Double Bridle(less)

10/9/2019

The USDF Region 7 Championships were held recently at LA Equestrian Center. The CDS Championship show is held in conjunction with that show. We didn't go this year, but I followed along a bit on social media. I am never really one to be "in the know," but I do like to check in now and then.

I did catch one bit that I found interesting, and the reason it was so interesting was because it was "a thing."

I am not opposed to double bridles at all. You all know that I put Izzy in a double for a few days to see if it would help me get control. I got control all right, but he wasn't ready for that much communication, so I searched for a bit that gave me some brakes without so much hardware. No, it's not the use of the double bridle, it's the widespread use of the double that I find interesting.

A screenshot of the video showing Hilda riding a Grand Prix test in a snaffle.

Speedy and I made it to four shows this summer showing Third Level. I paid close attention to what bridle riders were using at Third Level and above. Third Level is when riders are permitted to use a double bridle. I don't recall seeing a single other rider using a snaffle. I was the only one.

Plain snaffle bridle with flash and a baucher snaffle bit.

When we were preparing to make the move to Third Level, I asked my trainer, Chemaine Hurtado, owner and trainer at Symphony Dressage Stables, if I needed to move to a double bridle. I figured since everyone else uses one, I would probably need one as well. Her answer was a solid no. She didn't think we needed one ... yet.

I love the slight drape in the rein here.

As we moved through the season at Third Level, I've given the idea of the double bridle a lot of thought. Third Level is not that much harder than Second Level, so why the instantaneous need for a second bit? My reason to switching to a double would be to get control of a hot, forward horse. Or maybe one that is getting overly strong in the bridle at the medium and extended gaits. If that were true, you would expect to see a healthy mix of snaffles and doubles at Third and above. That doesn't seem to be true though.

I think that the main reason riders make the switch is that the double serves as a rite of passage. Third Level is no longer part of the lower levels. It's a big step towards the upper levels, the FEI, the Big Dogs, the Big Time. It's a Big Deal to move out of Second Level, and riders want to celebrate that success.

At least, that's how it looks from here.

If you made the switch to a double bridle at Third, why did you feel it was necessary? I would really like to know.

We may need to move to a double bridle eventually, but I am going to hope not. Instead, I am going to work towards riding a Grand Prix test in a snaffle. Speedy's a hard worker, and he likes his job. He enjoys the challenges I present to him, and he tries his heart out for me. So far, the snaffle is working well.

Besides, snaffle bridles are a lot cheaper than a double. If nothing else, staying in a snaffle is a cost saver.

Cassandra

10/9/2019 06:24:19 am

Was once present for a very interesting debate at a trainers conference between Lilo Fore and Stephen Clarke on the subject. Lilo argued that some horses go better in a double and some don’t benefit at all or even aren’t comfortable in it- so snaffle should be allowed at all levels.
Stephen felt that it was a tool that required a certain level of skill to use properly so it should be required at FEI levels for that reason.
They never came to an agreement and both felt strongly about their takes. I felt torn myself as I can understand both sides of the argument.
I personally prefer to ride in a snaffe myself, but mostly because I’m lazy about holding a bunch of reins :)

Bakersfield Dressage link

10/10/2019 06:13:46 am

Thank you for sharing. Those are great points!

Mia Johnson link

10/9/2019 10:46:45 am

I think the status symbol of a double bridle plays into the decision to use it FAR more than it should. Especially at 3rd/4th level.

My plan is to delay use until/unless necessary. Since I'm little league ammy, I can focus solely on what the horse needs rather than have to consider what judges, clients, etc think/want.

I'm hoping to use a snaffle indefinitely for the same reasons Cassandra gave.

10/10/2019 06:14:49 am

I agree Mia, but I hope I am wrong. I hope every rider who switches to a double does it to help the horse, not just her ego.

Laura link

10/10/2019 05:36:29 am

I can barely manage one set of reins, let alone two! I think people move to the double just to say they can. It may work for some horses/riders, but why use it if you don't need it? Interesting though...

