Crown Piece - "c" shaped & brands that don't jam into the tmj

[mydogs]

Has anyone purchased a “c” shaped crown piece?
what are your opinions on it?

I was able to try a PS of Sweden bridle today and no matter what sizing or model I tried, the straps were digging into my horse’s tmj and into the back of his ears, even without a browband, which I do not like.

My current solo bridle doesn’t touch his tmj as much, but it does slide down into his ears.

I was looking at BR & Waldhausen bridles and they have a “c” shape crown piece, so it sits even further behind the ears. That intrigues me, but makes me wonder if the straps then dig into the TMJ.

Any experiences with this shaped crown piece?

example: https://www.waldhausen.com/en/horses/bridles-and-accessories/bridles/waldhausen-arona-x-line-bridle.html

[MysticOakRanch]

I don’t know about C shaped, by both my horses have bridles with “cut out” ears. Pony is in an Albion, and my mare’s double bridle is a Schockemol. It does make a huge difference in fit. Pony is super fussy, and seems to like his bridle. Mare is not so fussy. I haven’t had issues with TMJ - but one thing to watch for, if the cheek pieces are too long so the buckles end up on the last hole, OR you have to add holes, I think you are more likely to have TMJ issues because the buckles hit too high.

[mydogs]

@MysticOakRanch

haven’t had issues with TMJ - but one thing to watch for, if the cheek pieces are too long so the buckles end up on the last hole, OR you have to add holes, I think you are more likely to have TMJ issues because the buckles hit too high.

I make it a point to not have the buckles by the tmj. My guy has an inflamed tmj and it was rejected. He didn’t like his face or ears touched before the injection, so I try my best to have minimal pressure on his face/tmj since I know it doesn’t bother him. He doesn’t like a lot of pressure on his poll when massaged, so I’m trying to make that as comfortable as possible. Old guy likes to voice his opinion when he is uncomfortable:)

[keysfins]

Can you link a photo of what you are describing as a C shaped crown?

[mydogs]

@keysfins

Can you link a photo of what you are describing as a C shaped crown?

That might help
https://www.waldhausen.com/en/horses/bridles-and-accessories/bridles/waldhausen-arona-x-line-bridle.html

im not sure if “c” shaped is the correct term. I saw that term listed on the BR website.

[keysfins]

@mydogs

That might help
https://www.waldhausen.com/en/horses/bridles-and-accessories/bridles/waldhausen-arona-x-line-bridle.html

im not sure if “c” shaped is the correct term. I saw that term listed on the BR website.

I might call that a cut back crown, others may call it an anatomical crown.

I have not used one.

[mydogs]

@keysfins

I might call that a cut back crown, others may call it an anatomical crown.

That makes sense now. I looked up “cut back” and found more crown pieces that are shaped that way.

[halt]

@keysfins

I might call that a cut back crown, others may call it an anatomical crown.

I have not used one.

I think that’s more exaggerated than a normal Cutback, since OP mentioned the PS of Sweden, which all have cutback, don’t they?

It could just be the pictures fooling me, but that looks more cut-back than I’ve seen on most bridles.

I have the same issue OP, so do let us know what you end up with!

[mydogs]

@halt

I think that’s more exaggerated than a normal Cutback, since OP mentioned the PS of Sweden, which all have cutback, don’t they?

It could just be the pictures fooling me, but that looks more cut-back than I’ve seen on most bridles.

I have the same issue OP, so do let us know what you end up with!

Yeah, it looks like more than just the ears are cut back, as if the whole crown piece is curved backwards. My current crownpiece is cut back only at that the ears, but it still rubs his ears.

Certainly will let you know!

I finally put together a list that would make my “perfect” bridle (shape & color): [LIST=1]

Crown piece[LIST=1]

Cut back, soft padded (FSS, WH)

Doesn't touch base of ears [/LIST]

Cheek pieces[LIST=1]

Doesn't touch TMJ [/LIST]

Noseband[LIST=1]

Color: patent black with white edges (FSS, special order in normal cavesson)

Padded at the bottom, no "edges" that dig into the head (FSS)

Shaped on the top to mold better around the nose

Tapered on the sides for the bit (FSS)

Not a crank (FSS, special order with black/white) [/LIST] [/LIST] I am leaving toward the Waldhausen Arona bridle & swapping out the noseband or getting the FSS Monocrown Cut Back Away crown piece only and getting a padded noseband (not a crank).

I would LOVE to have someone custom make a bridle so I can move where the noseband straps on the cheek lay, but I’m sure that is expensive and I can’t find a company. I can’t believe finding a bridle that simply doesn’t touch the TMJ and rub into the ears has been so difficult to find.

[Jealoushe]

Dyon makes one, http://www.dyon.be/gb/bridles/122-bridon-difference-muserolle-combinee.html

[mydogs]

@Jealoushe

Dyon makes one, http://www.dyon.be/gb/bridles/122-bridon-difference-muserolle-combinee.html

I am pretty sure that isn’t legal for dressage shows though

[Moon_River]

I’ve got the BR with the C headpiece in the snaffle and double versions and really like them. They only do them in cob and full sizes though and my current mare could really do with an oversize crown as it just, (literally just!), curls in to the base of her ears. I’ve been debating for a while whether to get her a new bridle or play about with the fitting on the BR. It doesn’t help that to go with a bigger crown, horse also needs smaller cheeks and noseband for the perfect fit

[mydogs]

@Moon River

I’ve got the BR with the C headpiece in the snaffle and double versions and really like them. They only do them in cob and full sizes though and my current mare could really do with an oversize crown as it just, (literally just!), curls in to the base of her ears. I’ve been debating for a while whether to get her a new bridle or play about with the fitting on the BR. It doesn’t help that to go with a bigger crown, horse also needs smaller cheeks and noseband for the perfect fit

Yeah, I saw that too My guy needs a oversize crown, but I have to use a horse or sometimes a cob sized cheek piece.

I’m leaning towards the FSS or the Waldhausen bridles since those looked like they went further back behind the ears than the BR bridle did.

[Moon_River]

Hmm, just posted and half of my reply has vanished.

Long story short, BR quality great, had it 3 years still looks like new.

Alternatives I’ve been looking at (all in the UK where I am): BR parts from Equiture to play about with fit on my horse, Sabre Córdoba range mix and match parts/sizes, Dever again similar sort of range (Classic is the better quality leather).

[Moon_River]

FSS doesn’t have a great reputation here. You could also look at Wolds Exclusive Bling for made to measure with a nice range

[dressagegirl123]

Sorry, but what is a BR bridle?

[ToN_Farm]

@dressagegirl123

Sorry, but what is a BR bridle?

Not sure, but I think it’s this: https://br.nl/bridles

[keysfins]

Maybe check out these options, bridles by the part, create your own “custom”:

https://bridle2fit.com/us/

Not sure if the crown options will work, though.

[dressagegirl123]

Oh, I know what bridle 2 fit is. Not sure why anyone would call it BR, but thanks. One of my friends has one of these, and likes it…

[Feathered_Feet]

@dressagegirl123

Oh, I know what bridle 2 fit is. Not sure why anyone would call it BR, but thanks. One of my friends has one of these, and likes it…

I think post #18 was for the OP, not in response to your question

And BR probably refers to post #17, where the brand appears to be BR Hoofdstellen