Sources for flat double bridles? And sewing in bits?

[pattnic]

Thought I would probably get some better answers here than elsewhere on the forum… as the title says, I’m looking for sources for flat double bridles.

Primary use at this point would be for competing in Hunter Pleasure at Morgan breed shows, but I figure, well… it’s not like I’ll be swapping bits out, so why not just go ahead and have my bits sewn in as well? Can I have regular hook stud ends converted to sewn ends? Advice on that would be appreciated as well.

I see Bartville has a hunt bridle, and I really like their leather, but the proportions are a big large for my purposes… do you think Bartville would make one to my specs?

Ideally, would prefer something with a slightly narrower cavesson than is usually seen on a hunt bridle.

Have looked at Barnsby and Jefferies, but the ones I have been able to see have been saddle seat doubles, and I really think they are too fine… (seriously, 3/8" reins!!! though y’all probably think I’m crazy for wanting 1/2" to 5/8" cheeks instead of 3/4"!! :lol:) And I hate Bobby’s tack.

Any resources, thoughts, and ejdumaction greatly appreciated!

[rocky213]

Bartville bridles run small. I think their cob fits like a pony. My horse who is a cob in every other brand took horse size in Bartville bridles. They will also swap out whatever piece you need. My bridle has horse size browband, noseband and flash, cob sized cheeks and crown piece. So, I am sure they can come up with a combination that fits your horse. I would measure your current bridle, give them the measurements and see what they can come up with.

They will do custom for you if you want it, but right now their factory is so backed up that I have been waiting almost 2 months for a bradoon hanger for my double bridle from them.

I have the flat padded black bridle from them and its really flat. Looks alot like the flat Jerry’s Harness bridle but not as wide.

[mand_asbfan]

We get all of our saddleseat bridles from Fennells and I believe they make all their own bridlework so you could contact them - I bet they could make whatever you want. The leather is very nice quality and I know when we try to resell their bridles you can get quite a bit for them. I’m sure if you wanted two sets of 1/2" reins they would substitute them. Their website is http://www.fennells.com/store/default.asp You could also try LaSalles http://www.lasalleharness.com/ I ordered some rubber lined reins from them and they were so buttery soft.

[Beverley]

Smith-Worthington in Connecticut has a decent flat bridle, and I’ve got a slightly narrower version they make that I’ve been pleased with. I bought it long distance, there being no dealers in Utah, and they were good to work with on the phone- you could call and inquire about sewing in.

[Good_Old_Sledge]

Call Claire Painter at Clever With Leather (Versailles, KY) at 859/879-0075. She makes good stuff, will understand what you mean and charges an honest price.

[Alagirl]

why would you want to sew the bit in though?
A quality bridle will easily outlast your horse…

[Equibrit]

Check here;http://www.newcavalry.com/index.html

[Xctrygirl]

Journeymen in Middleburg can do it also.

Love everyone there.

The tack Box across the street likely has it, and they can sew the bits in.

~Emily

[not_again]

Anne does beautiful custom work:
Creative Saddler, Parkesburg, Pa.

[pattnic]

[QUOTE=Alagirl;4958972]
why would you want to sew the bit in though?
A quality bridle will easily outlast your horse…[/QUOTE]

Primarily because I’m a huge dork with a penchant for truly old-school things and traditions.

[sdlbredfan]

Here ya go! On eBay and listing ends tomorrow, listed as vintage and definitely looks like a classic, traditional flat hunt bridle to me:
item 260629832915
(I am not the seller, just saw it and remembered pattnic’s quest)

[leslie645]

I can 2nd Clever With Leather in Versailles Ky. Good quality stuff she makes.