Daisy really likes the Micklem.
I bought one of these a year ago, and have used it intermittently since then. One of my mares doesn’t seem to feel any different in it compared to her usual (very padded, shaped, luxurious!) bridle, but 2 of the others really do appreciate the difference. It took quite a lot of treatment to soften up the leather, which was pretty stiff and unyielding at first, and I wish the headpiece was as nicely padded as my IR bridle, but I am very happy with the Micklem. For some horses, it really does make a huge difference to their comfort and therefore to their way of going.
I bought one about 4 yrs ago for a very experienced horse that I bought who was a total psycho when i XC d him. He would not relax in a dressage arena and I was in total despair.
My traineer suggested I try one and have never looked back. I now do all phases in it with a french link snaffle and got two 10s in a recent test! I always use them on my youngsters now they are so much more comfortable and kind.
Do you have the tobacco colour Micklem Bridle? All the ones I have to hire & sell are soft & are padded including the headpiece. The tobacco colour has been discontinued, & I think your bridle might be old stock?
Susannah, I guess I do, and it’s a bit annoying because all my other tack is Dark Havana, but it does the job! If I decide to buy another one it’s good to know that they’re now available in a darker colour and with padded headpiece. Mine has padded nosepiece and cheekpieces, so it’s 2/3 way there!
I have just acquired one, having yearned for one for a while simply because it seems to make sense. Yet to really try it as the eventer is ‘not quite right’ – still at least there’s nowhere to go yet either. Can’t wait to try it out in all phases. This, big rangy horse, is not keen to take a consistent contact and tends to go above or below the bridle. Treasure. Otherwise a lovely and capable horse! So – I’m interested to hear about the two horses, what sort did you find appreciated it and what sort was no different? I’ve put his normal, french snaffle, bit on it.
The horse I use the Micklem bridle on is a 16.1hh ISH ex advanced eventer. He had obviously been ridden very well to a high standard but i suspect very hard too!
I just couldnt get him into any sort of contact whatsoever, he just stuck his head in the air and argued until i was exhausted. Jumping was terrifying! I rode him at PN and Novice in opens until i was able to downgrade him. I have never been so scared in my life, he just charged at fences and i had no control whatsoever. I rode him in a flash noseband bridle with a pelham.and bridle. I then bought an American gag and regained some control but the dressage was still awful. Finally tried the Micklem and after he learned to trust it he started to change. It was gradual but now he is lovely to ride and gains good consistent scores. I use a Nule Shule french link in all phases. I had to learn that he was always going to be quick XC as he had been used to going at advanced speed (not required for PN!!). I tried it on my other non problematic horses and it made no difference so i think it is the tricky ones who appreciate it. I will break my lovely 3 yr old in one though and aways use one on him so he knows no different. Good Luck maybe see you on the circuit this year! @mirandaandpaul
Melanie, my mare who was no different is one who has always been very happy to go forward to the contact. The ones who appreciate it are the more tricky ones, so I hope that bodes well for your lad liking it!
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Thank you for responding. I’ll let you know how I get on. It sounds like, if I’m patient, this could help him build confidence in taking a more consistent contact.
So good so far .. Dressage at Hickstead yesterday and he won one test by 10%, lost the long arena test (2nd with 69.5%) by a mark which could be because I halted at I instead of X! Although horse that won is very lovely.
Have a look on my FB timeline for some pics. These pics have generated a lot of discussion amongst my friends about the bridle! https://www.facebook.com/melanie.siggs?ref=tn_tnmn
I’ve tried once jumping and that was good so we’ll keep going. Do you ever go back to a conventional bridle so you don’t ‘lose’ the effect? Sometimes when you change a bit things go great for a while, but then the horse gets used to it or learns new evasions, so I wondered about mixing it up a bit – if only hacking.
Thank you. Enjoying your site
Melanie