For advanced dressage
Double bridles
A double bridle is the bridle with two bits used in advanced dressage: a bradoon and a curb bit. At Lepona you will find double bridles with a Swedish or combined noseband, anatomic headpiece, with patent leather or rolled leather, in Pony, Cob, Warmblut and Warmblut Extra. You choose matching curb bits and bradoons separately.
Double bridle: design and use
The double bridle is used mainly in advanced dressage. It allows very fine aids, but requires a quiet hand that is independent of the seat. It is a tool for well-trained partnerships, not a means of solving contact problems.
What is the difference between a double bridle and a snaffle bridle?
- Two bits: the double bridle carries a bradoon and a curb bit. That is why it has an additional cheekpiece, often with its own headpiece (slip head) for the bradoon.
- Two pairs of reins: one pair attaches to the bradoon, the other to the lower shank of the curb bit. Whether reins are included is stated on the item.
- Curb chain: it is hooked into the curb hooks on the upper shank of the curb bit and lies in the chin groove. How tightly it is fastened is decisive for the effect and should be adjusted with an experienced person.
- Noseband: traditionally a double bridle has an English (cavesson) or Swedish noseband without a flash strap. Some models in the shop are called "combined"; what this means for the bridle in question is stated on the item.
Bridles with one bit can be found in the Bridles category. How the curb bit and bradoon work is explained in our guide Bits – the basics explained; you measure the width with Measuring bits correctly.
Models in the shop
- Swedish combined: noseband with a wide, often padded nosepiece and pulley. This is the most common form among the double bridles in the shop.
- Models described as "combined": you will find the exact design of the noseband in the item description.
- Anatomic: the headpiece and noseband are cut to avoid sensitive areas of the head.
- Look: patent leather, rolled straps, rhinestones on the browband, black or brown.
- Accessories: replacement cheekpieces and other bridle accessories; browbands for double bridles have larger loops for two headpieces (see Browbands).
Size and fit
Double bridles are available in Pony, Cob, Warmblut and Warmblut Extra; some manufacturers use their own sizes. The designations vary from brand to brand. So compare the measurements on the item with the bridle that already fits your horse. The cheekpieces must be adjustable so that both bits lie correctly in the mouth. The bradoon usually sits slightly higher than the curb bit.
Ready for the double bridle: when is the time right?
Whether a partnership is ready for the double bridle is best decided with your trainer. The usual prerequisites are a balanced, independent seat and a quiet hand on the rider's part, and a horse whose training is advanced enough that it reliably seeks the contact, stays supple and can be collected. The double bridle is not intended for novice riders or young horses.
Double bridle at shows
From which level a double bridle is permitted or compulsory, which bits are allowed and which parts of the bridle are checked is governed by the schedule and the current rules of the relevant federation. Read them before entering, as the rules are revised from time to time.
Matching reins and care
Curb reins are usually narrower than snaffle reins. Reins can be found in the Reins category. Wipe the leather after riding, care for it regularly and let it dry slowly in the air. Clean the curb chain and bits after every ride.
Brands
Double bridles in the shop come from brands including Dy'on, Passier, Kavalkade, Schockemöhle Sports and Otto Schumacher.
Advice
Questions about size or features? We will be happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
A snaffle bridle has one bit and one pair of reins. A double bridle carries two bits, a bradoon and a curb bit, and is ridden with two pairs of reins. In addition there is the curb chain on the curb bit. The double bridle is intended for advanced dressage.
That varies from item to item. Some double bridles come with reins; you usually choose the bits separately to suit your horse's mouth. Exactly what is included is stated on the item. Curb bits and bradoons can be found in the Bits category.
The curb chain is hooked into the hooks on the upper shank and lies flat in the chin groove without being twisted. How tight it is has a strong influence on the effect. So the first time, have it adjusted and checked by your trainer or an experienced person.
The usual prerequisites are a balanced, independent seat and a quiet hand on the rider's part, and a horse that reliably seeks the contact, is supple and can be collected. The decision is best made together with your trainer.
This is governed by the schedule and the current rules of the relevant federation. They also state which bits and parts of the bridle are permitted. As the rules are revised, check them before every entry.
That depends on your horse's head, not just on breed or height. Sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Compare the measurements on the item with the bridle that already fits your horse. We will be happy to advise you.