Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
I have lost count of the number of bridles that I have bought in the last four years. There are at least eight that I can recall immediately. My Stübben show bridal was perfect, and the most recent bridle that I purchased for Speedy, the Plymouth Dressage Bridle by SmartPak, was also a nice fit, but the other six have not been what I wanted. I never even bothered to buy Sydney his own bridle. Why would I when I had half a dozen left overs from which to choose? And since he hasn't shown at any fancy shows, the dressage bridle that I had pieced together for him was fine. For the past year though, I've been studying the Micklem Competition Bridle. I do not believe that any piece of tack will turn your horse into a model citizen. Replacing ill-fitting tack might certainly make him behave better, but a piece of tack is not going to train your horse. Even so, the premise of the bridle was intriguing: ergonomically designed from the inside out to fit the shape of the horse's skull; comfortable, flexible and effective. So I researched. I read every review on SmartPak, Dover, and COTH and any other reviews I could find. And then I waited a few months and read them again. I searched other riders' blogs and read what they had to say. And then I waited a few more months. I finally came to the conclusion that the bridle didn't have to work any miracles. If it fit Sydney, was of nice quality, and didn't bother him, then it would be a justifiable purchase as I wanted a bridle that was chosen just for him anyway. But if it did improve his way of going even just a little bit, then the purchase would really be worth it. Enter SmartPak. The Micklem Competition Bridle is listed at $189.95 for regular shoppers, but USEF members get it for $180.45 with free shipping (both ways). My decision was made, the order was placed, and the daily stalking of UPS began. I didn't take a picture of the bridle in its package because I was in a hurry to get it out and see it, but if you do purchase the bridle yourself, know that it does not come assembled. It's not overly difficult to put together, but it does come with some extra pieces (bit clips and extra bit hangers) that did confuse me for a few moments. You should also know that it doesn't come with directions either, although SmartPak has three very good videos (available in the additional views area on the item's page) that will walk you through the bridle's assembly and fit. Even though I had watched the videos several times, I did have to watch one of them again as I was fitting the bridle to Sydney. I just didn't like the fit the first time I put it on him. But after watching Micklem himself explain it again, I got a fit I liked. So here's what I think of the bridle so far (I will be reviewing it several times over the next few days, weeks, and months.) My initial reaction: like it. Sydney's initial reaction: love it! As I was adjusting it, Sydney started sucking and chewing the bit like it was candy. His mouth got all foamy in the cross ties, and I couldn't keep his head up to adjust the bridle. I finally knelt on the ground at his feet to finish buckling it together. This is a horrible photo as I was fitting the bridle in the near dark, but you can see the foam around his lips that formed just during the fitting. Since it was getting dark, I threw my saddle on and rode him for a few minutes just to see what I thought. I've learned a lot myself in the last few weeks about bending Sydney more correctly to get a better right lead canter, so it could simply be that my aids are suddenly more effective, but I really think he went better in this bridle.
It just felt that he resisted less and that he was more through more quickly. He was softer in the poll with less bracing in his neck and jaw. I hate even writing this as it could have nothing to do with the bridle, but I think it might have been more comfortable for him. More to come ...
When I switched Guinness over to a drop noseband, I was loathe to think his less dramatic reaction to contact was from just the bridle. However, I'm pretty convinced now that it was the best tool to help him gain confidence in my hands. Maybe we'd have advanced to where we are without it, but certainly not as fast. 12/11/2013 10:27:56 am
I read your post about the dropped noseband, and considered that route, but the price of the bridle was something I could afford so I just went the easy route.
It's interesting to note that a lot of old photos of Thoroughbreds in dressage and eventing from the 40s-80s have the horses in drop nosebands. They really seemed to be the noseband of choice for the hotter breeds. It's only been recently (and around the same time as the rise of the warmblood) that the flash noseband has taken over. Sure, a properly done flash can get the job done; however, a drop is certainly more stable. 12/12/2013 10:32:34 am
I have to confess that I really know nothing about the efficacy of the different styles of nosebands. I know they're job is to stabilize the bit, but I have very little practical experience in how successful each style has been for my boys. Very interested to hear your further reviews. I've been eyeing this bridle for a while but nobody I know personally uses it and I don't really have a need for a new bridle at the moment. But, it is something I might look into in the future when I finally get a dressage bridle. 12/11/2013 10:28:55 am
I really wanted to see one in action before I spent the money, but I've yet to see one in person. So far, I am very happy with it.
Sandra
12/10/2013 12:05:29 am
I too am looking forward to your reviews. It is really important to have the RIGHT tool for the job. I think ill fitting tack is the number one "behavior issue" ever! I would love to get Woobie a better fitting bridle! 12/11/2013 10:31:09 am
I don't think anything was "wrong" with his other bridle, but he certainly likes this one better. I have no doubt about it. He is working much better in it. 12/11/2013 10:32:21 am
I am quite surprised, but I KNOW he likes it. He is working better in it each day. We're going to a clinic this weekend, so I really curious how he goes when we're off the property in a "scary" situation. 12/10/2013 02:39:35 am
When I have the extra, I've been wanting one of these forever as my Arabian/pinto mare hates a traditional noseband but needs something to help stabilize her jaw/the bit as she's had rough riding in the past before I got her. 12/11/2013 10:34:03 am
While it's not an inexpensive bridle, it is a bit cheaper than some of the fancier models. If you really think she'll like it, you might want to save up your pennies. Sydney DEFINITELY likes it. You (or really, Sydney!) drew a lot of the same conclusions Connor did when I first got mine. I've had it since April now and really like the way he goes in it. I hate calling it the equipment too, but there really is something to designing tack based on scientific observation rather than historical fashion. 12/11/2013 10:35:59 am
I tried it the first few times with a cloud of doubt and skepticism coloring my view so I know I am not just jumping on a bandwagon here. Sydney genuinely likes this bridle better. I am positive of it. I didn't realize you used one as well. I'll have to go back through some of your posts and look for it. :0)
Kindra
11/9/2016 08:35:06 am
I teeter tottered about a Micklem for a long time. I have a rescue Arabian who would pull, tense, and fight as someone had been ugly to her mouth. She's so sensitive you just think "right" and she goes so I can't imagine why someone would have fought her so hard. Anyhow, she was head tossing and pulling so much riding was miserable no matter how soft or dynamic I kept my hands and arms. After ignoring all the suggestions for tie downs and various force her head down stuff I gave in and bought the bridle. BEST purchase ever. I got on not expecting much and I'm sure aliens had swapped my mare out. She was a dream. Relaxed, forward, non-resistant. Just getting the pressure moved over the poll and the bit no longer resting on the delicate bars in her mouth.... She was a new horse. 11/11/2016 09:58:30 am
I am glad you found it so helpful!!!!! Izzy didn't go so well in it so I sold his. I still have one for Speedy, but I haven't used it in a while. I now ride him in a hanging snaffle, a baucher, but the bit straps of the Micklem didn't work too well with the cheek pieces of the bit. Either way, I still like the bridle and think it's a good choice for some horses.
Lauren Lansdowne
7/24/2017 12:37:23 pm
I have an Arabian that is super sensitive and I was riding him in a hackamore, because he resisted the bit so much, but I got the Micklem bridle with a baucher bit and he is a dream. Doesn't resist the bit anymore, goes quietly. I definitely think it made a difference for my boy, and I do think there is something about the way that the noseband and the "throat latch" work together to stabilize his mouth since he is such a worrier. Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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