PS - did you decide on browbands for Izzy?? Inquiring minds want to know! lol

10/10/2019 06:17:13 am

Sadly, I think you're right.

I haven't bought a brow band yet ($$$$), but Valerie, who owns the Dressage Pony Store, thinks the Rose Gold would be perfect. Once I get the brow band, I'm going to custom order a stock tie to match my navy coat AND the brow band. :0)

Burn the Mortgage

10/10/2019 05:55:38 am

Back when I was riding a 3rd-4th level horse who was comfortable in a double I got to ride him in it sometimes.
I found for him it gave me that teeny bit of extra to help him in the lateral work. It helped him rock back and separate his hind legs a little more.

That being said. 90% of the time I rode in a single bit. And occasionally had hack days in the double. I also almost always had the curb rein loose even when working in it.

I agree that it's a right of passage. But it's no different than a flying change in that aspect. Except it's an optional one. A good tool if your horse goes well in it. But if you're using it to just crank down after a strong medium then you're using it wrong in my opinion. Bits and hands aren't for stopping...stop with your seat and give with your hand (obviously unless it's an emergency or your horse isn't listening as he should be).

10/10/2019 06:20:48 am

My trainer and I talked about it on Tuesday, and that was her thinking too. She explained why she chooses a double for particular horses. For example, for one horse, it helped in the changes. A friend said that same thing. I've enjoyed hearing why riders choose the double. If there isn't a reason for choosing it other than being at Third Level, it doesn't seem like a smart choice.

Karen T.

10/10/2019 12:52:55 pm

I don't know of anyone who uses a double bridle as some sort of status symbol. I use one for better finesse of the aids. But if I had a super sensitive horse with a tendency to back off the contact, I'd stay in a snaffle. Some people may have better control with a double (like smaller ladies who buy huge moving warmbloods they can't really ride). But some sort of statement? Or rite of passage? No, I don't really see any of that. Wearing one type of bridle or another does not make you better than someone else. It's your actual riding.

11/23/2019 07:26:40 am

Oh, I agree with you. I've asked many California riders about the double, and the ones i spoke to had a legitimate reason for making the switch, but everyone agreed that they see the same thing I do: riders making the switch because they can.

Val

10/12/2019 05:13:51 am

Very interesting. I think you may be right about some riders using it for a rite of passage. I had a woman tell me as much about the rider wearing white gloves only at third level and above. I thought that was silly since the level is the horse not the rider.

I absolutely love that HG rode Grand Prix in a snaffle. Since Speedy is so sensitive and willing, I can see why you would be happy to continue in the snaffle. Plus that's a lot of hardware and some horses just have small mouths.

11/23/2019 07:28:12 am

I met a rider at a show in October who was showing PSG in a snaffle. We talked for quite a while about it. Unfortunately, Speedy is just now showing me that he needs the double, but I am not giving up on my snaffle. :0)

Austen link

10/14/2019 11:57:53 am

My older horse is very sensitive and often backed off the contact when he would get overwhelmed. A lot of this came from the time (before me) he spent in draw reins. I found the double helped him to "find his brain". The curb action encouraged him to lower his head and lengthen his neck, allowing me to access his back and get him back to work quickly. On really bad days, it would help me give him extremely tiny aids to help avoid an explosion. I showed in both the snaffle and the double, depending on the day and the horse I had under me. Our results were neither better nor worse with either bridle.

One thing I think it's important to mention about the double that many people do not realize? The double is meant to REDUCE the aid needed. It's not used to increase the rein aids. It's not used to haul a horse off your hand using leverage. A double is used so the rider does EVEN LESS than in the snaffle. Your hands should be more still in a double, not doing more with those two sets of reins. It is a very powerful setup, but the intent of the sport is to show what can be done with very minimal use of that powerful tool.

11/23/2019 07:29:39 am

My friend Jen, who rides the FEI tests, said the same thing. She finds she's a more quiet rider with the double.

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Not-So-Speedy Dressage