Different Bridles?

Question

With the horse i have just bought the owner said that he works well in a double bridle, but i have read that its not a good choice unless you are a very experienced rider, what do you think? Also does any one know a good web site that will tell me about all the bridles and what there are used for?

Answer 1

I posted a few articles below. Basically you should probably work with a trainer to establish the best match between you and your horse. If you use a double bridle untrained, you can ruin your horse and make it an unpleasent situation all around. I would definately look into lessons, because I'll be the first to tell you when a horse it that well trained double bridles are fun and easy to use.

I always feel a little more glamorous using one, but again I caution in the wrong hands they're useless!! If I were you and the horse is well trained I would consider starting in a snaffle and working my way up. It's basic and harder to do damage with.

Research the web, and you'll find a heck of a lot of opinions about which bit is better and why.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

A double bridle is a very advanced tool for upper level (Fourth and beyond) dressage rider. If you are a beginner or even intermediate rider, I would stay away from the double bridle for this reason: it uses two bits with two separate reins. You need to have very soft, quiet hands to use this sort of advanced equipment without causing undo stress to your horse or tearing up the corners of his mouth.

For beginner riders, I like to see them mostly in regular snaffle bits. It's generally the bit that makes the bridle severe. You can play around with different nosebands (flash, figure-8, crank), but these are mostly correctional tools used to keep the horse from chewing on the bit or opening his mouth. It's the bit that determines severity and the way you ride can turn even the gentlest bit into a very harsh instrument. If you're not familiar with bits, stick with a smooth snaffle for now. Hopefully you're working with a trainer, and they might be able to give you a better idea of what this horse needs and what you could ride in without jeopardizing his comfort.

Answer 3

Correct- do not use a double bridle unless you know how to use it. You can really mess up their mouth if you are too hard on the reins.

Since you mention a double bridle, I am assuming you have a dressage horse. All you need for dressage is a simple black english bridle. You can add a flash noseband but that is it. You can not compete in a figure 8 (across the nose) type bridle which is used more for some jumpers and eventers.