Arc de Triomphe Tribute Bridle
4.2
5
6
6
Beautiful but disappointing quality
This bridle is very well designed, both esthetically and functionally, and the full size fits my 17H warmblood with room to spare on the noseband (I had to punch one more hole). However, as others have noticed, the quality of the leather is disappointing. I have had mine for a few months and have had continuous problems with fraying edges on the reins and brow band. I keep cutting the little strands off and new ones form. I have not asked Smartpak for a replacement because I was hoping it would stop, but it doesn't. Also based on other reviews this seems to be a common problem so how do I know that replacement reins won't have this issue again. Furthermore, the leather dries out easily, even with the best cleaning and conditioning products. It never looked or felt buttery and soft as I would have expected for this price and this brand.
May 18, 2013
Extremely Disappointed
I purchased this bridle for my gelding as a Christmas present to myself. I was looking for a high quality, durable, wide noseband caveson bridle that was non-padded, with fancy stitching. This bridle fit the bill and I was excited to purchase it despite the price tag. I found it on a different website for a lower price, and Smartpak graciously price matched for me!
Several years ago, I purchased an Arc De Triomphe bridle from the manufacturer directly. The leather cracked and would not take oil. They refused to stand behind their product, so I swore I would never purchase any of their products again. However this bridle was exactly what I was looking for, and due to Smartpak's awesome 100% satisfaction policy, I figured I would give ADT a second chance. When the bridle arrived it looked lovely. Soft and supple, very pretty. However, after one use; the stitching was coming loose on the brow band and the reins. There was also a crack in the leather of one of the cheek pieces. For the amount of money these bridles are worth, I am extremely disgusted and disappointed in their craftsmanship. It is such a shame because they are truly lovely bridles to look at and feel. Maybe it is just bad luck on my part, but I will never ever purchase their products again.
A HUGE shout out to Smartpak for not only matching a competitor's price, but for also accepting this return for a full refund! You guys are the best, thank you for standing behind all of your products 100%!
January 21, 2013
I have what some have diagnosed as a "bridle problem". I just can't resist beautiful bridles and have more than I need in my collection. The Tribute is my favorite and was worth every penny. Leather is divine - butter soft with very little break-in time. Wide noseband is flattering and has beautiful stitching. Chocolate brown color is lovely. I did have a small problem with the stitching on the reins fraying after only a few shows. But I think this was a fluke, as I didn't have this issue with my ADT Imperial bridle. (Smartpak sent me a new set of reins.) My only complaint (and it isn't really a complaint) is that this bridle doesn't have the padded monocrown option of some of the other ADT's. If you're in the market for a high quality, wide-noseband bridle, this is an excellent choice!
June 26, 2012
Awesome bridle
I wanted a non-padded bridle and this bridle is perfect. It's very well made and the leather is nice and soft. The dark brown color and the wide caveson are also great. Definitely worth the money.
May 3, 2012
EXACTLY WHAT I HOPED FOR
I WAS LOOKING FOR A WIDE NOSEBAND HUNTER BRIDLE FOR MY WARMBLOOD (17 H, BIG BONED). I HAVE USED ARC DE TRIOMPHE BRIDLES BEFORE AND LIKED THEM SO I PURCHASED THE TRIBUTE BRIDLE. I AM VERY PLEASED. THE COLOR IS BEAUTIFUL AND ABSORBS CONDITIONER WITHOUT LOSING THE NICE CHOCOLATE BROWN COLOR. THE OVERSIZE FITS MY HORSE VERY WELL. I WASN'T SURE ABOUT NOT HAVING PADDING BUT GIVEN HOW LARGE MY HORSE IS, I REALLY LIKE THE FACT THAT IT'S NOT PADDED. THIS BRIDLE IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AND I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT OVER EQUALLY PRICED BRIDLES.
February 20, 2012
the best bridle ever
the best ! nice leather and design. my sport pony loves it
June 27, 2011