I know they’re legal, but does anyone ever use a full bridle anymore in hunters? Is there a prejudice against them by judges? I would think so, but can’t find any hard evidence both over fences and in flat classes. All thoughts are appreciated!
Well, I use a double in the side saddle all the time. 
Yes, I have used one astride. I LOVE doubles, as they really allow you to finesse a horse. That being said, I do not think using one would work in your favor in an Adult or amateur division, if you and another horse w/a snaffle were equal in your performance. In a 3’6"+ open division, I think you would have more leeway.
I saw one used on a beautiful grey hunter at a local show a few years ago. They looked like something out of an old hunting print; it was gorgeous. It really stood out as different though and for that reason I would not do it. Unfortunately.
Whether or not this is true, a double bridle will say “this horse isn’t rideable, look how much bridle you need just to complete a hunter course!” I would expect to see some difference between judges, but I would not be surprised if most would not pin the horse in a regular hunter class. A pro in a derby might have more leeway.
Such a shame, too; in the Olden Days going in a double meant the horse had a truly “educated” mouth, and the rider equally educated hands. Snaffles were more often seen on the race course than in the show ring or hunting field.
As a judge, it wouldn’t bother me.
I’m always looking for the best trip, not the best tack.
I saw two on two different horses in Parker Colorado (and posted about it). Both seemed like it was some old school riders looking to be…old school. Neither rider rode well enough to put in a winning trip, so the bridle did not factor.
Having ridden with a double bridle both when I was riding dressage, and now, while riding Saddleseat, I’m finding that I really love them. As stated above, the finesse is wonderful. The turning ability of the snaffle, with the leverage action of the curb. It’s been a real learning experience.
It’s really sad that they aren’t used so much (except for maybe schooling) in the hunters any more. I would agree with the ‘educated mouth’ comment above, and add ‘educated hands’.
[QUOTE=MHM;7704465]
I’m always looking for the best trip, not the best tack.[/QUOTE]
Bless you! I feel quite discriminated against with my lovely hunter in his Pelham. He pulls on every other bit; in the pelham, which is a kind and gentle three-piece thing with a fat copper lozenge in the middle, and short shanks, he is light as a feather. Don’t know why but he just loves that bit. I honestly think we get punished on account of it sometimes. Thank goodness I ride for the true joy of it and honestly think the only person I need to ride better than is myself, the day before. But I know when his rounds are perfect, and I’ve watched all the others go (and it’s a local circuit so it is not hard to discern who really had the best round) yet we come home with white or green. As a kid (eons ago) the only bit I saw in hunters was the Pelham and snaffles were an oddity. I’ve not seen a full bridle in the hunter ring since the '60’s.
I dont judge bits either…and I showed hunters back in the 90’s with double bridles.
I know what a double bridle is (from dressage friends), but I was wondering if someone could explain them in hunters. Also, what is a full bridle? Pictures or explanations welcome!
222orchids, I understand your frustration with a pelham. I used to use one on my old TB many moons ago. Did I use it for massive leverage? No. My horse preferred that bit. He did not like pulling from the mouth, he oddly preferred the curb action more. When I showed hunters in that bit, I felt unfairly discriminated against. We could have an incredible round, but the people with snaffles seemed to pin higher. I never understood why. As you and Lady Eboshi mentioned, with educated hands you can have great rides!
Full Bridle = Double Bridle. Just different names for the same thing.
Also known as a Weymouth! 
You still see them in Working Hunter classes in the UK.
http://www.localriding.com/working-hunter-double-bridle.html
Where they still look like they, you know, hunt.
