A double bridle, also called the full bridle or Weymouth bridle , is a piece of horse tack. The bridle is used with two bits and two reins. One rein, the bradoon, is a modified snaffle bit, and it sits above and behind the other bit used in a double bridle, the curb bit.
History of the Double Bridle
Double bridles, originally called "full bridles," were much more common several hundred years ago. They were considered the "proper" equipment for a trained rider and horse, while a simple snaffle bridle was only for green horses and riders, young children, grooms, and poor riders. The double bridle may commonly be seen in old paintings of hunt scenes, used by the well-trained gentry as they rode cross-country. Double bridles also used to be quite commonly used on show hunters in the United States, but that trend has waned with most now using a snaffle.
Purpose of the Double Bridle
Double bridles are fairly common for showing purposes in the United Kingdom and Australia, but are very rarely seen at shows in the United States, except when used in Saddleseat competition.
Double bridles are required for the FEI dressage tests (PSG, Intermediate Level, and Grand Prix), and are optional at the USDF third and fourth level, to be used by horses and riders who are ready for the step up. They are also permitted in the dressage phase of eventing, at the Intermediate or Advanced levels, although not required. In eventing, even at the advanced level, snaffle bridles are still the norm.
Although rare, double bridles are occasionally used by jumper riders, and eventers in the stadium and cross-country phases. Riders today, especially juniors and amateurs who are more prone to mistakes than professionals, tend to prefer the snaffle bridle for basic work, as it will not have the same negative impact on the horse as the double bridle, should they do something wrong. However, many hot horses go much better in a double bridle, and it can also be helpful on rearers.
Using the Double Bridle
The snaffle rein (attached to the bradoon), should be thicker than the curb rein, so that the two are easily distinguished by feel. The snaffle rein should also be kept slightly shorter than the curb rein and should be used to give the majority of aids. The curb rein only comes into play when needed, and is usually in a passive position, simply there to promote balance and poll flexion. The purpose of the bits are not to be used, as some riders believe, with the snaffle to raise the head and turn, and the curb to lower the head and stop.
Riders must be skilled before attempting to use the double bridle, and the horse should be far enough along in his training that the double bridle would be accepted and understood. It is a refined piece of equipment that can greatly enhance the riding in good hands, or destroy the animal's training and mouth in bad. Because it uses two bits, it has a much greater chance of damaging the horse's mouth if used incorrectly.
The double bridle used to be used on fox hunts with a running martingale attached to the curb rein. This practice is relatively non-existent, partly because the double bridle is only common in equestrian disciplines that usually do not use a running martingale (dressage).
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