Cross-Under Bitless Bridle Variations - Do the differences matter?

[ValleyEquine]

I have used several types of bitless bridles, but I have some questions about the variations between different brands of "cross-under" bridles.

Poll Strap Variations:

Poll Straps are entirely split, but both go through browband



Poll strap is one piece, and splits below browband



Poll straps are entirely split, and cross-under poll strap does not go through browband



Only one poll strap, with "cross-under" snapping on at browband



Only one poll strap, with "cross-under" snapping on below browband



Poll straps are entirely split, but run through same slot in browband


Noseband Variations:

Noseband and curb is one continuous piece, with ring stitched between layers.



Noseband and curb are two pieces. Two rings sewn into each end of noseband, with curb affixing to bottom rings and "cross-under" running through upper rings. Cheek straps attach to noseband directly, rather than to rings.



Noseband and curb are two pieces. Two rings sewn into each end of noseband, with curb affixing to bottom rings and "cross-under" running through upper rings. Cheek straps attach to also attach to bottom rings.



Noseband and curb are two pieces. Two rings sewn into each end of noseband, with curb affixing to bottom rings and "cross-under" running through upper rings. Cheek straps attach to also attach to bottom rings, with triangular sidepull piece attaching directly to noseband.


"Extra Pieces" Variations

Standard Dr. Cook Style- Noseband, cheek straps, "cross-under" straps



Additional "stabilizer" piece across jowls.



Additional throatlatch



Additional Sidepull Piece


Does anyone have input on how these variations effect the feel and "signaling" of the bridles?

[horsecrazy1982]

i have this one i had made for my horse and love it as i allso can hook a bit to if i want

Only one poll strap, with "cross-under" snapping on at browband

[Kizza]

I don't know much about bitless bridles, but the third one you posted is a Micklem Multibridle.

I believe it's mainly designed as a new style of bitted bridle, but has lots of variations of putting it together so it can become different types of bitless and a lunge cavesson too. It's quite an ingenious little idea really, although the cross-under doesn't look very attractive to me in the pictures... but I like the bridle.

With a bit:


and under the jaw bitless:


I believe there's also a way of doing it so it's essentially a sidepull. In the one above I think it tightens on the jaw, but I've seen some pictures where it looks like reins are straight onto those side rings to put main pressure on the nose with just a strap around the back to hold it in place. I don't know if that's one of the technical ways that they advertise it to be used, though!

A great picture that shows the functions, although it's quite big so I'm just posting the link:
http://www.horse-and-co.com/Files/27...M-BRIDLE-2.jpg

[Javanewt]

I have Micklem bridles. Love them. Haven't ridden bitless yet, but there are three variations on how you can use the bridle bitless: mild, medium, harshest.

There are some really good deals on eBay every once in a while.

Can't help with the others. Most look very similar except how they go over the poll. One poll strap is going to be more comfy for the horse than two.

[Asfaloth]

I think it's mostly just aesthetics. What look you like the most. The differences don't appear to really have much affect on how the bridle works. I do personally prefer the Nurtural wiht the piece int he middle of the cross under that stabilizes it supposedly making the release much cleaner. Since I only have actual experience with the Nurtural I can't say whether or not this is the case.

[Spinnaker]

Also just to throw in there, the Micklems in the US are different from overseas. The Micklem in the States is actually missing the piece that makes the bridle a decent bitless bridle which is the cross under piece - Dr. Cook (Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle) has the patent on it. Found that out after buying the Micklem for Spin. Have a Dr. Cook's for Killian who does phenominal in it. I don't find the US Micklem to be any different than anything else. Spin didn't really seem to find it any different than a normal bridle I don't think.