Nice Bridles in the $200 - $250 range?

[BigDreams07]

What bridles are nice for this price range? I want something that is fancy stitched, padding doesnt matter. Also, I prefer something that includes reins and a martingale that matches ( obviously this isnt included) But yea, just something show quality that breaks in well and will oil up well.

TIA!

[cleozowner]

I have the high-end Bobby's (with the English calfskin leather) in a figure 8, and I am impressed. The tobacco color is similar to an Edgewood before oiling, but it takes oil well. EqTack has one with padding, one with padding and squared raised and one without padding:
http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1510-english-leather-fancy-stitched-snaffle-bridle&cName=english-tack-snaffle-bridles
http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1511-english-leather-fancy-stitched-snaffle-bridle&cName=english-tack-snaffle-bridles
http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1515-english-leather-square-raised-fancy-stitched-snaffle-bridle&cName=english-tack-snaffle-bridles

Martingale: http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1507-english-fancy-stitched-standing-martingale&cName=english-tack-stndmartingales

However, if you go on the Bits and Barter forum and look up MountainWalking, she can get you the bridle/martingale for a much better deal!

ETA: In fact, she's got the square raised one for $195 right now:
http://www.bitsandbarter.proboards74.com/index.cgi?board=saletack&action=display&thread=7265

[ColoredHares]

I've never had a Bobby's, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews about their quality for the lower price. If I ever get off bridle purchase restriction, I would buy a Bobby's. I've looked at them on eBay, and have almost defied the restriction and purchased one.

[Elementgrl2]

The Beval Stamford, is nice for the price

[Little Valkyrie]

I love all of my Bobby's Bridles. I would say that in the long run, I think the leather on my Bobby's bridles is better than that on the Vespucci I have. Definitely one of the best for the price!

[BigDreams07]

Okay, well I guess I will get a Bobby's! I was orginally looking at the Vespucci but didnt know if they were any nice ones in a lower price range

[anabug]

I pieced together my Edgewood figure-8 bridle from the Edgewood store on ebay. You can find some fantastic deals through them.

[Brown Horse]

I pieced together my Edgewood figure-8 bridle from the Edgewood store on ebay. You can find some fantastic deals through them.

I was going to suggest this. They have a few for $150 right now b/c of a pencil eraser sized over-dye spot (so basically a tiny spot that's a bit darker that you wont even be able to see once you oil it!).

Oh and I've ONLY heard good things about the Bobby's bridles :yes:

[BigDreams07]

Ok cool, I will try to find the Edgewood ebay store!

[BeastieSlave]

I had a Bobby's bridle that I just HATED! Be sure to get the higher quality Bobby's if you go that route. Mine was pretty crappy and seemed to have a crackly surface and funky dye job. FWIW, I LOVE my Beval bridles.

[PinkPonies]

The Beval Stamford, is nice for the price

That's what I was going to say!

Bobby's are great too - I've had one for about 15 years I bought for as cheap used schooling bridle - had never even heard of Bobby's. Except having to replace a couple keepers, it has held up amazingly well and cleans up to look like new!

[BAC]

I would try the ebay store for an Edgewood or the Beval Stamford. The only fancy stitched Bobby's I've seen the leather looked very plasticy and shiny, not that nice sheen that really good tack has. The Dover Circuit Grand Prix bridle is really good looking for too and its under $200.

[Twix04]

I would try the ebay store for an Edgewood or the Beval Stamford. The only fancy stitched Bobby's I've seen the leather looked very plasticy and shiny, not that nice sheen that really good tack has. The Dover Circuit Grand Prix bridle is really good looking for too and its under $200.

Sorry to add another conflicting review, but I found the opposite to be true. I bought a Dover Circuit through ebay and was very disappointed; it looked like the leather color was painted on. The two Bobby's bridles I've had have been very nice, but they take time to supple up (lower end). I sold both of them, but I still have the flat laced reins from my first Bobby's from four years ago, and they are super supple and dark...WISH I could have an exact 2nd set without the work it took to get them there...I think I've decided that raised fancy stitched reins is just too much.

And I adore my Vespucci bridle. I've had no issues with glue leakage and it takes oil fairly well. It's very soft, lovely padding, and it looks gorgeous either dirty or clean! :lol:

And I also have the Beval LTD 2 bridle, lovely stitching and took oilings well to darken up, except the reins...Leather is very nice quality. Be aware though that the Beval bridles come wih 5/8" cheek pieces which to me looks like a bit much on a more refined head. I don't know if you could ask specifically for standard size cheeks like on other bridles.

