Flexible Fit Bridle Review

I've been looking at new bridles for a little bit. As much as I like Carmen's bridle it's not the best fit for her Andalusian head. It's a lovely bridle but it was on the top holes for everything and the nose band always seemed to be a bit loose. It also looked a bit tight behind her ears and with the brow band.

I don't know if you can tell but the throat latch is loose
but the bridle is tight behind the ears. 

can you see the gab in the nose band? 

Let me be clear- the bridle is not a terrible fit. It just didn't feel perfect. The issue is that the andalusian head is not the same as thoroughbred or even a warmblood.  This made me hesitate about buying another 'off the rack' bridle. I did think of buying one a size down and cobble it together but that wouldn't fix the brow band and crown piece. 

But the internet is a great resource and after searching around I stumbled upon Flexible Fit Equestrian. They have a variety of bridles and you can custom order your bridle to fit your horse. They even have a form you can fill in if you are not sure of what size to get. That is the option I did and after a bit of back and forth they recommended the various components. 

With that settled I needed to decide if I wanted to order a bridle from Australia. Returning it would not be easy (or with it). I read reviews, did price comparisons and decided that it would likely work out. While I was contemplating I had signed up on their email list. I quickly realized that there were often sales. 

So I waited, keeping a close eye on my inbox. 

After a couple weeks I got a notice for a 20% discount and I pulled the trigger. I ordered on October 29 and it arrived on November 8th. Not bad for coming from another continent! I opened it up with a mix of excitement and 'what have I done?' 

However, I was blown away by the quality of the leather and workmanship. I ordered the gel padded crown piece and it was so very soft. I ordered the regular nose band (not crank) with the detachable flash. I love how it can be removed and there will no little tab hanging down (which I hate). It was nice to have to buy either a 'dressage' or 'event/hunter' bridle but be able to mix and match the pieces. 

You can customize the brow band and when I saw this one I thought it would be perfect on Carmen. I showed it to Julia and she said it looks like a viking head band! 

 I did a quick fit on Carmen and it seemed to fit well. I took it apart and conditioned it. I've ridden in it twice now and it's has softened to her head really well. 

the first day I put it on. I do love a flat nose band. 

from today (Carmen thinks that it even makes her orange fly bonnet look good)

It fits really well behind her ears and on her forehead. 

I am definitely pleased with this bridle. Of course it's always possible that it will not last but I honestly doubt it. And for something that cost less than $200 all in (taxes, delivery, currency conversion) it was a great deal.

The Princess Tries Out a New Tiara

I would not be described as a 'Tack Ho'. I tend to have one bridle per horse and use it for everything. When I first got Carmen I bought her a bridle. However, this summer it was clear that it was not the best fit for her head. Not that she complained but I wanted to replace it.

I spent this summer trying to find something that appealed to me. When you prefer to be on the bargain side of things this presents some difficulties. Plus I'm fussy. I don't like things over the top but I didn't want really plain either.

This pretty head deserves a pretty bridle

Two weeks ago I was killing time on Facebook when an ad popped up for a company called Solo Equine. I clicked on it and was surprised to find out that it was a Canadian site. The website promised quality leather for reasonable prices and a money back guarantee. I liked the photos of the 'Solo Silhouette' bridle and it was on sale for $155.  Acting on impulse I decided to buy it:

photo from the website

As I was paying I realized that this company was just weeks old so I was taking a real chance. It also had 'patent leather' accents and I was worried that I was getting something that would look plastic and cheap.

I needn't have worried. The communication from point of purchase to arrival was excellent. I was messaged when it was ordered, filled, sent (with a tracking number) and two messages that it had been delivered. I knew it arrived when I received a text from Ed "what did you order". 

I came home and did my chores first before opening the box. I was so impressed with it right out of the box. The leather was of lovely quality.

It was still a bit stiff and new so I put it together to see how it looked. I was happy with it- I didn't think that the patent was too much. I thought that Carmen might appreciate the tiara:

After dinner I headed out to try it on. I didn't add the bit - I just wanted to see if the head pieces fit.

I think that it fits quite well:

what are you doing to me? 

Shortly after I took this photo she shook her head her mane popped out. I had to laugh. As you can see the nose band needs to form a bit.

I need cookies if I'm going to model

As you can see it comes with a flash attachment but I suspect I will be cutting that holder piece off.

I like how it tapered on the side - it shows off her refined head.

To be honest I liked everything about this bridle, except for the reins. It came with the cotton reins but I will just swap out mine.

I brought it back to the house and conditioned the leather. It's now hanging up and waiting for use. If you are looking for some tack I would suggest that you check out Solo Equine (and no, I'm not getting anything for this post).

Now if I could just get the weather to cooperate....