My horse’s bridle broke so it’s time for me to stop hemming and hawing about which bridle to get and actually pull the trigger. I like the looks of a lot of the anatomical bridles out there, but I think I feel most comfortable going with the Fairfax with the research backing it up.
And it seems to be legal under the new rule. Right? Right?
So, suggestions on the best place to buy one from the US?
Classic Dressage in the UK has some of the best prices even with international shipping and ships quickly.
https://classicdressage.com/collections/cd-bridles-4966
I got USEF confirmation that it is legal under the new rules and can send you a copy of the letter if you need it.
How did the remote fitting process go with them?
Thank you for the offer of the letter! I don’t need it now but may take you up on it.
I got mine from Hastilow in the US and can heartily recommend them, they were wonderful for the remote fitting, which we did entirely by still photos and measurements. My horse ended up with a full crown, full throatlatch, full browband, cob noseband and cob cheeks, and they kept mailing me parts until it was perfect, at no charge. And I do mean perfect - that bridle has half-holes punched on both sides of everything, and they were relentless about getting the buckle placement JUST SO. I can’t look at bridle fit the same way again after that experience, really.
FWIW, I’ve had that bridle for years now and I still love it, and so does my horse. Also, if you want custom browbands for it, Dark Jewel Designs did one for me that has held up beautifully. I sent her a “plain piped” one, and she ripped out the center and replaced it with rhinestones for me.
I don’t know that I would risk buying something super $$$ that may be deemed illegal for [insert stupid reason here]. I’d stick with something anatomic but without the additional padding of the Fairfax. Comfortable but vanilla, if you will.
I can totally see the “experts” saying the padding causes additional pressure. Kind of like they did with the poll relief padding.
The OP didn’t ask that though, and all any of us can do is follow the rules as they are when we buy any piece of new tack or bit (and I do agree the new rules are stupid). This one is confirmed legal under the new rules. I show rated and would not hesitate to buy it again.
Do you mind me asking ballpark what it was?
I should have thought about Fairfax for Cyber Monday/Black Friday… I have wanted one for years. I think my mare is finally done growing and I’m so tired of looking at her beautiful but mismatched bridle.
Sure! It was around $600 total for the drop noseband version. There was no extra fee for the fitting IIRC.
@Pico_Banana - I sent measurements and then photos when the bridle came. It doesn’t sound as thorough as Cob Jockey’s experience but it worked well for me and they were very responsive.
I did the exact same thing. During the sale weekend, I was literally asking myself “what do I need?” and somehow this did not enter my brain. Probably because we just did joint injections and he had some time off so I wasn’t looking at the broken bridle every day. Totally kicking myself though.
I also got my snaffle from Halistow and a custom browband through Dark Horse Designs. Halistow was great to work with regarding sizing. Just got my double through our local fitter who carries Fairfax, but it was pretty easy since I already had the fit from her snaffle.
That’s true, but they did express some concern if it was currently legal, so it’s in the back of their mind.
What a heartbreaker it would be to drop that chunk of change and then get burned. The rule changes are nonsensical, so it would not be a shocker.
What’s the leather quality like on the Fairfax? Anyone know?
It’s good quality English leather. It will be a bit stiff and needs conditioning when you get it but holds up beautifully.
I have a lovely used one to sell, full size with the pearl browband. I can’t custom fit it to your horse, but I could send measurements…
Oh, I wish! But he’s usually a horse in the crownpiece and browband and then cob everywhere else, so unlikely to fit. Which is especially too bad because the pearl browband is what I would order!
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
