So, I’m looking for a nice, simple bridle to use for schooling and a little show here or there. I’d like to keep it under $100, but I also really like the raised/padded/monocrown style. I’ve narrowed my options down between an HDR and a Plymouth (which costs the same with my SmartPerks). I’m not looking for Edgewood quality here, but I would like something that would hold up to being a backup bridle. Which would you choose?
For quality / price point, HDR is excellent. For $80-$90 you get quality comparable with Red Barn ($200+), M.Toulouse ($200+) and Smartpak ($100-200+).
All the same indian leather. I’d pick HDR over the others, only because it’s basically the same thing but not a fancy brand name… plus I had their HDR monocrown (cost me $60!!) and it was awesome.
I don’t own that specific bridle, but I do own two HDR bridles. One of which I used as my schooling/showing/everything bridle during my teenage years, and is now 10 years old. I never cleaned or oiled it. Somehow it’s still hanging around…although the laced leather part of the reins is long gone.
The other HDR bridle I purchased because I liked the first one so much (they are the same model), and it HAS been cleaned and oiled and its decent quality.
I’d say go for it!
I have the HDR mono-crown with the cut away for the ears. I like it and it is holding up well, but not a super high quality (as reflected by the price).
I had an HDR breast plate - wasn’t very thrilled with the quality. Very obviously Indian / painted leather, and well it broke spectacularly during a ride (burst into pieces!) despite the fact I pride myself on taking very good care of my cheap tack! I had owned it for less than a year. Its actually the only piece of tack that has ever “failed” on me like that.
I have a Dover Crown bridle - cost around $100, that is MUCH much nicer leather than my HDR breast plate was.
I have two HDR bridles and an HDR five point breastplate. I REALLY like the breastplate–the leather is decent, very adjustable. Pretty cheap at around $100.
I have an old bridle that’s stitched and raised, stood up to my abuse for many many years. It’s a nice bridle, can’t beat the price.
I’m not crazy about my figure 8. The leather over the poll is a little stiff and cardboardy, and fitting the straps into the keepers can be a challenge. It looks nice and might be softer if I actually oiled it, but if I had to buy another figure 8 I’d be looking elsewhere.
I was not terribly impressed w/ the HDR bridle I have. For the <$100 price point I think Schneider’s bridles are the nicest.
