I just got a lovely english style trail saddle and have a old western bridle plus the conchos (which r necessary) rub his head.
Anyway would love to have a beautiful english bridle but the ones around a $100 are very cheap leather and I cring at using a $200 bridle for trail riding.
I won’t use biothane after a experience of the wintec bridle NOT breaking when a horse caught it on a frost free pump, actually jerked the whole pump out of the ground and it still didn’t break. I’m old school and value my horses neck over his tack would NEVER tie with a rope halter(cowboy halter) or biothane now that I’ve seen what can happen.
So anyone ride with english tack and if so suggestions for a trail bridle?
.
He is also hard to fit,not a cobb yet many full bridles are to big. His head is short but not fine.
I love how easy biothane is to take care of but not worth hurting my horse.
Leather breaks and thats a good thing just like we use baling twine with our trailer ties, we need it to break or lose your horse.
Love my horse!
Thoughts?
sorry i see i’ve told this story before . I first started using biothane in 1989 and still have those halter bridles so I know how durable and easy they are. I didn’t mean to offend anyone. Also i do use rope halters especially for teaching new horses to pay attention but again was taught since a child that never leave one on unattended and never ever tie with one. So i read that its helped some of you with horse who pull when tied but you are lucky because if they got wild at not being able to pull free then you’ll have a hurt or maybe dead horse. Not worth the risk. To many people writing articles in Magazines now who really mislead horse owners. Just trying to prevent a tragedy and just like not using a helmet, well its fine and I love the feel of the wind in my hair yet as my SO says my brain is my second favorite organ.I do miss riding w/o a helmet and never did for the first 40 yrs. of my life. Only two concussions LOL.
So suggestion for a pretty leather bridle to show of my lovely new horse?
If you are looking for something leather, I would look into the line of Smartpak brand bridles. They start at around $80 and are actually nice quality leather. If your guy is also hard to fit, you could definitely order a couple to figure out sizing, as smartpak is very good about returns in my experience:)
Tucker and Barefoot have nice leather trail bridles
I am a leather person too. I also show occasionally so need leather. I have this bridle. (Although my has the flash attachment which I don’t use)
http://www.ridingwarehouse.com/Henri_De_Rivel_Pro_Mono_Crown_Padded_Snaffle_Bridle/descpage-HDRMB.html
The leather is nice, not blow me away nice but nice. It is holding up well. I have had it over year. My horse loves to splash in the creeks and gets his bridle pretty soaked. I am bad about cleaning/conditioning after ever ride and it is still fine.
My guy is an arab cross so has a slightly smaller face but not overly small. I have the COB for him. He has a short fat face.
The HDR bridles are good leather for the money ~$100.00. The cob in that bridle might surprise you size wise as well. . .
These bridles may not be of quality leather but work well for trail riding with snaps attaching the bit. I know that both the snaps and the leather break on the second one. I’m a function rather than form gal.
[QUOTE=hannahfm22;8300283]
If you are looking for something leather, I would look into the line of Smartpak brand bridles. They start at around $80 and are actually nice quality leather. If your guy is also hard to fit, you could definitely order a couple to figure out sizing, as smartpak is very good about returns in my experience:)[/QUOTE]
This! Smartpak Plymouth bridle…it’s great!
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/plymouth-padded-fancy-stitch-bridle-by-smartpak-7734
I’ve had mine for 3 years. Leather is very nice for the price.
I use bridles from National Bridle as my trail bridles. The sizing should probably work since most say “fits cob to horse.”
Most are made at their shop in Tennessee, and I’ve been pleased with the leather.
I understand your safety concerns.
Here is what I did:
I use a beta biothane bridle, but I had a local leather shop put a (very) short leather piece in my english-style reins where they buckle at the horse’s withers.
(not where they attach to the bit)
So, the beta reins turn to leather where they buckle together.
I did this as a “safety fuse” in case the reins ever got hung up.
You can’t really even tell by looking at it. It’s not real obvious.
