the crown pieces can irritate.
I think for the average horse it’s no biggy but for some of the ADD type horses who are extra sensitive it can drive them bonkers.
My new OTTB is good on the bridle–but he is also quite sensitive. And due to this thread I’m going to buy him a Micklem. Just to see what all the hub is about.
: )
Maybe for a sensitive horse just taking OFF the caveson would help. Heresy, I know, but a plain caveson in particular really is kind of superfluous.
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I don’t know about shipping costs but I just found the Competition Micklem for $150.
http://www.marystack.com/rambo-micklem-competition-bridle-001.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=rambo-micklem-competition-bridle-001&gclid=CKrtrtm7gbUCFQhyQgod1GYAzg
so, shipping is 8 bucks.
And it looks like I can put my fancy brow band on too.
good deal. : )
total from Mary’s is $161.00.
I will report back as soon as it arrives and I use it.
And we all know me…I give my opinion very decidedly and I’m not one to “will” a product to work wonders. I’m pretty rough to convince. lol. I will not hold back if I think it’s a waste of $$.
[QUOTE=wildlifer;6797811]
Actually key to its design is the angled cheek pieces that avoid facial nerves and the soft, wide crown. [/QUOTE]
As long as there is a bit, the straps of the micklem run in the same place as normal cheek pieces. The website points to avoiding facial nerves just above the part that goes over the nose, which would also be avoided by a dropped noseband. And a dropped noseband would avoid a tight noseband over the molars as well. I don’t think there is anything especially revolutionary about the design. Some horses go well in it, so it helps.
Dy’on Bridle. There is nothing on the poll area, it’s moved down several inches.
OP, why poll pressure in particular? How does one identify poll pressure as an issue?
Fairfax bridles
Seven year old thread, OP has not logged on in three years.
