I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for schooling bridles that are nice but on the cheaper side. Ideally would like something with a flash attachment. Also looking for rubber reins. Looking forward to seeing what you all recommend!
Go look for a higher end bridle being sold second hand nearly new for half of retail. Generally they will.hold up better and give you more pleasure than a brand new cheap bridle that costs the same. You might need to look a bit.
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Ebay!! Used Bobby’s, Beval, Edgewood. I have a bridle from Smartpaks brand that’s held up for 7+ years now. It’s been used, left out in the rain/snow and still looks good. It’s kinda that plastic type leather.
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My first bridle was an HDR. Had flash and rubber reins and looked nice from a distance, but quite badly made if I’m being honest. Had a dover one that was really nice as well - no rubber reins but you can buy those separate! Both were very cheap, but maybe your budget is less tight than mine was haha! I’ve never bought a used bridle, but I would second that idea. All my second hand saddles have been way better than my cheaper new ones, same might go for bridles 
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I actually LOVE the Suffolk brand by Dover. Have multiple of the dressage style and some of the hunter and they really hold up well if taken care of. I also have a Circuit figure eight bridle that’s held up for years and years.
All that said, I do second second hand tack as well. Got an amazing Devacoux figure eight from On Course in Wellington, FL and it was about 50% off their website prices. If you can get a good second hand something that would be great too!
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I second the buy used comments. I’ve found Vespucci and similar for under $100 used. They are already broken in and make great schooling bridles.
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If you don’t go the second hand route, I have been impressed with HDR and wellfleet as affordable options.
Sometimes Tack of the Day will feature Nunn finer options which is always a great option for a high quality product at lower price
I think Bobby’s cheaper lines are actually quite nice for the price. I do not recommend Smartpak’s entry level house brands.
I second the used suggestions, and have found lots of really nice bridles for a steal that way. I personally find that a good quality bridle is more pleasant to use (no stiff reins, etc.) and usually more comfortable to the horse than a cheaper one, not to mention it lasts longer as well. I started out in cheap and cheap-ish tack (I still have a picture where the reins were so stiff on one of my cheap bridles that the excess length stood straight up in my hands and that thing never took oil or broke in!) and didn’t find it to be worth it, especially when much better could be found used for the same price.
I think my favorite bridles I’ve owned as far as durability go are my older Crosbys, made in England. Exselle bridles are made by the same factory that formerly made the Crosbys, so should be the same product, if you can find one. Mine still look, feel, and have held up great after years of use and not the best care for one that I used for trail riding! You pretty much can’t kill these!
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Nunn Finer has a ton of bridles on clearance right now, and their quality is outstanding. Can’t recommend them enough.
I third this! All my bridles are Vespucci and all but one were purchased used. I’ve had mine 6+ years and even with daily use they still clean up beautifully and are perfect for showing. Everyone always comments on how soft the reins are as well.
Thanks all for your recommendations! I ended up getting an HDR bridle from Dover on clearance. It came in the mail today and my horse and I love it already
I use the 20 dollar bridle from Decathlon. Rubber reins. It is more of a throwaway bridle than a schooling one, though. The quality is not good. Perfect for my greenie. Looking forward to the day he breaks it.
