Comfort Crown Bridles for Hunters

[equito]

I've been looking for a show bridle for a while now, and these are the latest thing that has caught my attention, mostly because the Smart Pak line seems to have gotten excellent reviews and all but the most expensive one are the comfort crown (not monocrown) design. Schneider’s Tack also makes some that seem interesting...
Anyway, I was wondering if they'd be considered--God forbid :eek:-- "unconventional" in the hunter ring. Since I'm looking for a show bridle, it has to be suitable for showing... :winkgrin: Any thoughts or experiences?


Edit: Although most of you probably know what I'm talking about anyway, here's a link to one of Smart Pak's comfort crown-style bridles: http://www.smartpakequine.com/productclass.aspx?productClassid=7215. IMO, it looks super nice for a cheap(ish) bridle! Even the reins have fancy stitching... pretty nice for the price.

[Einstein]

I think they're fine for the show ring, I don't think a judge would even notice.
I just bought a new bridle, but didn't go with the Smart Pak. I went with one that I know will hold up, SP bridles are too new for me and does not have a proven record.

[equito]

Perhaps I'll just try the fancy-stitched Harwich or, if I feel like splurging, the Wellfleet... Any thoughts on the Harwich?

[BAC]

I suppose they could be considered unconventional only because they are a relatively new concept but unless you are right next to the horse I don't think it would even be noticeable. And I have a hard time imagining any decent judge penalizing you for using this type of bridle.

[akhunterrider]

These are a newer idea, but I have seen these since about 2005. They are completely acceptable.

As far as the smartpak bridles, I have heard good things. I would personally buy the Harwich or the Plymouth, as I'm not looking for a huge investment. In my opinion, any bridle or piece of tack can be made to look a lot nice than they truly are with oiling and good care.

[touchstone-]

I don't understand these. They seem like a solution in search of a problem. Can someone enlighten me? Am I just lucky to have never had a horse with a sensitive poll?

[equito]

I don't understand these. They seem like a solution in search of a problem. Can someone enlighten me? Am I just lucky to have never had a horse with a sensitive poll?

I've heard mixed opinions about whether they make a difference or not; some say their horses don't behave any differently than they would with a normal crown and others are surprised to find that their horse is more relaxed/accepting/whatever with the comfort crown design... The point of the crowns is to only have one strap against the poll and therefore to spread pressure there over a wider area (and thus reduce it), so yes, they'd be good for a horse with a sensitive poll. Like I said earlier, my interest in them is primaraly due to the comfort crowns being the only crown the Smart Pak bridles use (except for the monocrown on their most expensive bridle). So, although I'm intrigued by the concept, I mostly want the bridle because it's a Smart Pak bridle and I've heard good things about them, not because of the crown.:yes:

[Miss Motivation]

I have a pony harness headstall with that contour feature that is close to 10 years old. There's nothing new under the sun. :)

[equito]

I'm super excited. I finally decided to order the Harwich (with the fancy stitching); we'll see how it is! :winkgrin:

[Iride]

How do you like it?