Best synthetic bridle

[heathera]

I know we've chatted a little in the past but I now want to sort out synthetic bridles for the youngsters as they've finished growing and I'm fed up of having soaking wet leather bridles that I have to gently dry and deep condition every single day due to the weather. The leather is really suffering as I can't ever dry it fully before it's being soaked by rain again.

If possible I want bridles that I can unclip the bits from the use them as headcollars too and that aren't skinny things, I think wider webbing or straps look better on the Dales heads.

In the past I've tried Libby's (buckles rusted within a month and very skinny straps) and a friend let me try her Zilco bridle (again too thin and seemed a weird size). In the past I've used Plas Equestrian and still use one of there's that's now 15yrs old and going strong but it's not one with an easily removable bit.

Recommendations and pictures anyone? I asked my saddler if she'd make me one out of nylon webbing material but she only works in leather

[harveydales]

I really like my Performance Equestrian one but have no experience of other makes so can't really compare.

[dalesnfellfan]

I too tried a Libbys one and agree the buckles are very flimsy and rust very quickly, I think they really let the bridles down, I never really trusted the bridle, also the standard sizing didn't fit a Fell head.

I had mine made for Spud by a friend in lovely wide substantial webbing in emerald green and black with big sturdy stainless buckles, unfortunately he never got to wear it as he went lame just before it was finished but it fits Emerald a treat and the colour really suits her and is very apt.

I used to have one made by Plas Equestrian for my old TB that was made in two tone plaited web for the noseband, reins and brow band and plain webbing head piece it had detachable bit and was very smart and durable not sure if they still do them though.

[heathera]

I had a look at the Performance Equestrian ones and like the look of them but even their thick one is thinner than my leather bridles. I might drop them a line and see if they have any thicker stuff.

[harleydales]

Halrey has a wonderful green combination bridle that was made by a lady called Helen Hogben in Aberdeenshire - the same width as a standard headcollar. I don't think she's still on the go though.

Kincade are good bit I don't know if they do a combination bridle.

[heathera]

I love the one Harley has and wish I could find someone to make some for me. At this rate I'll be breaking out the sewing machine and making my own

[louise]

I have bought 2 synthetics from Bitless and Barefoot (http://www.bitlessandbarefoot.com). Susan is really helpful.

I have the Matrix bitless bridle in the Beta material (very soft and lovely) and she also made one to fit Mable in silver webbing with silver and black plaited reins, which I have a snaffle on and use most of the time. They are really good quality and have been worth the money. The webbing one has washed in the machine fab.
You can choose different clips etc to suit. As I said, I also use the webbing one with a bit so they are not just for hackamores etc.

The Matrix is on Mable as my pic on here, and (if it has worked!) I have added the silver bridle but showing a hackamore on her.
I asked Susan to add extra holes to the cheek pieces so I could lengthen and shorten depending on what I ride her in.

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[dalesnfellfan]

Hi Louise, welcome to Dalesfans, why don't you introduce yourself and Mabel properly in the new members section and tell us all about what you and Mabel are up to, she looks lovely, one of Maggies I presume.