Now if only I could get my hands on a Hadfield for a bargain basement price :lol:...*dreamy*

[BAC]

And I also have the Beval LTD 2 bridle, lovely stitching and took oilings well to darken up, except the reins...Leather is very nice quality. Be aware though that the Beval bridles come wih 5/8" cheek pieces which to me looks like a bit much on a more refined head. I don't know if you could ask specifically for standard size cheeks like on other bridles.

Now if only I could get my hands on a Hadfield for a bargain basement price :lol:...*dreamy*

Premier Tack Outlet has one Hadfield left, check it out at www.premiertackoutlet.com (http://www.premiertackoutlet.com). Its an oversize but remember Hadfields run small. Rebecca is great to work with.

BTW my Beval Heritage cheek pieces are only 1/2 I think and my Circuit bridle is beautiful, people always think its a much more expensive brand than Dover. I think their leather varies drastically, I haven't seen any other Circuits as nice as mine.

[pattnic]

Here's my thoughts - take them for what they're worth:

Dover Circuit - the OLDER Circuits are nice for the money (think no later than about 2001/02), then the quality got crappy, then it got better, and now they've changed completely and aren't as nice anymore (their saddles have also changed about three times since the introduction of the Pro, and I would no longer recommend them).

Beval Stamford - See the thread I started about it and the subsequent review I posted (first post) http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=188679&highlight=beval+stamford+bridle

Bobby's - I really was not impressed with the Bobby's bridle I had, the extra reins I had, or any other Bobby's pieces (lower end) I've seen that my friends had. The leather and the finish is just not nice.

Vespucci - overpriced for the quality, runs huge

My suggestions: See what's available on eBay from edgewoodleather... it's the Edgewood makers clearancing "seconds" and discontinued items (recent leather switch, so stuff made with the old leather is discontinued). Also check eBay and consignment tack stores, etc, for high-quality used bridles. EquusNow (last I checked) had an Edgewood on consignment, Premier Tack Outlet usually has good deals... you get the idea. By buying things used (in good condition), I have gotten higher-end Beval bridles for less than $150 (a New Canaan for $150 and a Heritage figure-8 for $90).

ETA - Forgot to mention that I have been impressed with Aramas and HK Americana bridles at the lower price points (Aramas is or was, actually contracted out to HK, as I believe the old Circuits were)

[AlterStrength]

I've never had a Bobby's, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews about their quality for the lower price. If I ever get off bridle purchase restriction, I would buy a Bobby's. I've looked at them on eBay, and have almost defied the restriction and purchased one.

Bobby's any day over Vespucci... 100% Love love love them! heard good things too about the Nunn Finer bridles. But if you want a figure 8 nose band you have to buy that additionally which is the only thing i don't like.

[curiousgirl]

I have 2 Americana bridles and have been quite happy with them. People often think it's an 'expensive' bridle and are surprised that I paid $175+/-

[Renn/aissance]

The HDR Americana bridles are nice. :yes: I do like the high-end Bobby's bridles a lot, but I think if you could get an Edgewood that would be your best bet. Remember that Edgewoods stretch; I bought a cob-sized Edgewood for my horse-sized horse.

[TackShopGal]

I'll chime in for the Americana by Harmon Craft. These mid range bridles have very tight, even stitching & they take oil very well (a problem with lower/mid bridles is that oil does not soak in evenly). Thumbs up for the Americana. Well under $ 250

[pbrain1088]

I really like the Aramas brand you can find some good deals on them on ebay.

I just picked this one up brand new on ebay for less then $125. It oiled up really nice and soft a lot better then the Harmohn kraft brand.
http://www.equestriancollections.com/itemmatrix.asp?groupcode=ER01543

i used to love the dover circuit bridles, but have to agree the quality isn't there anymore.

[Little Indian]

I second the HK Americanas. I have one for my pony and everyone thinks that it is an Edgewood. It is the square raised and padded and fancy stitched, but doesn't overpower his very pretty face.

[mysandi]

I love Pink Equine branded bridles. They're made of soft Italian leather and they are awesome.

[Equitate.]

Beval Gladstone- the fancy stitch is like ~280, its already havana, so oiling just makes more havana-ey. Nice leather quality, breaks in nicely, and looks good. The only thing is that it has wide loopy fancy stitching, so it may not be the right look for every horse.

Beval Stamford is nice as well, but mine for some reason never darkened quite right, and when it darkened with use different parts darkened to different shades. It's weird. All in all it stays pretty orangey. The leather is VERY soft, like butter after it's broken in.

[SEFBH87]

Try courbette!! I have had several of them and they are great! Oil and soften up wonderfully. Don't have anything negative to say about them at all.

