What is the point of a double bridle?
What is the point of a double bridle?
The double bridle is used in order to refine and finesse communication between horse and rider at the highest levels of classical riding.
Is a double bridle harsh?
Depending upon the rider’s finesse (or lack of it), the double bridle can be a very severe tool. When the curb bit is brought into play, it applies pressure to the horse’s poll and to the lower jaw via the curb chain.
What is a double bridle bit?
A double bridle, also called a full bridle or Weymouth bridle, is a bridle that has two bits and four reins (sometimes called “double reins”). Another term for this combination of curb and snaffle bit is a “bit and bradoon”, where the word “bit” in this particular context refers to the curb.
Can you jump in a double bridle?
A rider should have quiet hands. Above Advanced level riders are allowed to compete in snaffles, but team selectors may request that a horse is presented in a double bridle. British Eventing allows double bridles at all levels for the jumping phases, but only at Intermediate Novice and above for the dressage phase.
How do you introduce a double bridle?
The first time you ride your horse in the double bridle, keep a very light contact with both bits, with the emphasis on the bridoon. Allow your horse to stride freely forward and “play” with the bits as he gets used to the new arrangement of hardware in his mouth. Ride as you would in your regular snaffle.
How do you ride with a double bridle?
To use a double bridle most effectively, you must hold the snaffle rein as you would normally between your third and little finger. The curb rein should sit between your second and third finger, while your thumbs should sit on top of both reins, keeping them secure.
Does a double bridle have two bits?
A double bridle is defined by having two bits – a snaffle (referred to in this context as a bridoon or bradoon) and a curb – each of which has a rein. There are different types of double bridle with varieties of curb, length of shank (the cheekpiece of the curb) and shape in the mouth.
When should you start using a double bridle?
When should you start using a double bridle? Introducing the double bridle should only happen when your horse is going well in a plain snaffle. Too many riders try to use a double bridle to correct problems such as their horse working above the bit or bearing down on the rider’s hand.
How should a double bridle sit in the mouth?
It should sit comfortably at the corners of the mouth, slightly lower than a snaffle bit, and be fitted with an overlap of a ¼ inch when pulled out of one side of the mouth.
What was the original name of the double bridle?
Double bridles, originally called “full bridles”, were much more common several hundred years ago. They were considered the “proper” equipment for a trained rider and horse, while a simple snaffle bridle was only for green horses and riders, young children, grooms, and poor riders.
What is the kids definition of a bridle?
Kids Definition of bridle (Entry 1 of 2) : a device for controlling a horse made up of a set of straps enclosing the head, a bit, and a pair of reins
How is contact maintained in a double bridle?
Action. In saddle seat riding, contact is to be maintained equally on all four reins. In modern dressage, most riders employing the double bridle “ride on the bradoon.”. In other words, they keep a steady contact with the bradoon bit and only engage the curb bit to when necessary to encourage the horse to collect.
Do you have to wear a double bridle at a horse show?
(In eventing, even at the advanced level, snaffle bridles are still the norm.) Double bridles are fairly common for horse show purposes in Australia, and in the United Kingdom for show hunters and show hacks, but are less common at shows in the United States, except for Saddle seat, show hack and upper level Dressage competition.
