Interesting bridle set up

[Philosopher]

Somehow now that I have seen more photos I have even more questions!

[MHM]

Same.

[Aussie_2020]

The change in the nose band is interesting. The 2nd pic has what looks like black knotted nylon across the bridge of the nose. The crown piece is similar to one’s I’ve seen on ponies so the little riders can keep their ponies heads up (and out of the grass).

@Live_Wire, where are the shanks on the bit, I can’t see them in either pic?

[MHM]

I’m wondering if they are actually two separate bridles that get changed between the first round and the jump off.

The one with the second rein looks like it also has something a little different under the horse’s chin as well.

[Live_Wire]

I went to the photographers gallery and looked up the album. You can catch more detail there.

I was very curious and did a whole deep dive. While I didn’t see a video of this particular horse, I did watch some of the riders previous rounds that were available online. This try seems well within her capabilities.

Interestingly, there were a few tack changes throughout the album. I’m guessing this is a tricky little mare they’re trying to sort out.

FWIW, I believe this horse is out of a mare name Kiss The Sky. She was freakishly athletic but also pretty opinionated. She went in a similar style noseband. There is another horse the rider rode this past weekend that I THINK is her half sister, and she was also in a less orthodox bit. Other videos I found between her and her trainers showed the majority of their horses in pretty typical, “friendlier” looking set ups, so I figure this was a well educated and thought out effort.

ETA: she went clear and had a rail in the jump off, so this seemed to work out okay for them!

[Aussie_2020]

I think you’re right, the browbands are completely different too.

[MHM]

Yes, plus the noseband sits much lower on the bridle with the second rein.

[OverandOnward]

@Aussie_2020

The 2nd pic has what looks like black knotted nylon across the bridge of the nose.

I see that on many types of bridles these days. Bridles for different riding disciplines. I’m not sure if the mere presence of such a noseband means that it is doing anything, on its own.

[Aussie_2020]

I had a cowboy type trainer tell me that most people don’t adjust the rope halters correctly. The knots on them are supposed to be in specific spots on the face for maximum control. Maybe the knots across that bridle noseband do the same. (if it’s even true, it’s just what he said but since I never used those halters I didn’t care to check it)

[kenyarider]

Interesting looking set up. I’ll bet the steward was scratching her head trying to figure out if it was legal. Henrik Von Eckerman is always switching his bridges up.