[Horsezee]

Not too long ago bought a brand new Arc De Triomphe 'Starman' bridle for our new horse on e-Bay within that price point. It is absolutely stunning. I think I am going to like it even more than our other Imperial ADT bridles. I know there was another brand new Starman on there for sale after I bought mine with the rubber reins instead of the braided reins that mine has. Check e-Bay as well as store sales for deals. :)

[SquishTheBunny]

Definately edgewood,havent found anything new that oiles up as nice. Get a second from ebay, or there are often used ones there too.

Vespucci's arent that great. Bobbys cheaper line are hit and miss. Their high end line is nice,but not as nice as the edgewood.

I also love the beval newport- they are the best quality beval has and are on sale right now. One is on ebay for $150, reins included.

[chawley]

Another vote for the Bobby bridles. I have one for everyday schooling and it's a very nice bridle. Super soft leather and looks great. If I didn't already have a show bridle, I'd just use it for showing too.

[chawley]

I would try the ebay store for an Edgewood or the Beval Stamford. The only fancy stitched Bobby's I've seen the leather looked very plasticy and shiny, not that nice sheen that really good tack has. The Dover Circuit Grand Prix bridle is really good looking for too and its under $200.

I stripped mine with ammonia and oiled it w/hydrophane and it oiled up beautifully. I wonder if the ones you've seen didn't have the waxy stuff fully removed. They use a lot of it!

[SportsFan46]

Rodrigo Pessoa Line by English Riding Supply ( they are the distributor.. most good stores carry their lines )
Some of the fancier models are a bit over the $250 but the rest are under.

[forestergirl99]

Bobby's makes very good quality bridles. They rival the high-quality brands, imo. I love them!

I would be wary of Vespucci. I've heard quite a few reviews on COTH of them suddenly breaking out of the blue.

[Heinz 57]

I'm going to throw out a less-known...

Five Star bridles. I have one, only bought it because I actually saw it in my local tack store and it was GORGEOUS. Abso-freaking-lutely gorgeous. I also have a Bobby's and an Edgewood and neither seem as nice as the Five Star - the Bobby's is on the stiff side, and the Edgewood is so soft and flimsy feeling that I'm afraid it will break, or at the very least, stretch terribly.

On top of that, they're having a sale right now. And no - I am in no way affiliated with this company, I just really LOVE their work!

www.fivestartack.com

[BAC]

I'm going to throw out a less-known... [Five Star bridles.

Actually they are fairly well known on COTH, the owner posts here. ;) A friend has one and it is beautiful leather. My only criticism is that some of their models lack the slotted cavesson although I understand that the newer versions will incorporate that feature.

[ponymom64]

Well, I'm ashamed to say that I just bought an Aramas wide noseband bridle off eBay for a *very* good price - it's the round raised fancy stitched with the comfort crown in chocolate. It looks pretty in the picture, I hope it looks nice on the monster when it gets here....

I'm only ashamed because I'm supposed to be a on a budget and this was not factored in at the moment, but I hate to pass up a bargain

[BAC]

You shouldn't be ashamed Ponymom, you are going to need that bridle eventually, its good you bought it now while it was on sale. See, you actually saved money buying it now. :yes:

[ponymom64]

You shouldn't be ashamed Ponymom, you are going to need that bridle eventually, its good you bought it now while it was on sale. See, you actually saved money buying it now. :yes:

You are SO right, I'm saving money, not spending at all :)

Thank you, I feel much better now......

[RugBug]

I just bought a Red Barn Icon Hunter Bridle from SmartPak. It's regularly $218 (reins included) but SP has it on sale for $109.

I'm crossing my fingers it's nice. At any rate, I'm sure it's nicer than the 25 year old bridle that I'm currently using.

[JimmyChoo22]

Love my Ovation tack!!! Beautiful bridles & martingales.

[ICStables]

I have a Beval for my duaghters horse that is really nice. I also have a KL Select though it was priced much higher but great bridle. The Beval is great for hard to fit horses also.

[Heinz 57]

Actually they are fairly well known on COTH, the owner posts here. ;) A friend has one and it is beautiful leather. My only criticism is that some of their models lack the slotted cavesson although I understand that the newer versions will incorporate that feature.

Which is exactly why I referred to is as a less-known, rather than an unknown. :) I just meant it isn't an Edgewood, or a Bobby's or a Red Barn - the ones that you see mentioned over and over in every bridle thread.

What is a slotted cavesson? Mine in particular is actually a figure eight, so I'm probably not picturing what you mean.

[kgro632]

Second the Rodrigo Pessoa, I have a fancy stitched, raised padded bridle, that oiled to a beautiful deep havana. I've been using it regulaly for two years. No complaints here!

