So What's you favorite hunt bridle? Mine is...

[Winding_Down]

the Bobby’s Heavy Flat Hunt Bridle. You either love them or hate them. I swear, I could not damage that bridle with an axe!

I also have an older Northrun which is nicer leather but not as thick etc. The Bobby’s stands up for years… eons… I swear that thing will be around in the next century good as new, even if you bury it in the mud for a few years!!!

The only shortcoming is that it is difficult to buckle the caveson in cold weather. Gloves have to be taken off and you need a bit of leverage :lol:

Any others?

[vineyridge]

I have had the Smith Worthington hunt bridle, their second line (Indian made from English leather) and it was wonderful. Got stolen from my tack room. The leather was very flexible but thick and wide and looked like new ten years after I had bought it. Smith Worthington has good sales on their hunt bridles after the season is over. Not sure about during the hunt season.

This is the one that I had, but in Havana.
http://www.smithworthington.com/index.php?p=product&id=675

Bobby’s Tack is Indian owned. Where their factory is is not exactly clear on their website but they use American and Italian leather.

[FitToBeTied]

I also use Bobby’s Hunt Bridle.

[jawa]

I have a Bobby’s hunt bridle that was given to me used. It was probably 15 years old then, and that was 13 years ago.

It is a solid bridle and looks lovely.

Winding Down, at almost 30 years old, I can do the cavesson with gloves on.

[ISR]

I have a Sabre hunt bridle (English leather, English made), it’s tough while still being supple, and the hardware isn’t overly chunky (like the Amish made stuff).

The nicest one I’ve seen is by ADT, but runs around $400.

[GreyDes]

I have a custom made one from Zalud Saddlery. Kitt (saddlefitter) suggested Martin Zalud when I was trying to find something that would fit my Arab.

He did a padded monocrown for me, and the bridle looks very traditional. His prices are reasonable, and the quality is amazing! http://www.zaludsaddlery.com/

Here are a few photos. The breastplate is from Zalud as well.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202929139495804&set=pcb.10202929157256248&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202859644398470&set=pcb.10202859658558824&type=1&theater

[riderank_makebank]

I looooove Bobby’s!

[Winding_Down]

Bobby Bobby Bobby Bobby! What about Breastplates?

I have one smaller Bobby’s hunt breastplate. I wish the leather were wider (not thicker) as in 3/4 inch or so. :love-struck:

[Winding_Down]

PS, I just scored a Bobby’s Bridle on EBay for $92, free shipping! ah… the natural high!!! :applause::applause::applause:

[gypsymare]

Bartville! Very simple, American made and inexpensive.

[ISR]

[QUOTE=Winding Down;7818852]
PS, I just scored a Bobby’s Bridle on EBay for $92, free shipping! ah… the natural high!!! :applause::applause::applause:[/QUOTE]

ahh, you were the one! Everyone was bidding on that!

On a side note, I purchased a cob size Bobby’s hunt bridle for my TB (who wears cob in everything else) and it was TINY, could barely get the noseband on the first hole. Seems they run a bit small.

[Beau_s_mom]

Another vote for Bartville!

[Beverley]

I too have a Smith Worthington and am very pleased. The others in use are so old I can’t remember the brands! As is always expected, the ‘best’ one from Horse Country met its demise thanks to a certain warmblood I was schooling, and the ‘worst’ one, a real cheapie bought in the 70s for $19 at a now defunct tack shop in Fairfax VA simply Will Not Die.

[SLW]

Bartville bridle here. Like the old Timex ad this bridle takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I also have from Bartville a traditional breastplate and the 5 point breastplate and they are holding up very well. Actually any new leather horse equipment I need comes from Bartville- halters, etc.

[Socprof]

I have a Bobby’s draft size for my (mostly) draft cross. Her head is way too big for just an oversize, but the Bobby’s had to be cut down a bit. I think it’s great quality for the price. Hands down though, the leather on my other horses bridle from Hunt Country is far nicer I think.

[BCGirl]

Bartville! They do take a while to break in and need a good bit of conditioning to soften up so the dreaded noseband in cold weather fight doesn’t happen, but really nice quality at a great price. Mine are only 3 years old, but look brand new (and I tend to beat up on my tack…). Also, their double stitched stirrup leathers (extra thick) are incredible. Take a bit of getting used to, but I adore them and know they aren’t going to break on me in the hunt field!

[Couture_TB]

How do you get a catalog?

[BCGirl]

You have to call them at 717.529.6992 between 8 and 8.30 am EST. I can’t recall if you always have to enter extension 0 or if you only enter it if no one answers. Or you can leave a message anytime by calling the number and entering extension 0 with your address and phone number and they will send you a catalog. I do have a 2014 one that I actually was able to put my hands on if you want to know specific prices for anything.

[Couture_TB]

[QUOTE=BCGirl;7827199]
You have to call them at 717.529.6992 between 8 and 8.30 am EST. I can’t recall if you always have to enter extension 0 or if you only enter it if no one answers. Or you can leave a message anytime by calling the number and entering extension 0 with your address and phone number and they will send you a catalog. I do have a 2014 one that I actually was able to put my hands on if you want to know specific prices for anything.[/QUOTE]

Thanks! Will give them a call.

[Winding_Down]

[QUOTE=Winding Down;7818852]
PS, I just scored a Bobby’s Bridle on EBay for $92, free shipping! ah… the natural high!!! :applause::applause::applause:[/QUOTE]

FWIW, beware of dishonest eBay sellers. Ugh. It was not the Bobbys Heavy Duty Hunt Bridle, it was a very thin flat bridle that I have never seen. Finally resolved… after almost two weeks of trying to work with seller. I love the deals I can score on eBay but this served as a reminder that you really have to cover your butt when dealing with newer sellers or those with less than stellar feedback ratings.