06/04/2025
** ๐ก๐๐ช ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐จ๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ก ๐๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ**
๐๐ข๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ก ๐ข๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐ก ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ก๐ข๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐จ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐
๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐น๐น ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฒ-๐๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ, ๐๐ถ๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ผ๐ป, ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ช๐ถ๐น๐น๐ถ๐ฎ๐บ๐, ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ถ๐ป, ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ ๐ช๐ฎ๐น๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ, ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฒ๐น ๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐
Open Access (read without subscription): https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/7/1058
We believe this is the first study to quantify rein forces and bridle pressures in high-level horses (PSG and above) when wearing a double bridle compared with a snaffle, a significant step forward in advancing our understanding of the use and application of a double bridle.
We appreciate that this is a polarised topic, with many opinions and thoughts on the use and application of a double bridle. Two previous studies have reported the possible effects of a double bridle, but these studies used naรฏve horses and/or could not differentiate whether the observed effects were due to the double bridle or other factors like a noseband, therefore, the current study adds to the knowledge base. As with all our research, we aim to deliver high-quality research that can advance our understanding and influence decision-making.
We welcome discussion, however before commenting, please read the below limitations, which we have acknowledged in the manuscript.
๐ดWe studied high-level horses ridden by highly skilled riders regularly ridden in professionally fitted bridles. Therefore, future work is needed to determine if the same results apply to less experienced riders.
๐ดWe have reported curb rein forces and appreciate that these forces do not represent the intra-oral forces. As discussed throughout the manuscript, we have not measured oral pressures. At present, there is no validated method to measure oral pressure. Whilst some groups have produced estimates, it remains to be seen experimentally if these are valid.
๐ดHorse behavioural elements have not been included as they are under review elsewhere.
While this study has limitations, it is the first to compare the double with the snaffle bridle, and it is hoped that it will provide a springboard for future studies in this area.
๐ฆ๐๐บ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐:
In this group of horses and riders very little differences were found in noseband forces between bridles. The greater weight of the double bridle applied higher minimal, maximal and mean occipital forces due to greater weight of bits and cheekpieces in the double bridle. Rein tension did not differ between the snaffle bit of the snaffle bridle and the summed forces of the bridoon and curb bits of the double bridle in walk/canter but were lower for the double bridle when in collected trot. The force applied to the curb was less than the bridoon, and forces on each bit of the double bridle were less than for the snaffle bridle.
All bridles should be professionally fitted. The double bridle should only be used by skilled riders and must not be used to cover up training issues. Riders need to take responsibility and discuss the use of a double bridle with experienced trainers and only use one if they are confident in how to use it, and the horse is appropriately trained and monitored throughout.
As always, a massive thank you to the research team, assistants, riders, owners and horses. And Hartpury University Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) for funding this project.
๐ก๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐:
The FEI did not fund this study.
The authors funded Open Access publication
