Weaver Leather Takes Economy Horse Bridles to a Higher Level

Rein length can be an issue. Most reins are 54" to 58" in length, although one of our test bridles came with 60" reins, which is what you'll want for the "stretchy, chewy" moments in dressage.

Plain, traditional cavessons were found on most of our test bridles. However, flash nosebands are a fine training aid when properly adjusted. The main noseband stays right where you measured it and the flash goes in front of the bit (under the ring or full-cheek arm) and fits in the chin groove. It should not indent the horse's flesh. The old German dressage instructors' rule of thumb was that "a horse should be able to take a small tidbit from your palm and chew it" for a correct fit. If your horse is gaping his mouth and avoiding the bit, a flash may just disguise the problem.

Appearances
Show bridles are supposed to be dressier. Padded bridles are an excellent option for the sensitive horse and, in most cases, are a nice fashion statement as well. Raised bridles come with a round or square buildup of leather on the noseband and brow band and, in some cases, on the lower rein as well. This can really accent an otherwise plain-headed horse, giving him a little extra pizzazz.

Some show bridles sport fancy stitching that adds beauty, but be aware this white stitching is tough to keep clean, however, and can fray. You'll want to protect it in a soft clean bag when not on the horse and only use non-darkening agents to clean the bridle. As a daily bridle, the stitching may quickly darken and fray, making the piece look old and dirty even when it isn't.

Despite our efforts, we didn't find anything that would safely whiten the stitching. Nothing short of replacement will cure fraying, although a little saddle wax may make the stitching look smoother.

Most of us want to match our saddle, so color is the final criteria. We recommend you choose the best match but realize that age and oil can darken it a lot.

One of our test bridles initially looked like a questionable purple but darkened to a beautiful black cherry. Some "oranges" will become a pretty russet, while others remain orange.

Bottom Line
Although we technically consider all these under $140 bridles to be "economy choices," we found many solid picks in this lot under $60. The less-expensive standouts are the $59.95 Schneider's Pinnacle Fancy Stitched Bridle #16698 and the Dover Saddlery Suffolk Fancy Bridle #1287, which earns overall Best Buy at an amazing $34.90.

In the higher-priced category, the highest marks go to:

• Dover's Saddlery Crown Hunter Fancy Raised Bridle #12169 ($89.90),

• Thornhill's Pro-Padded Bridle w/flash #2071 ($127.95),

• Both bridles from English Riding Supply (the Avalon Quarter Horse Bridle #475064 at $119.95 and the Northampton Plain Raised Bridle #408500 at $129.95)

• Three Weaver bridles: the Plain Raised Bridle #20-1027 ($102), the Square Raised Bridle #20-1022 ($104) and the Raised Fancy Stitch Bridle #20-1032 ($125)

The Weaver 20-1032 is our overall first choice in bridles. This bridle gave us everything we could want in a fine show bridle at an equally nice price.