buying a bridle, help!!

[MyHorseBiggs]

Well I'm buying an english bridle. I just want a cheap one that will live for a few years. New or used I don't really care. I would like to stay under $60 if possible. Do you guys have any idea?? I'm not really good about choosing tack. :huh: It's just confussing!

HELP PLEASE!!!

[Miracle Whip]

My first English bridle was the basic Kincaid. They run about $45. I am pretty sure that I purchased it from Jeffers Equine. Then I lost it and I bought the fancy stitched version of Kincaid, same price, but I think its a bit too stiff. Nice looking bridle though. I'd go with the basic version though if I was going to do it again. Either one is good for the price you pay. They are well built bridles.

I just searched online for Jeffers and could not find them. Hope you have better luck, the website is jeffersequine.com as far as I know of. I bought a bridle from them last summer.

[HeartofSteel]

I have a kincaid and is a nice bridle for the price. suffolks are also really nice for a cheap price.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-1286&ids=148292391&bhcd2=1232674480

[WP~Paint]

You could always look for a nice used one. I got one from horseloverz.com...it is an ok one, I can't remember what I payed for it though. But check out that site, they have some decent stuff.

[Kowgirlkate]

I highly recommend Weaver Leather Inc. I have 4 of thier bridles and they hold up awesome, the leather is fantastic, not brittle, and very soft. i paid $55 for the economy models and $80 for the square raised premium in oakbark. The premium is a much fancier bridle, but the leather on both is high quality.
Horsetackreview is a great place to see how brands compare.

[cloedoll]

I bought a Kincade for Keidas expecting to replace it as soon as I had money for a better one, however, the Kincade held up wonderfully! Sure it isn't top notch, but I got compliments on it a lot, it suppled up nicely and I didn't feel bad riding in the rain or trashing it! Ha ha, it always cleaned up nicely. ^_^ I think I used it for about a year and while it has some wear to it, I'm pleased with it, especially the price I paid! You can always look for used ones on eBay as well. HDR & Suffolk brands would be something to look into, too.

[luvs2ride1979]

Kincaids aren't bad.
http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT733871 HRS

HDRs aren't bad either.
http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT700939 HRS

I agree though, Weaver's are definitely betther than both HDR and Kincaid.
http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT734450%20COB

I do recommend saving your money for a quality bridle though. These cheaper bridles might last 2-3 years, if you take really good care of them. However, a high quality bridle will last 10 to 20 years of hard use! Of course, you still need to care for it properly and it might need a stitching repair or replaced keeper on occasion, but the leather and hardwear will hold up forever. I was at a lesson barn as a teen that had some bridles that were as old as the trainers, lol. And these were bridles that were used multiple times a day!

When you can swing it, I'd recommend a bridle by Passier, Jerry's Harness (custom!), Kieffer, Stubben, or Vespucci. If you can't afford a new one, keep your eye on eBay and tack trader for a used one in good shape. I have an old Kieffer that is awesome! I bought it used, without a caveson, and it was well worth it.

A good brand that's not as pricey as above is Bobby's tack. The quality is hit or miss though. Usually the bridles are great, but sometimes their barely worth their price... (around $100-150)

[Miracle Whip]

Are you telling me Weaver makes English bridles? I hate their western bridles with a passion. I cannot STAND big bulky buckles... ugly...ugly....I have never seen a Weaver English bridle. A tack shop owner did tell me they were made by the Amish...and I like Amish made tack, just not WEAVER. I buy a lot of tack from the local Amish run tack and repair shop.

[luvs2ride1979]

Weaver English bridles are made with traditional size and looking hardware. They're very nice. Just click the link I posted above to see for yourself.

I have one of their western bridles and love the quality. Their buckles don't bug me any ;).

[MyHorseBiggs]

luvs2ride - When I clicked on the link for the Weaver English bridle, I looked at the sizes and clicked full, and it says item is no longer availble... I have no idea why tho.. :/

[Kowgirlkate]

I had my local farm-store order Weaver english bridles for me, typically if a store you know sells Weaver stuff they have a catalog and can order for you. They look the same as my Corbette bridle, no bulky leather or buckles and the leather comes nice n soft already. I plan to order a couple more for my filly who needs full size.
Just curious MW, about the big bulky buckles on the western headstalls? Mine dont seem to have big buckles. Are you talking show bridles or something?

[Miracle Whip]

Given the options I suppose Weaver is ok...at those prices, $200 + I could make my own bridle. Yes all Weavers have big buckles in my book, I am 42 years old and in the old days we didn't have big buckles with a lot of dead space, the buckles were super tight. There were no Chicago Screws in those days either...which I refuse to even consider. I am using my Dad's headstall, which is 30 years old...because I cannot find another western headstall that does not have Chicago Screws.

I am going to attend a couple of horse auctions just to look at tack...or ask the Amish shop to custom make one.

[luvs2ride1979]

There are lots of western bridles using water ties or clips. I'm not a fan of chicago screws either.

http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=5777301a-3823-4063-bbbf-2f5d0b219028
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e075d4-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=010d93dd-5e15-49e2-91c2-74936c489930
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=0114005e-bda6-4d5e-befd-c80c3fcab929
http://www.rods.com/p/2127,440_Stable-Saver-Crossover-Brow-with-Snaps.html
http://www.rods.com/p/417,438_One-Ear-Headstall-with-Snaps-by-Schutz-Brothers.html

[Blue]

I do NOT like Weaver stuff. I bought an English bridle from them and oiled it and oiled it and the buckles were SO hard to deal with I just gave up.

I just ordered a Suffolk dressage bridle from Dover for $40. My trainer has one and I LOVE hers. I was really suprised with the quality compared to the price. She's had hers for about 2 years.