SmartPak Western Side Pull is rated
3.8 out of
5 by
6.
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Darkyder from
Nice but lacking
I actually got this bridle a couple years ago and used it four times a week for over two years straight. When it came it it was far from fitting my 3/4 arab's head, so I had to punch holes in it. I couldn't get the cheek pieces quite tight enough for my liking, but it worked ok. Ended up having to tighten around the nose so much that there was 4 or 5 inches of leather that I had to cut off or it would bother my horse. So, not one size fits all, but still nice. It broke the other day when my horse got tangled in something, but it wasn't a scenario that I think any bridle would've come away unscathed from. I don't plan on buying this bridle again because of the size issues and I know I can get a quality bitless bridle for a better price now.
Date published: 2022-08-10
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Chuck from
Lacking
I wanted a Dr. Cook Side Pull Bridle but before I could order it my wife ordered me the SmartPak Side Pull. I breed and raise Quarter Horses, Paints and Appendix and the SmartPak bridle my wife bought would fit a Clydesdale with room to spare. It's the only size available, a fit all so to speak. I'm pretty good with leather so I added additional holes where needed to make it fit. All that being said when I finished and trimmed off the access leather strapping I went to tuck the straps into their belts only to find there were none! So now I have 4 straps dangling down that are not only a distraction for the horse in training but it looks nasty too. If you buy this bridle inspect it for all the parts and also check the fitting. I like the SmartPak Company but I would not buy another piece of their tach without thoroughly researching it.
Date published: 2022-03-19
Rated 4 out of
5
by
DarkRyder from
Good bridle, bad dye job
I got this bridle and have used it twice so far, and love it. I have just transferred my arab cross to bitless a couple months ago, and was looking for a good bridle. It was a little big for his head, but a leather hole punch did the job and it fits like a charm. The only reason I am only giving this a four out of five is because when you bend the leather you can see right through the dye job. The dark brown that I ordered is more of the normal red/brown color. Thankfully this color matches my saddle better, because I doubt it will stay dark brown for more than a few cleanings.
Date published: 2021-01-08
Rated 3 out of
5
by
Beth from
Really nice, but HUGE! NOT one size fits all.
It's a beautiful and quality product, but it needs to come in a smaller size. One size fits all..... all HUGE horse heads. It can only get so small, and then you start to have all these extra long bulky straps to deal with. And even at the smallest settings, it was still too huge for my standard quarter horse's head. She doesn't even have a small head, either!
Date published: 2020-11-18
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Rider from
Love the feel of the leather!
My horse Smoke and I love this!! He responds so well to it!! So happy i purchased it.
Date published: 2020-08-14
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Allys from
Excellent concept. Takes practice.
I bought this for an 18 y.o. mare who has dental anomalies involving her upper and lower incisors and is very reluctant to take a bit. It takes time to find the correct fit for any bitless bridle so stay in a fenced area for a while! She could shake this bitless bridle off unintentionally until I got to a comfortable snug fit. I know she is happier when I tack her up. With combined aids we are now going the same as on a snaffle bit when in a ring. Just started short trail rides. Who knows how much a bit contributes to control when situations arise? I think staying on and a good seat is most of it. I'll let you know.
Date published: 2019-10-09