The Micklem in Action

1/10/2014

By its second use, I knew the bridle was a keeper. By the third ride, I was beginning to be a believer. I wish I could explain how these few pieces of leather strapping can change the way your horse moves while under saddle, but I can't. Maybe I've simply become a better rider at the right time for him. Either way, I know Sydney likes it and is moving better in it.

Now remember, I've only ridden him in it for about a month. In six months, the novelty might wear off, and we might be back to playing the same game of how hard can you pull? But even in just a few dozen rides, Sydney feels different. He hasn't turned into an upper level horse or anything, but he is definitely softer through his neck and poll.

When I have to really use my hands, like in a hard halt, or exaggerating the bend, or slowing down from a big gallop, I feel as though I am touching his whole face and not just his mouth. The reins feel as though they are connected like how an octopus grabs onto it's prey - touching everywhere.

Instead of riding with two reins, I feel as though I have eight!

I read one reviewer's comment, and at first, I thought it sounded like a harsh use of the bridle, but now I get it. She said the bridle gave her more 'leverage.' That is a really good way to put it.

Another improvement that I've noticed over the past few weeks is that Sydney no longer flips his nose when he's anxious. With his other bridle, he would flip his nose like there was a fly bothering him. I am not sure if his previous bridle's crank noseband caused him to be itchy or if it put pressure somewhere, but he is no longer doing that little head flip. That seems like a good thing.

So for now, the bridle seems to be working as advertised. Even so, I like it for more reasons than that. It looks really nice on him and fits him super well. I am also really happy with how easy it is to put on. It has two simple straps: one under the jaw and one at the bit.

The leather has also relaxed nicely. We're now on the third hole at the jaw strap, and I was also able to move to the third hole on the flash. I like this bridle so much that I just ordered one for Speedy.

More to come ...

I hope Speedy likes it as much as Sydney and I do!

Tori link

1/9/2014 10:20:27 pm

I too love my Micklem. I was a believer the minute I rode my last horse in it and my coach said she noticed a huge difference the minute I got on his back! He would stretch into the bridle, not away from it. It helped us immensely.

They have the same action as a drop, they close the mouth but still allow the jaw to move unlike a flash. The horse can still chew and finds comfort in the bridle. The difference with the Micklem is that it is designed to avoid all pressure points on the face so the idea is the horse can not feel the bridle on their face at all, and thus relax into it more.

I'm going on year three with mine!

Bakersfield Dressage link

1/10/2014 10:10:25 am

Oh, I "get" all that, but that it actually "works" is what amazes me. Who would have thought?! I hope Speedy likes it. When I bridle him now with his current bridle (as basic as it is), I just harrumph at how uncomfortable is looks!

Amanda link

1/9/2014 11:29:30 pm

Okay, I really need to try this bridle!

1/10/2014 10:13:37 am

I tend to get a bit too gung-ho when I find something I like, but buying two Micklems in two months seems like overkill, huh?! That's how much I like it for Sydney.

Speedy isn't as resistant as Sydney, but he isn't nearly as relaxed in his dressage bridle as he is in his trail bridle (no flash or noseband). I am hoping this will give us just a bit more relaxation.

SprinklerBandits link

1/9/2014 11:30:01 pm

Glad you are liking it!

1/10/2014 10:14:02 am

Enough to buy a second one!

Amanda

1/10/2014 12:08:27 am

Karen! You need some bling STAT!!!! ESPECIALLY for Speedy G!!!!!

1/10/2014 10:15:47 am

Aack! Not a blingy girl. Where would he wear it????? All suggestions welcome! :0)

1/10/2014 11:48:41 pm

Browband, girlfriend. I'll find you some options! I seriously love me some bling.

Austen link

1/10/2014 12:12:53 am

Okay, I'm really interested in hearing how Speedy does with this bridle. I'm more and more convinced that most Thoroughbreds really need to be ridden in a drop/micklem when learning contact. That style of noseband just seems to be the ticket to relaxation with them!

1/10/2014 10:18:39 am

There is no doubt AT ALL in my mind that Sydney is doing better in it. I feel like I've also made some big growth in my riding this past month, but that can't account for everything. He is definitely happier in the Micklem.

As for Speedy, it may simply turn out to be an easier bridle to keep clean, but we'll see. Each time I bridle him now, I can't help but wonder how the flash and caveson can be comfortable. They just look so restrictive.

Lauren link

1/10/2014 12:37:56 am

All these great reviews on this bridle make me wish it was an option in the hunter ring!

1/10/2014 10:20:56 am

I know it is FEI approved, but maybe it's just not fashionable enough for the hunters? I really wouldn't know, and I am certain you know the tack rules for the hunter ring, but another peek might be worth the time. Although for the hunters, it would probably stand out as "ugly." I sure like it though!

Kylie link

1/10/2014 02:13:01 am

I have to say, your posts on the Micklem have prompted me to buy one and try it out on my Dutch Warmblood to see if it makes any difference for us. Thanks and I look forward to hearing how Speedy likes his. :)

1/10/2014 10:22:57 am

Have you already tried it? I hope Speedy goes as well in it as Sydney does. And if not, it's still the easiest dressage bridle to clean and put on. My endurance tack was easier to clean and put on, but for leather, this one takes the prize!

1/10/2014 10:31:41 am

I just picked it up today, so I am planning on trying it out tomorrow. I'll let you know how he likes it. :)

1/10/2014 10:33:08 am

Please do! And I hope it's a successful experiment. :0)

Alanna link

1/11/2014 02:40:06 am

I definitely want to get one! I've been planning to do it for a long time, I just haven't made the commitment. My horse's birthday (and mine) is in March, so I think that's what we are getting. :) Thanks for the review!

1/11/2014 10:40:59 pm

I looked at them for a year before I decided to get one, and then I ended up ordering two! Sydney really likes his … no doubt about it. I don't know if I will see such a favorable response from Speedy, but that's okay. I really want it for him because I simply like the ease and look of the bridle.

Hopefully the birthday fairy will be generous to you. :0)

Comments are closed.

Not-So-Speedy Dressage