Hi guys, I usually trail ride and warm up my horse on a regular rope halter and then switch to a bridle for flatwork. Switching the two is a bit tedious and I recently saw the Rambo Micklem Multibridle in a catalog. I'm hesitant to invest in a bridle that looks so complicated without knowing if it's what I want.
Does anybody have experience with it? How functional is it as a bitless bridle, and how functional is it as a bitted bridle? How long does it take to switch it, or can you have the bit on without using it and then just switch reins?
Thanks. :)
Anonymous2014-03-18T16:40:40Z
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I have the micklem multi-way. They're pricey but I use it for a number of horses who luckily all have similar size heads so it definitely gets well used. I've also used it for bitless riding but it's not hugely different from a normal head collar either. The only thing is that in certain disciplines you can actually compete in it as opposed to headcollar and have the option to use the bit or go without. It's also very handy at shows if you want to remove the bit, but not the entire bridle. I also like that it's nicely padded as well.
- Before you buy the bridle, try and borrow it first - they can be tricky to fit correctly because of the way the bridle is put together. They come in varying sizes but you could have the noseband sitting perfectly and the chin strap might be too small. The only thing is I do think Horseware do take returns on them if they don't suit and they do still have a good re-sale value.
- Some horses work well in it. Some it makes no difference to and some don't like it all although any horses I've used it on have worked fine. I don't believe it's the Godsend that Mr. Micklem sells it as and it's not going to cure all the problems he claims it will.
What I don't like about it - As said, fitting can be a big pain but if it does fit then it's the easiest bridle to manage. The leather is not the best quality for the price, but it does soften with use and plenty of oil. The bridle I got didn't come with reins which I think for the price is ridiculous. I don't like the bit clips but then again you can always remove them, I don't actually know of anyone that has the bridle and uses them. The purpose of the clips is to remove pressure from the tongue, but some horses are not keen on the bit being held so still and also, they don't look nice either.
I have no experience with a Rambo Micklem Multibridle , but it seems like a very expensive gimmick. If I were you, I'd either do everything in the bridle, or continue to switch, it's not that big of a deal to jump off, put a bridle on and get back on. You could put the bridle on over the rope halter, and swap reins, but that wouldn't be much different that switching bridles.
I really like my biothane bridle halter combo. It's very affordable from Distance Depot. You put the bit on a bit hanger and clip it on and off the bridle and then snap your reins on. It's super simple to use and clean up is nearly non-existent. You snap your bit onto the front ring of your saddle (where your breastplate would hook in) when you are hoping down for a break or to graze. And you can use your reins like a lead rope on the halter ring. When I ride in a bridle though I like to use my rope bridle with the knots as my horses perform and get cued better with the heavy rope reins and the dropped nose. The other plus is the bridle can come in high visibility colors and/or reflective making trail riding just a little safer for you and your horse. The only "bad" thing is that if your horse sweats a lot and likes to pull or root, the reins do tend to get slick when wet. So you might order rope reins which then go to a biothane piece and the snap for the bit.
I've been using a halter/bridle combo for years. It's leather, quite attractive and the bit clips on and off. Very handy for trail riding. The bit clips on and off very easily. The only time I used it as a bitless bridle was when my bit broke in half and it worked well. My husband has one also. Ours aren't Micklems, so I have no idea how those are. Ours have clips for the bit right below the noseband.
I trail ride in a rope halter with a trail bridle attached so that if we stop somewhere, I can easily tie my horse up and take off the bit. I ride in Two Horse Tack stuff and it's beta biothane,which I love, but they also make leather stuff too. Here's what I have: http://www.twohorsetack.com/c-134-western-bridles-snap-on-browband.aspx