Hi All! I know Irish Draughts aren't actually considered a heavy draft breed, but I don't know where else to turn for some tack advice! I have a dressage saddle that fits my 17.3 1800# guy, but I'm having a heck of a time finding a bridle/noseband that fits him; he's got a BIG head. He's got a bit of a roman nose, and I keep trying oversize bridles on him to no avail. I've turned Smartpak and Dover upside down, with no luck on finding a great quality bridle with a flash. I prefer black, and again, I want a nice quality one- I don't like cheap leather or nylon, so I don't mind spending a little more for something that will last for the rest of the time I have this guy. Where do you all get your bridles?
If you're careful, you can get nice draft bridles on eBay without breaking the bank. However, first I would measure his head so you know exactly what size you need. Posted via Mobile Device
If you're careful, you can get nice draft bridles on eBay without breaking the bank. However, first I would measure his head so you know exactly what size you need. Posted via Mobile Device
I've bought two on eBay so far, and they were measured incorrectly :/ thanks for the suggestion though! If someone recommends a brand specifically, eBay will be the first place I check :)
I part lease an Irish Sport horse. His sire is Irish Draught and dam is Thbd. However, he looks full draught and his head is HUGE!!! So, I know how hard it is to find a good fitting bridle. His current bridle is from his owner. I had so much trouble getting it over his ears that I orderd a new browband in a 17" (which was like 50$) and the nose band is barely functional. I can just reach the last hole and since it's near the edge of the leather, it's too tight to bend under the keeper. AND , the parts of the nose band that go up along his cheeks (and over the poll) interfere a little with his very large cheek bones. I will need to have a leatherworker move them to make it more comfy for him.
Here's a pic of his head.
(not me in pics)
Durn! That boy is so cute. I just want to hug him!
I bought my percheron's headstall on Ebay from a dealer that sells tack made by the amish. Her throat latch measures 48" and bit to bit measures 19.5". It is very heavy duty and was very reasonable at maybe $60?
@ tinyliny... Yours is a big guy too! They're a bit of an awkward breed- large, but kind of refined, and not very bulky... if that makes sense. Our Belgian is big all around, but this guy has a very long head that isn't super deep, except his nose. I feel your pain with the browband too! It feels like I'm almost better off piecing a bridle together...
