Double bridle recommendations

[MissAriel]

So reading the when/why to start your horse in a double, I am thinking a double might not be too far off for us, at least from a put it on once/week for a hack just to get used to it viewpoint. He’s very mouthy so he will probably benefit from some time to adjust to extra things to play with in his mouth.

So what are some good quality, but moderately priced doubles? Thinking $200-300 range. Horse has a large cob/small horse sized head that will be overwhelmed by some of the beefy bridles that are common now. I would prefer flat over rolled, little to no patent/bling and studs rather than buckles for the bit attachments.

I have heard great things about Solo, but the only double they currently have is just too much for his face, I’m afraid. I’m also thinking maybe just get a nice single bridle with a removable flash and adding a bridoon hanger would open the options a bit. Any opinions on Kavalkade bridles? I know there are some great options in Europe, but with the sizing issue, I am a bit hesitant to get something that might not fit well.

If you have any recommendations, please say if they run small/true/large because he might take a cob or a full, depending on how they are sized.

[Shagyas_Rock]

Schneider Saddlery has a very nice line of bridles called “Joseph Sterling” offered in both snaffle and double styles.
The double bridle is actually convertible to a snaffle bridle which many might find practical. The leather is described as “Sedgwick” and frankly I’m not sure what that means - I thought it meant “made in England” but don’t know for sure
Nevertheless the leather is quite nice for the price: strong, durable, supple and conditions up nicely. I cannot remember what they’re priced at right now but I believe they are well under $300.

[CanteringCarrot]

I was just about to start this thread as a spinoff to my other thread.

I have similar criteria but rolled leather. However, I have my eye on a Dy’on or Schumacher and am considering just blowing my budget :lol:

I’m mostly concerned with choosing the proper curb at this point.

[SolarFlare]

@CanteringCarrot

I was just about to start this thread as a spinoff to my other thread.

I have similar criteria but rolled leather. However, I have my eye on a Dy’on or Schumacher and am considering just blowing my budget :lol:

I’m mostly concerned with choosing the proper curb at this point.

Just a note about Dy’on…a friend spent beaucoup bucks on a rolled Dy’on snaffle bridle and the reins started going stringy at the roll seam nearly immediately. While the bridle is generally lovely, she regrets buying it and the amount she spent.

[Aeris]

FSS Saddlery, which sells through eBay, has really amazing leather double bridles for less than $200. They have a double with an anatomic crown piece for $129 and you would be amazed at the quality of the leather. My first double was a second-hand FSS (that I got for $50 from a friend) and it was great! I only replaced it when my horse showed a strong preference for the Tota Comfort bridle. I’ve also gotten their snaffle bridles before and they, again, are very good quality for the price point.

[Scribbler]

Every standard bridle can be a double if you get extra bit hangers and reins and if there is enough room in the browband slots to accomodate the hangers.

I have a double I bought as a teen because it was the most economical option and you can use it as a snaffle or double. It’s just a plain flat oiled to infinity dark brown old school bridle.

Obviously one might want something fancier for showing GP at a rated show but it’s great for schooling and I did lend it to someone to ride a 4th level test.

If you had a standard snaffle bridle this would be an affordable way to get a schooling double (get the hangers and reins second hand) if you were just starting out.

[MyssMyst]

@Aeris

FSS Saddlery, which sells through eBay, has really amazing leather double bridles for less than $200. They have a double with an anatomic crown piece for $129 and you would be amazed at the quality of the leather. My first double was a second-hand FSS (that I got for $50 from a friend) and it was great! I only replaced it when my horse showed a strong preference for the Tota Comfort bridle. I’ve also gotten their snaffle bridles before and they, again, are very good quality for the price point.

This. I have 3 doubles and a snaffle from them, and my FSS bridles are ALWAYS mistake for much more expensive bridles than they are.

[CanteringCarrot]

@SolarFlare

Just a note about Dy’on…a friend spent beaucoup bucks on a rolled Dy’on snaffle bridle and the reins started going stringy at the roll seam nearly immediately. While the bridle is generally lovely, she regrets buying it and the amount she spent.

