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Dressage Bridles

3K views 10 replies 11 participants last post by  aspin231 
#1 ·
As most of you know, I'm in the shopping process for a dressage saddle. Scout and I are nowhere near ready to show, but I'm sure that someday we may venture into a dressage competition, and I'll need a "real" dressage bridle. In the meantime, I'm riding in the same havana hunter style snaffle bridle with a plain cavesson that I've ridden in for years. I'm not picky about things matching outside the show ring.

I notice that all "official" dressage bridles (excepting double bridles with cranks) have flash attachments. No plain cavesson nose options. I'd probably just pull the flash strap right out of it's loop, I have no need for a flash attachment. But, if I were to show that way, with the flash attachment loop on the cavesson and no flash strap, would that I be penalized for improper tack? Is there a rule that requires that flashes be used in competition? Is there some real reason why plain cavesson dressage bridles appear to not exist? My sheer curiosity takes over again...
 
#2 · (Edited)
Nope, you wouldn't be penalized. Many people choose to show without the flash attachment.

There are a couple of bridles that dont' have one...Bobby's Tack comes to mind: http://www.eqtack.com/catalog/produ...idles&osCsid=28d629d80a75142d4dcb65bff07f9df7not many, because it is considered traditional, but there are a few!,
orif you know a shoe maker or someone that works with leath, he can easily remove that little loop of leather and have no one the wiser :)
 
#3 ·
I'm an eventer and show without the flash and have never gotten penalized. I use a Horsewear Ireland bridle on Geof and it's big on him, but a great buy! I also hear good things about Sufflock. And their cheep!
 
#4 ·
I bought a Dressage Crank Double Bridle made by Bobby's English Tack from TACKZONE.COM - English & Western Tack Super Store - English Bridles & Tack, Western Bridles & Tack, Show Bridles & Tack, Dressage Bridles & Tack, Hunter/Jumper Bridles & Tack, Pony Bridles & Tack, Hunt Bridles & Tack, Polo Bridles Tack, Horse Blanket This bridle is absolutely stunning and half the price of the German Bridles I am used to buying. Here is a direct link to it:

http://www.tackzone.com/catalog/prod...double-bridles

They were super helpful at Tackzone and knew what they were talking about when it came to Dressage Bridles. They shipped my order the same day, and my shipping was free. I highly recommend them to everyone. I bought the English Calfskin Leather bridle. I dont have any experience with the Italian leather. This English Calfskin bridle is beautiful. Super smooth leather, beautiful stitching, gorgeous buckles and amazing price. What helped me make the purchase was the beautiful photos of the bridles. This was my first Bobby's Bridle and definitely not my last.

Happy Riding!
 
#5 · (Edited)
I have one at the moment and the attachment is simply a piece of leather put over the plain noseband and the attachment goes through the piece of leather so you can chose to have it or not. For an example, take a look at the Jeremy and Lord Prestige (http://www.mulderssaddlery.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=56). It's kinda hard to explain, but it's really handy to have. I just realised, my bridle is a J&L Prestige.. All this time I thought it was just some discontinued stock...
But anyway, as far as I know, no, you wouldn't be penalised for having the little loop. It may just be the "in" thing at the moment to have the flash noseband, not the plain one and that's why you can't find any plain cavessons.
 
#6 ·
I gotta tell you: dressage judges see only the horse! And the rider, of course. I once asked a popular judge if it would be okay for someone to ride in a Western saddle, not legal of course, but for the experience of a dressage test: would it bother the judge? He shrugged. No, he'd just judge as usual.
 
#8 ·
You don't need a flash to show. Well at least not in Alberta. My last horse didn't need one so I just pulled it off (it was removable, I didn't savagely rip it apart).
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#9 ·
...But, if I were to show that way, with the flash attachment loop on the cavesson and no flash strap, would that I be penalized for improper tack? No - but having a flash (and/or crank) is a smart option to have as you may need it someday.

Is there a rule that requires that flashes be used in competition? No

Is there some real reason why plain cavesson dressage bridles appear to not exist? My sheer curiosity takes over again...
Using a flash and/or crank can provide the rider with more control at times when it's needed, hence why most bridles have a flash, crank or both. It is NOT required, but smarter to have one and not need it than to not have one and find one day you need to use it (for a day, week, month).
 
#11 ·
If you're having difficulties controlling your horse, what you need is more training. Clamping your horse's mouth closed with leather straps fixes nothing.

To the OP- you could always buy the bridle with whatever noseband style it comes with, then buy a plain black cavenson to replace it with.
 
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