Micklem Competition Bridle
4.5
5
88
91
Has Helped Fussy Mare
My 5 year old BWP mare was always fussy and rarely relaxed into the bridle. This bridle made a difference. She's visibly more comfortable and willing to relax, take contact, and stretch out. On the sizing, she's 16.2 or .3 and wears regular horse size in other bridles; the regular horse size in the Micklem fit her fine. I can't comment on the durability yet, as we've only had it for a couple of months, but it appears to be of good quality.
May 8, 2013
glad to have it
This bridle seems to fit very well. I tried it with the clips, the bit is a rubber D ring snaffle, and it was stiff in his mouth, but without the clips he goes well in it and it is not rubbing the same places on his cheeks that his former bridle was rubbing.
May 8, 2013
Recommend, despite fit issues
My horse is moderately fussy with his head, and overall, his skin is more sensitive and “itchy” than most horses. Got this bridle to help him be more comfortable and he does go better in it. It’s not a silver bullet, but I did notice a difference right away during my first ride. I waited a week to write the review, and he continues to be better than when he was in a normal bridle. For the positive effect it has had, I do recommend it.
The fit was -- as others have pointed out -- disappointing. The length of the bridle is disproportionate to all the other pieces. My horse is a 16.3 HH Warmblood with a normal-proportioned head for light warmblood. The "horse" size worked best for him. The cheek pieces are almost as small as they will go, but the throat and chin straps are on the very last (very largest) hole. Similarly, the browband is on the small side, but it is so plain I had planned on replacing it anyway.
The bridle is better looking that I had expected--I figured I'd have to endure something ugly for his comfort, but it looks nice, though it is on the plain side. The stitching and workmanship quality is excellent. The leather quality or conditioning is good, except because it is so stiff, certain pieces crack slightly when buckled the first time.
The reins are good quality but very thick--I believe they are leather for the full length and then covered in rubber. Too bulky for my taste, but the quality is good.
Overall I recommend it, due to the positive effect on my horse. But the fit is frustrating for the price, and the reins, while good quality, I won't be using long because they are too bulky.
May 7, 2013
Good Bridle
This is a very nice bridle, a little stiff out of the box but overall nice after a bit of oiling. This first one I ordered was defective, the keeper literally snapped off when I put the leather strap through it. But the next one I ordered is perfect, I must say it does run small, I listened to the other reviewers and sized up. My horse is normally a cob, he has a very petite face, and the horse size fits him perfect except for the cheek piece, it is super tight so I had to punch two more holes in it. He is definitely less fussy in this bridle than in my normal one, I've only had it a few days so the verdict is out. Overall I like this bridle.
May 6, 2013
I love this bridle
I have Always been using the Cheap Harwich fancy raise bridle. It's an amazing bridle for the price, but I wanted something really fancy. So I spent double the money on this. There's no problems getting it over my horses head, he seems to like it. It's very cushioned so I would assume its comfortable. And it looks fantastic! it just sucked putting it together. This bridle is worth all the money.
May 1, 2013
Skeptic won over.
I was very skeptical about this bridle but thought it was worth a try on my sensitive and fussy horse. I can say I am now a believer- every ride gets better and more relaxed. Resistance in the bridle is significantly reduced and my horse overall seems less argumentative. The non-traditional style is growing on me slowly. Only complaint is that the cob/small horse size comes with pony reins- easy enough to switch out but annoying. Leather quality is similar to that of Nunn Finer- not fancy but quality.
April 30, 2013