Interesting. I have no experience with Dy’on, but have been low key lusting after one. Well, I’m still in the research phase of my purchase, so thank you for the note!

[mmeqcenter]

I just bought one from Dressage Extensions, they have two on sale around half off right now.
I got this one:
https://www.dressageextensions.com/p…1/#ProductTabs

It came in yesterday, and I like it a lot. Super simple (I hate patent leather and it seems everything is patent these days) and pretty nice leather, soft and supple, doesn’t feel cheap, but of course I just got it so IDK about longevity. In comparison to the snaffle bridles I have, it appears to run true to size. I did get Oversize, sorry, or I’d measure the strap lengths for you.

[MissAriel]

@Aeris how do the FSS bridles run size wise? Horse in question has a large cob or small horse head
@MyssMyst

[iberianfan]

I am going to chime in that I don’t like my FSS bridle. I’m sure I ordered the wrong pieces, but it’s too big looking for a smaller head, IMHO.

[reefy]

I got this (years ago now) for my gelding (not from Mary’s but the place I got it from doesn’t carry Bobby’s anymore).
It’s held up fine with proper care and is right around the $200ish mark. I didn’t want to spend a lot until we knew how he went in it and then we never showed a level where it was needed. It has also been used on my mare (but she goes great in just the snaffle so we don’t really use it on her).

https://marystack.com/bobbys-english-tack-padded-weymouth-bridle/

[MissAriel]

@reefy!

I got this (years ago now) for my gelding (not from Mary’s but the place I got it from doesn’t carry Bobby’s anymore).
It’s held up fine with proper care and is right around the $200ish mark. I didn’t want to spend a lot until we knew how he went in it and then we never showed a level where it was needed. It has also been used on my mare (but she goes great in just the snaffle so we don’t really use it on her).

https://marystack.com/bobbys-english…ymouth-bridle/

I have a Bobby’s snaffle I love. I think this is my next choice if I can’t find something similar with stud ends at the bits. I just think the buckles will be too much on his small face, but that is a minor issue.

BTW - this bridle is $189 at RW.

[reefy]

I didn’t even see it at RW! Definitely I would shop there first :yes:

[Suspiria]

The last FSS bridle I bought was GARBAGE. Cheap, cardboardy wrinkly leather. So OP, if you go that route, lower your expectations.

[Aeris]

@MissAriel

@Aeris how do the FSS bridles run size wise? Horse in question has a large cob or small horse head
@MyssMyst

I think they run true to size or a little big, so I would probably go with a cob sized if you’re on the fence. The only version I don’t recommend is the rolled leather. I remember a friend buying the rolled leather double (in cob size) for her Quarab (with a very Arabian head) and it just looked bulky.

[CanteringCarrot]

I’m also going to say that the FSS quality is not good. Maybe that’s my leather snobbery kicking in, but I wouldn’t spend my money on one.

[IrishDeclan]

@MissAriel

I have a Bobby’s snaffle I love. I think this is my next choice if I can’t find something similar with stud ends at the bits. I just think the buckles will be too much on his small face, but that is a minor issue.

BTW - this bridle is $189 at RW.

I have the Bobby’s double from RW, and it’s really nice. It’s your typical Bobby’s bridle: simple, well made, classically pretty. In my opinion, it’s not as bulky looking as some of the others. In all fairness though, my guy is 17.3 with a big head so take my opinion with a grain of salt :winkgrin:

[SillyHorse]

I love my Vespucci! It’s lovely quality, and the noseband is normal size, not big and bulky that seems to be the noseband du jour. There are several cob size, both double and snaffle, on ebay at very good prices. You can add a bradoon hanger to a snaffle and voila, there’s your double. Don’t be afraid of buying used. I bought mine used from a friend who had had it in her garage for several years. It was a bit dried out, but came back beautifully with some Effax cleaner and balsam.

[mlb722]

Buy a $20 bit hanger and curb reins. I have an Anglo Arab who was overwhelmed by typical double bridal cavessons. I converted her regular bridle.