Have you ever wondered how is it possible that even the toughest of horses are able to be controlled by certain trainers, and not you? While it is true that sometimes this might because the trainers are properly trained, and hence they are able to train the horses to act in a certain manner, For the layman out there, you might not have the luxury of time to train the horse or even to bring the horse to be properly trained by the trainer. This is when products come into place. One of the best products to control tough or aggressive horses is the double bridle. However, this is not the main reason why double bridles are usually used by riders. Let’s find out more.
Why Double Bridles Are Used
There are several reasons at which why you should use a double bridle for your horse. Do note that double bridles are often used in more advanced riding, whereby responses from horses are often required to be accurate due to the complicity of the movement itself. As such, double bridles are often used for dressage or show riding events.
The double bridle usually consists of 2 bits, which is the bridoon and the curb. The manner at which the curb is being utilized is often the center of attraction. It can be regarded as a tool that helps to correct the riding posture of the horse, or it can also be the source of pain and discomfort of the horse. The line is quite delicate, hence extra care must be taken to ensure it is the former and not the latter.
What Is The Purpose Of A Double Bridle
So now we know that the double bridle is an essential item that is used during dressage or show events, what exactly is the purpose of the double bridle then?
As mentioned earlier, there are two bits to the double bridle, namely the bridoon or the curb. The bridoon helps to elevate the horse or even bending the horse. The curb is responsible for bringing the head near towards the vertical. As such, a good rider should be able to use both bits effectively to achieve the exact riding posture or maneuver that is wanted from the horse itself.
How Does The Double Bridle Works
As mentioned, the double bridle allows the rider to perform complicated commands on the horse, which is essential during dressage as well as during show events. But how exactly does the double bridle work?
The two different bit parts of the double bridle have separate purposes. The curb puts pressure on the horse’s neck as the lever of the double bridle pulls the cheek-pieces of the double bridle forward. To be more specific, the curb puts comfortable pressure on the horse’s bars, chin groove, tongue and of course the neck of the horse. When the curb rein is being pulled, there is a chain of motion that happens all at the same time to achieve a maneuver desired by the rider. Once the curb rein is pulled. the pressure on the horse’s mouth causes the horse to relax its lower jaw and bending the neck. This instructs the hose to yield. Usually, we will recommend that the curb chain be attached at an angle of 45 ° between levers and bars. This will arrangement will elicit the best behavior from the double bridle itself.
The behavior and effect of the double bridle are further decided by how the chin chain is attached because all the action on the mouth and neck is caused by it. The recommendation is that the curb chain should be fixed in a way that an angle of approximately 45 ° between levers and bars occur.
Which Is The Best Double Bridle
While we know that the double bridle is an awesome tool to use during certain events, where exactly can you find good quality double bridles that can last the distance as well as look aesthetically pleasing? Amazon does have a good offering of the double bridle, and here is a review of some of the top double bridles that you can find on Amazon.
1. Paris Tack Weymounth Double Dressage Bridles/Flash & Reins
When it comes to quality double bridle that fits onto most horses as well as being able to protect and prevent the horse from injuries, we will recommend the Paris Tack Weymounth Double Dressage Bridles. It is a highly versatile double bridle that will guarantee results, no matter which horse you have.
Made from Australian leather, it is resistant to molding as well as to the weather. The metal pieces are all made from stainless steel, and as such will not damage the horse at all. It comes with a bridoon slip head converter strap. If you wish to use this as a regular dressage bridle, you can just remove the bridoon strap off, and it functions exactly like one.
The browband, as well as the noseband and the flash and cheek pieces, are all padded, hence providing extreme comfort for your horse!
What we like
- Extremely comfortable
- Safe
- Good material
What we don’t like
- Check sizing first
2. Tough-1 King Series Adjustable White Leather Double Stitched Draft Horse Show Bridle
This Tough-1 King Series Adjustable White Leather Double Stitched Draft Horse Show Bridle is an up and coming double bridle that has, perhaps, the best aesthetics of them all. Indeed, it might just be the only double bridle that has the best combination of functionality as well as aesthetics.
Made from heavy leather, it is padded, hence able to prevent and protect your horse from injuries. The material, together with the stainless steel buckles, is totally resistant to molding as well as the weather. While this might mean that your horse is able to run around in the rain without fearing the deterioration of the double bridle, we do not advocate you to run your horse in the rain.
The double bridle is made in white only, and hence it does make your horse standout. The bridle is also doubly stitched to ensure maximum strength! This means tough and difficult horses will be able to use this with ease.
What we like
- Best aesthetics
- Comfortable and padded
- Extra durable and strong
What we don’t like
- None