show bridle

[diva4ever]

I'm in the market for a show bridle...I've done the research and have decided to stick with the better name brands (Beval, Pessoa, Edgewood, etc). The problem is, I ride with a tack noseband and the stitching really doesn't match any other fancy-stitched bridles. My current bridle is just a plain raised, so I was thinking of just going with that, but in a better quality than the ovation I have. But can I get a fancy stitched martingale and reins? or is it tacky to get 2 different kinds of stitching? Could I get away with padding if the tack noseband isnt'? I need opinions please...I've seen some on ebay that I like but am also curious if I can get a padded bridle without stitching (unless the 2 different types of stitching wouldn't look too bad together).

Oh, and this is for future A-circuit use, so it does need to look good.

THANKS!

[Pirateer]

I think some bridles can be ordered with a tack noseband.

I wouldn't, IMHO, consider the Pessoas a "top bridle brand".

I think the Dover Wellington line has an orderable tack noseband, and I have been fairly impressed with those.

[BAC]

I wouldn't, IMHO, consider the Pessoas a "top bridle brand".


Definitely not a top quality bridle. Since this is going to eventually be an "A" show bridle, why not splurge on a Hadfields? I'm pretty sure they make a tack noseband.

And if you want a plain, padded bridle, both Edgewood and Hadfields offers that.

[eqrider1234]

Just curious, are tack nosebands legal? considered unconventional?

[Pirateer]

Just curious, are tack nosebands legal? considered unconventional?

Yes and No.

That said, I wouldn't suggest that you go around with one where you could SEE the tacks...

[superpony123]

Just curious, are tack nosebands legal? considered unconventional?

not 100% sure, but i think so--on the other hand, ive seen horses who go around with tacks or chains on the noseband and i didn't even realize it until they took the bridle off. so, i suppose it depends on how noticeable it is. if it's fairly obvious, the OP might want to consider something different. otherwise, if the judge shouldn't be able to see it without really really looking closely, then it's fine (after all, the judge is watching you ride, not checking what's under your tack, right?)

[superpony123]

anyway, OP, if your noseband is plain w/o stitching (i think thats what you said) try getting a Beval Newport bridle. excellent quality. not cheap, but well worth it. (also, btw, i would not consider Pessoa to be top quality anymore. many moons ago they made fantastic saddles, but nowadays? the leather sucks, and all of their products kind of suck now. sure, theyre better than some of the crappy saddles ive seen, but the leather is not worth the price you pay)

as for the martingale/reins, i think it would look a bit odd if the martingale and reins had fancy stitching and the whole bridle didnt. though. after oiling, it isn't terribly noticeable -- but still, when looking at a close distance, it would look funny.

[chawley]

You haven't mentioned your budget. If that is not an issue, then I'd go with a Hadfield or Jimmy's, but if you need to stay under $500, then look at the ADT, Edgewood, Vespucci, or Beval.

[Rhody Ram]

Pessoa saddles suck but from what I've seen, their bridles and strapgoods are nice. BIG difference from the saddles.

[pattnic]

My personal theory on stitching is that it's okay if it doesn't match, but the stitching on the browband must either be equal to or more ornate than the stitching on the noseband. I am also okay with a plain noseband and stitched browband.

Agree with the others that Pessoa is not a "top name brand." I personally love Beval bridles (they're nice bridles, AND they fit my horses really well with no switching out parts, etc).

I would pick Beval or Edgewood over Vespucci or AdT any day.

[Pirateer]

My personal theory on stitching is that it's okay if it doesn't match, but the stitching on the browband must either be equal to or more ornate than the stitching on the noseband. I am also okay with a plain noseband and stitched browband.



I am the exact opposite. The noseband MUST be stitched, I'll ignore a naked browband.

[diva4ever]

Thanks for the advice so far...
I just looked at the new tack noseband I got and the stitching it has is very dark so once I oil it it will hardly be noticeable. As far as my budget, under $300 if I can...I'm studying ebay and all the sales to try to find the best deal. I played with bridles tonight and padding might be out unless I can find something around 1/2" (the 3/4 or 5/8 I tried on him looked bad). He doesn't look good either in a massive raised bridle. I could maybe get away with fancy stitch but my trainer suggested I stay with just the plain. I didn't ask her about getting the fancy stitch martingale/reins but from the advice I've gotten I guess I'll go plain...

So I guess the best thing to do is wait for sales or find something used. Thanks for the headsup on the Pessoas. Any other ideas...I'm open so keep them coming :)

[mvp]

If you want to put barbed wire on the inside of your noseband, you can with a top brand-- Hadfield's Bevals or Edgewood-- and yes, you can (and should) look good doin' it. I know nothing about how street legal you will be, but you won't be able to tell what's on the inside of these nosebands-- like having the broken tail light that get you pulled over for the cop to find something bigger in your trunk.

I'm not a fan of fancy stitching but if you get one part fancy stitched, then the others need to be too. That means brow, nose and martingale, at least. I'd say make the reins stitched, too.

It makes no sense to get a padded brow with a plain noseband, at least to me. I think the padded noseband was invented first and the brow eventually padded to match. I think the padded noseband came in around the same time as crank nosebands. If you are dead set on a padded look, I'll be you can find some high-end bridle maker to make you one that's padded and has tacks or a sewn in chain. In the tacks case, they just need to be longer to extend through the layer of padding.

[BAC]

Rebecca at www.premiertackoutlet.com (http://www.premiertackoutlet.com) has some very nice bridles, both new and used, her prices are discounted and she's good to work with. Definitely worth giving her a call.

[vxf111]

I don't get the concept of padding... and tacking... a noseband. Incongruous.

[diva4ever]

I found an Arc de Triomphe on ebay (the Vivaldi) that I ordered and I'll see how it looks with him and the tack noseband. I showed my trainer a picture and she thinks it'll look great on him - a little padding and a slight square raise to compliment him. I guess I should've been a little more clear that I already have a tack noseband, I was trying to find something to go with it. And the tack noseband is legal/ok in the show ring - my trainer says she sees a good handful of them on the hunters at shows. Thanks for all your advice!

[BAC]

And the tack noseband is legal/ok in the show ring - my trainer says she sees a good handful of them on the hunters at shows. Thanks for all your advice!

I have no idea whether a tack noseband falls under the non-traditional category but just because trainer has seen it at shows doesn't mean its legal. Its unlikely to be penalized though, because the judge is probably not close enough to notice.