Micklem Bridles Buying Guide

Micklem bridles by Horseware Ireland boomed in the English bridle market over 25 years ago and are still a best-selling option for eventing, show jumping, and dressage. Designed by renowned horseman, William Micklem, there's a reason the Micklem bridle continues to improve the lives of horses and riders worldwide!

You might ask, "What makes Micklem bridles so special?" Or, "How can I know if a Micklem is the right choice for my horse?" In this article, we'll walk through the groundbreaking comfort technology of Micklem bridles and address how to fit them. We know many riders struggle with the perfect way to adjust these unique bridles, because proper fit is essential for a Micklem bridle to function how it's designed to. Read along to see whether the Micklem is the right choice for you—and most importantly, for your equine companion!

Micklem Bridle Technology

In terms of tack, the word "ergonomic" simply means a design that is functionally comfortable for the horse. With this in mind, William Micklem designed his bridle to account for the horse's main areas of facial sensitivity. Horses have sensitive bones and nerves all throughout their face, and even the kindest riders can give their horse an uncomfortable cue with a well-fitting bridle.

The Micklem design keeps pressure away from nerve points that cause numbness in the lower portions of the horse's face. This numbness is both uncomfortable and stressful for horses, which can lead to understandable fussiness and lack of confidence. There are four major features of the Micklem bridle that can greatly benefit your horse:

• Noseband: The low-set, angled noseband avoids applying pressure on the delicate nerve bundles that are located around the cheek and jaw. The noseband also buckles back further on the cheek itself, which provides stability without putting pressure on the horse's tongue and teeth.
• Flash Attachment: The flash attaches at a wider point than a regular bridle to reduce airway restriction which can be caused by traditional drop nosebands.
• Cheekpieces: Integrated cheekpieces offer bit stability that sensitive horses love, and many horses work more confidently off this feature alone.
• Crownpiece: A shaped crownpiece keeps pressure around the poll area even and allows the ears to swivel at their full, natural range.

The updated Micklem 2 bridle has subtle differences from the original in terms of look; however, features have been upgraded to offer even more comfort to the horse. The tried-and-true design remains the same, so riders don't have to fear switching over if their horse loved the original Micklem bridle. The new version has a slightly curved flash to fit more comfortably in front of the bit, more generous padding, and a higher-quality leather construction. Both the Competition bridle and the Deluxe Competition bridle feature an elegant curved browband, but the Deluxe Competition has a raised noseband and browband for a more sophisticated look. The Multi Bridle can be used bitless, bitted, and as a lunging cavesson, making it a great option for riders who need their tack to have multiple functions.

The Micklem bridles continue to grow and evolve to provide improved comfort for horses across the English disciplines. Now that you know the benefits of Micklem bridles, we will discuss how to properly fit them to your horse in order to take full advantage of what these amazing bridles have to offer!

With their unique shaping, the Micklem line of bridles can be tricky to fit correctly to your horse. As with all bridles, a proper fit is essential to facilitate the bridle functioning the way it was designed to. The instructions below apply to all Micklem and Micklem 2 bridles:

• Crownpiece - Check and make sure that the contoured curves land behind the horse's ears (1). If the edges of the curve are bumping into the ears slightly, you may need to go up or down a size.
• Browband - This should fit like a traditional bridle. We want to be able to fit two fingers between the horse's forehead and the browband without it being so loose that it gapes away from their head (2). This applies to both straight or curved browband styles.
• Noseband Height - When you adjust the noseband height, the curve closest to the bit straps should curve around the point of the cheek, without interfering with it (3).
• Bit Straps (or Cheekpieces) - Every Micklem bridle comes with two sets of bit straps to allow for a perfect fit. They attach to the small rings on the side of the noseband, close to the cheekbones (4). These will be adjusted until the bit creates two wrinkles at the smile line of the horse's mouth. This portion may require taking the bridle back off to swap bit straps if the first set doesn't adjust quite right for your horse and bit of choice.

• Noseband Strap - The noseband strap lays in between where a traditional noseband and throatlatch would go. Resting on the very front of the cheek, this strap will be fitted like a noseband. The correct tightness allows a two-finger width; you should be able to roll your fingers around and between the cheek and the strap (5).
• Flash - The flash will adjust like a traditional flash. It will lay in front of the bit and have the space to fit two fingers that you can roll around (6).
• Final Check - Once you have the complete bridle adjusted to where you think it should be, we recommend checking the noseband across the nasal bone at this time to ensure nothing was over-tightened. You will want to fit two fingers under this portion of the bridle and be able to move them around (7).

When converting the Micklem 2 Multi bridle to its bitless function, all portions of the previous instructions apply when achieving the proper fit (excluding the bit straps). One thing to note: these instructions only apply to the USA version of the Multi bridle. European bitless versions are available through other retailers, which attach in a different configuration.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to convert your USA Multi bridle to a bitless bridle:

1. Remove the bit straps and bit. You can keep the straps attached to the bit for easy reattachment later. The side rings will remain empty when using the bitless attachment.
2. Make sure the smaller end of the chin pad is facing forward toward the horse's muzzle.
3. Thread the flash strap through the open loop on the chin, then loosely buckle the flash (we will adjust this once the bridle is on the horse).
4. Thread the metal loop underneath and through the loop that attaches the flash to the noseband. The bitless strap should come out on top of the flash strap. Repeat on both sides.
5. Transfer your reins from the detached bit onto the bitless strap loops.
6. Place the bridle onto your horse and adjust the noseband and flash straps as normal, with two finger widths of space between the horse and strap. Now you're ready to ride!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are Micklem bridles show legal?

A: Yes, all Micklem bridles are show legal. However, bit clips are not permitted, and a bit must be used when showing. If you are concerned, we always suggest checking your discipline's rulebook to confirm.

Q: What is the difference between the Micklem bridles?

A: All Micklem bridles have the same ergonomic features designed to keep your horse more comfortable during your ride. However, there are slight variations among the models. The Competition bridle has a very subtle look, making it perfect for equestrians who don't want a lot of flash. The Deluxe bridle has raised padding through the nose and browband for a sophisticated look. The Multi bridle allows you to switch between a bitless, bitted, and lunging cavesson.

Q: What are the advantages of a Micklem bridle?

A: Micklem bridles are designed with the horse's anatomy in mind, creating a piece of tack that avoids the five main areas of bridle discomfort. The unique style allows them to offer a more comfortable and humane feel, so both rider and horse can have happier and more conductive rides.

Q: Can I lunge in the Micklem bridles?

A: Yes! Although all Micklem bridles can be lunged in, the Multi bridle was specifically created to be able to go between lunging and riding with ease. The ring on the noseband allows the Multi bridle to act as a cavesson, so you can simply clip on your lunge line and go!

Q: What horse is best suited for a Micklem bridle?

A: Any horse can benefit from a Micklem bridle; however, they are particularly good for equines who are sensitive or fussy about their bridle. They are also a good choice for horses with petite or refined heads, such as a thoroughbred, as the contouring fits their head nicely.

Closing Thoughts

"Designed to change lives for both horse and rider," it is Micklem's mission to rethink what a bridle can be. Micklem bridle technology helps create a better horse and rider relationship by making communication through the reins humane and comfortable. A happy horse is a confident horse!

Whether you're heading down centerline, out of the start box, or hacking out on the trail, Micklem bridles can increase your horse's comfort. If you have any further questions regarding their unique design, please contact our friendly customer service staff at 1-800-620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com. In the meantime, click the link below to shop our wide selection of Micklem bridles and reins. Happy bridling!