Horseware Ireland Micklem Guide

The Horseware Micklem bridle range is designed from the inside out while considering the horse’s anatomy to eliminate the 5 main areas of bridle discomfort. The new, more stylish design uses a softer eco-leather with a selection of different components available to create the perfect fit for every type of horse and rider.

Developed over 24 years by BHS Fellow, international coach, author, and renowned horseman William Micklem. The Horseware Micklem range is the best-selling ergonomic bridle in the world having changed lives for both horse and rider. It is designed to relieve pressure on nerves making it more comfortable, more humane and overall enabling horses to perform better.

A Micklem bridle is designed to comfortably fit the shape of the horse's skull, avoiding pressure on sensitive areas by fitting higher up on the nose where the bone is thicker, and avoiding any inward pressure on the molar teeth. Pressure on the poll is also minimised by the single strap headpiece which is wide, shaped and padded for comfort. Similarly, the bit is attached to the nose-piece to avoid any pressure on the tongue or bars of the mouth.

• Eliminates discomfort caused by pressure on the nerve.
• Minimises internal mouth damage.
• Overcomes numbness in the lower half of your horse’s face that can be caused by pressure on nerves.
• Reduces any discomfort or restriction of breathing caused by low fitting dropped nosebands.
• Removes discomfort and pain under the tongue caused by pressure.

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Micklems innovative Bit Clips are an invaluable tool to remove pressure on the bit. They connect the bit with the side ring of the bridle to keep it steady in the horse's mouth and therefore helps to avoid damage underneath the tongue. We recommend using the bitclips for young horses or riders with an unsteady hand.

Fit the bit straps to your bit first, with the buckle on the outside and the end of the strap facing upwards, then attach to the bridle using the bit rings at the bottom of the cheek pieces.

 

 

• Positioning the Front Nose Piece - The key to fitting your Rambo® Micklem Multibridle is to ensure that the front nosepiece is approx 2 to 3 inches higher than the corners of the mouth and at least six fingers above the nostrils.
• Doing the Top Back Straps - This should be fastened flush with the skin, not loose like a throat lash.
• Doing the Bottom Back Straps - This fits like a standard dropped noseband, underneath the bit and flush with the skin.
• Fitting the Tongue and Bar Protector - Use the appropriate length clips to join the bit to the side rings and you have a unique tongue and bar protection system.

 

Size Guide

The Micklem Bridle Range comes in 4 different styles, however, the first choice you will have to make is what the primary use of your bridle will be.

The Competition range comprises of 3 bridles and these are suitable for use both in training and competition work. The competition bridle range must be used with a bit, and as such, is not suitable for use as a bitless bridle.

Micklem Competition Bridle

• Traditional design.
• Discrete competition look.
• Unique Micklem features.

Micklem Deluxe Competition Bridle

• Raised nose and browband.
• Unique Micklem features.

Micklem Diamante Competition Bridle

• Flat leather noseband.
• Diamante crystals in browband
• Unique Micklem features.

The Multibridle is suited more towards someone who prefers a multi-purpose bridle. This style is suitable for use, not only as a standard bridle, but also for lunging and as a bitless bridle in 2 forms, sidepull and cross under. It is not, however, suitable for competition riding as the multibridle is not approved for FEI use.

Micklem Multibridle Cavesson

• Additional ring for use as a lunge   cavesson.
• Unique Micklem features.

Micklem Multibridle Sidepull

• Adaptable for use as a sidepull            bitless bridle.
• Unique Micklem features.

Micklem Multibridle Crossunder

• Adaptable for use as a cross             under bitless bridle.
• Unique Micklem features.