Horseware Micklem Bridle Deluxe Competition
Horseware Micklem Competition Bridle
Horseware Micklem Bridle Deluxe Competition
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Micklem Bridles by Horseware | Premium Horse Bridles | Emmers Equestrian
The Micklem bridle was designed by Irish eventing coach William Micklem around one specific idea: keep the straps clear of a horse's more sensitive spots, the nerve under the cheekbone, the poll, and the bars of the mouth, rather than following a standard bridle's layout. At Emmers that means the Competition Bridle, built for everyday showing, the Deluxe Competition, a smarter-leather version of the same design, and the Multi Bridle, which adds a noseband ring so one bridle can convert into a lunging cavesson or bitless bridle.
Because the shape departs from a conventional bridle, it's worth knowing two practical things before buying: which version actually matches what you need, and that it's FEI and USEF legal for dressage specifically when used with a bit and with the bit clips removed — so it's worth checking that detail rather than assuming any configuration is automatically show-ready.
Tips for Choosing
- Choose the Competition Bridle for everyday showing, a standard bitted bridle without the extra noseband ring.
- Choose the Multi Bridle if you want one bridle that can also work as a lunging cavesson or bitless option, since the noseband ring is what makes that conversion possible.
- If you're riding dressage, use it with a bit and remove the bit clips, since that's specifically what keeps it within FEI and USEF rules, it's worth confirming current rules for your level and federation before a show, as this bridle's legality has been specifically discussed in recent rule reviews.
- Remember the anatomical design still needs correct fitting, the curved noseband and wider straps are built to clear pressure points, but only do that job properly when adjusted correctly.
- Decide between the Competition and Deluxe Competition mainly on leather finish and price, not function, since both are the same standard bitted design.
Frequently Asked Questions - Micklem by Horseware
What actually makes a Micklem different from a regular bridle?
The straps are positioned to avoid pressure points like the nerve under the cheekbone and the poll, which is meant to make the horse more comfortable in the contact.
Can I use it for dressage?
Yes, but the BitClip usually has to come off first. It's generally not allowed in the dressage ring.
Which model do I need?
The competition works for most riders. Choose the Multibridle if you also want to lunge in it without buying a separate cavesson.
Is it worth paying more than a standard bridle?
That depends on your horse and how it goes in the contact. Many riders find it makes a real difference, but it's not a guaranteed fix for every issue.
How do I care for the leather?
Wipe it down after use and condition it regularly, the same as any quality leather tack.
What's the difference between the Multi Bridle and the Competition Bridle?
The Multi Bridle has a metal noseband ring that lets it convert into a lunging cavesson or bitless bridle, while the Competition Bridle is a standard bitted bridle without that feature.
Who designed the Micklem bridle, and why?
Irish eventing coach William Micklem, who developed it specifically to avoid pressure on sensitive areas of the horse's head rather than follow traditional bridle design.
Is the Deluxe Competition functionally different from the standard Competition Bridle?
No, the difference is mainly leather finish and price, since both are the same standard bitted bridle.
Does an anatomical bridle still need careful fitting?
Yes, the design only avoids pressure points if it's correctly adjusted, so proper fitting still matters just as much as with a standard bridle.