I think I got it for $220.

I really want a Peter Wylde bridle, but I think they are around $300

[SquishTheBunny]

For bridles in your price range:

1. Hadfields (used, or off premier tack outlet)
2. Edgewood (often new on ebay)
3. Aramas
4. High end Bobby's

I have had a vespucci, and it was awful. My coaches vespucci is quite nice...quality is a huge hit or miss.

[ponymom64]

I just bought a Red Barn Icon Hunter Bridle from SmartPak. It's regularly $218 (reins included) but SP has it on sale for $109.

I'm crossing my fingers it's nice. At any rate, I'm sure it's nicer than the 25 year old bridle that I'm currently using.

I was going to buy this one but I really didn't need a bridle almost exactly like the one I already have but it *was* such a good price - it was hard not to....

So I did a quick eBay search and found the one I'd been looking for for only slightly more money, so I pulled the trigger on the Aramas....

Currently the little darlings only bridle is the Beval LTD 2 - it's a nice bridle but I've had some problems with the quality (I think it has since been discontinued).... Of course, Beval has been terrific about replacing the pieces that haven't held up

Anyway, he was feeling a little neglected and underdressed because all his friends have more than one bridle to choose from ;)

[Lucassb]

I was going to buy this one but I really didn't need a bridle almost exactly like the one I already have but it *was* such a good price - it was hard not to....

So I did a quick eBay search and found the one I'd been looking for for only slightly more money, so I pulled the trigger on the Aramas....

Currently the little darlings only bridle is the Beval LTD 2 - it's a nice bridle but I've had some problems with the quality (I think it has since been discontinued).... Of course, Beval has been terrific about replacing the pieces that haven't held up

Anyway, he was feeling a little neglected and underdressed because all his friends have more than one bridle to choose from ;)

Well, of course you did the right thing for him, Ponymom. Can't have the mighty Nick feeling neglected!!! A horse that jumps that well has to be dressed for the party!!

[irideponyhunters]

I have the high-end Bobby's (with the English calfskin leather) in a figure 8, and I am impressed. The tobacco color is similar to an Edgewood before oiling, but it takes oil well. EqTack has one with padding, one with padding and squared raised and one without padding:
http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1510-english-leather-fancy-stitched-snaffle-bridle&cName=english-tack-snaffle-bridles
http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1511-english-leather-fancy-stitched-snaffle-bridle&cName=english-tack-snaffle-bridles
http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1515-english-leather-square-raised-fancy-stitched-snaffle-bridle&cName=english-tack-snaffle-bridles

Martingale: http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/product_info.php?pName=1507-english-fancy-stitched-standing-martingale&cName=english-tack-stndmartingales

However, if you go on the Bits and Barter forum and look up MountainWalking, she can get you the bridle/martingale for a much better deal!

ETA: In fact, she's got the square raised one for $195 right now:
http://www.bitsandbarter.proboards74.com/index.cgi?board=saletack&action=display&thread=7265



I second the bobbys! I got one for my medium pony and it is fantastic! I didnt pay an outragious price for it, and it looks fantastic. It has raised fancy stitched reins, and raised and stitched browband and noseband. Right when i got it out of the box it wasnt the least bit stiff and really didnt have a time breaking it in. It fits wonderfully and i always get complements on how great it looks.

[Ghazzu]

I just bought a Nunn Finer Hampton in cob size for my little stallion at the VTO sale, and was very pleased with it.
Haven't oiled it up yet, but it looks lovely for the price.

[BigDreams07]

This is a little old but still very useful! I looked at the Egewoods, Arc De Triomphes, Vespuccis and actually ended up with a Red Barn because it was a gorgeous color and had the wide noseband I wanted. I LOVE it. So soft and i didnt even oil it that much.

[ponymom64]

Welllll, the Aramas just arrived - it is lovely but I am a-feared it is too big :(

We'll see when I try it on the little bugger tonight *fingers crossed*

[Thanatos]

I have always had big horses so I have a ton of really nice show bridles; however, my new horse who is older and is a place holder show horse until my baby is going is a cob. Since I know the baby won't be a cob, I didn't want to buy super expensive cob bridles for the new horse to show in. He has two Bobby's for schooling and sometimes for showing, his Figure 8 is a Pessoa and I have been thrilled with those bridles. (His eq bridle is a New Cav because I just can't say no to New Cav!!!) The pessoas are pretty nice for the price also the Showmark ones aren't bad. Beval carries many lines and there are definitely some that are in that price range though I see you've had problems with them in the past. Lots of brands have many price points for their bridles so you don't have to break the bank! :)