Wellfleet Raised Fancy Stitch Bridle by SmartPak
4.8
5
17
17
Leather Not the Quality I Expected
The general construction of the bridle is fine, but in my opinion for the price I paid, I would expect the leather to be a little more refined. In particular, the backside of the noseband is cracking/ripping at the hole where I set the buckle after approx. 30 rides! (12 weeks of use!) I conditioned the bridle for 3 days before I even used it to help soften the leather just so it wouldn't crack.
I bought this with the expectation that it would last for years and I just don't think that is going to happen. When the noseband gets worse and rips, I expect I'll have to buy a whole new bridle because I won't be able to get a matching noseband which is a shame because the rest of the bridle will probably still be fine.
In addition, the sizing of the noseband is huge! I bought a full size for my 17 1h Holsteiner and I'm on the last hole! Now I have 4+ inches of flopping leather! I was going to see about having this professionally shortened, but in light of the cracking/ripping of the noseband so prematurely, I don't think I'll spend the money on this. I'll probably look for some other more refined bridle to show in.
April 5, 2013
Great Bridle!
I would highly recommend this bridle! When it came out of the box it was already soft and easily usable. It darkened up nicely and I think it looks like a really high quality/high end/name brand bridle but is actually super affordable! My trainer doesn't like the look of it but I personally disagree! It runs large and the one flaw is if your horse has a small nose, the noseband keeper is not long enough and the excess hangs out and is pretty unattractive; I actually had to cut mine. But I love this bridle, a must have!
September 10, 2012
Wish They Had More Colors
Bought this hoping it would match my bates saddle because it said the color was hazelnut. When it arrived, it was brown. I was very sad especially when I saw the leather quality, monocrown and how soft the bridle was along with the stitching. I wanted to love it but just couldn't keep it since it didn't match my tack. If it comes out in a more caramel color I will be buying this.
July 23, 2012
Best bridle
Got bridle a week ago. Lovely and soft right away. Oiled it lightly with 2 coats and went to Skidmore Saratoga AA show. My husband was holding my horse at the side of the ring, and one of the trainers came over and said "Your bridle is just gorgeous and looks fabulous on your horse, where did you get it?".... Thank you Smart Pak.
June 22, 2012
Thank you Smart Pak - very happy.
Just received this bridle. It is beautiful and soft right out of the box. It fits perfectly - can't wait to oil it and wear at the next show. I actually sold a Beval monocrown bridle that I had just bought to buy this one. (that should tell you something). This is a MUCH nicer and well fitting bridle. And the padded areas are much cushier. Kudos to Smart Pak for this and other products.
June 5, 2012
Wonderful Bridle
Purchased this bridle to use for shows. It is stunning and looks wonderful in the show ring. The stitching is very high quality. I would absolutely recommend it!
March 19, 2012