This is embarrassing... when did bridles get so complicated ??

[Meredith_Clark]

I’ve just gotten into dressage in the last year. I have an old Stubben bridle that I adore but my new horse needs an oversized bridle. I was chatting with my trainer tonight and I had no idea they had gotten so complicated!

I found a PS of Sweden one I thought I liked but it doesn’t have a throat latch (which is illegal? ) and something about snap hocks? Don’t even know what they are!

Does anyone have a suggestion for a bridle they really like that doesn’t need a bunch of add ons … what bridles come ready??

[Scribbler]

Are you looking for some kind of anatomical bridle or just a regular bridle?

Why not just get another Stubben bridle in Oversize?

[Meredith_Clark]

@Scribbler

Are you looking for some kind of anatomical bridle or just a regular bridle?

Why not just get another Stubben bridle in Oversize?

They don’t make the one I have anymore, I think the anatomical ones are interesting.

[Scribbler]

If you go to Stubben German main web site you see all their bridles. Stubben USA is trending towards the anatomical. I honestly think the anatomical bridles only start mattering if you use a tight crank and flash which pulls the crown down over the poll. Otherwise a snaffle bridle properly adjusted with a loose or no noseband puts no pressure on the poll

[GreyDes]

If you like the PS of Sweden, most of them have an add-on throatlatch you can put on for shows. Also, look closely at the USEF dressage rules - some bridles are now legal without the throatlatch and with a Micklem-like chin strap.

[GreyDes]

Here’s the attire/equipment rules - https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/sAH3nOVD85c/dressage-attire-equipment-booklet

Page 18 has info on the combined nosebands.

And here’s the add-on throatlatch for PS of Sweden - https://www.farmhousetack.com/ps-of-sweden-throat-latch-silver-buckle/

[WannabeDQ]

Not having a throatlatch is one my favorite things about the PS of Sweden! I hate how tight they get when the horse flexes at the poll and end up leaving it so loose that it’s pointless anyway so I like not having another strap to deal with. I just use the add on throat latch the 3 or 4 times a year I show and leave it in my show bag the rest of the time.

[BigMama1]

Www.soloequine.com

Lots of styles, can’t beat the quality for the price (online prices are in CAD so subtract about 30% for US buyers) and amazing customer service.

[AZ_TD]

I like Soloequine as well. Here is Annex A that has more detailed descriptions of what is allowed. Rule about throat latch has been changed, see page 30. https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D1…lery-equipment

[Hayburner]

Love Stubben bridles. I have one that is at least 15 years old and still looks great.

[Jarpur]

@WannabeDQ

Not having a throatlatch is one my favorite things about the PS of Sweden! I hate how tight they get when the horse flexes at the poll and end up leaving it so loose that it’s pointless anyway so I like not having another strap to deal with. I just use the add on throat latch the 3 or 4 times a year I show and leave it in my show bag the rest of the time.

I’m another one who’s not a fan of throatlatches, and would only use one when absolutely necessary. My horses prefer as little on their heads as possible, IMO.

[soloudinhere]

Stubben has a very nice bridle called the Switch that could save you some coin as well because it comes with a convertible noseband and the extra hanger to be a snaffle or a double. It has an anatomic crown and a nice noseband that is adjustable on both sides with a nicely padded chin.

[polkadotedpony]

@WannabeDQ

Not having a throatlatch is one my favorite things about the PS of Sweden! I hate how tight they get when the horse flexes at the poll and end up leaving it so loose that it’s pointless anyway so I like not having another strap to deal with. I just use the add on throat latch the 3 or 4 times a year I show and leave it in my show bag the rest of the time.

I’ve never seen a properly adjusted throatlatch be tight on a horse although maybe if they’re really behind the bit I could see that happening. The throatlatch is the only strap that actually keeps a bridle on a horse’s head should they decide to rub on something or you fall off and are still hanging onto the reins and accidentally pull on the bridle on your way down (not ideal, but better than a loose horse at a show). Most of the legal anatomics have a more forward throat latch equivalent I’m assuming for this reason and I’d assume the regulation is also for the same safety concern, not a fashion/tradition thing.

[WannabeDQ]

I’ve had plenty of regular bridles with a throat latch come off (especially if you go over the head at a jump refusal!) which has always made me think they are pointless. I much prefer the fit of the PS as it’s not coming up behind the ears. Just my opinion.

[Pezanos]

Throatlatches are no longer required on the PS of Sweden bridles as long as there is a jowl strap. Look up the specific models but they now say “may be used with or without a throatlatch”.

The Stubben Freedom bridle is not legal for show use yet. It says “Pending”.

https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment