Face Off: Rambo Micklem vs PS of Sweden High Jump Bridle

The 900facebookpony already did a comprehensive write up of the PS of Sweden High Jump bridle. If you're at all curious, read it. This really is one of the coolest bridles I've been around and the thoughtful details are just incredible. Of course most people, including myself, draw an immediate comparison to the Rambo Micklem bridle, which I reviewed here.

So instead of just a straight review of this latest addition to the bridle hoard (just think if I never sold bridles. omg.), I wanted to talk about the really obvious comparison between the Rambo Micklem Bridle and the the PS of Sweden High Jump bridle.

Here is what I absolutely love about both of these bridles: they completely reject "traditional" styling that's been basically unchanged for centuries and instead look at the anatomy of the horse's face. Which is better for what and why?

Here we go!

Bridle Comparison

sparkle browband not included

Availability and Price

Micklem

The first and most obvious question to answer is how does one acquire either of these lovely pieces--neither is American based. The Micklem was designed in England and is widely available in the US through major retailers. A new Micklem runs in the $200 neighborhood and includes reins.

No special knowledge is required to order and many tack stores have started to carry Micklems as they have picked up in popularity due to being legal in all USEF English-riding disciplines (dunno about driving, reining, or vaulting). They show up quite frequently in upper level eventing competitions.

cute bay horse not included

High Jump

A High Jump bridle isn't hard to acquire, but it takes a few more page clicks than a Micklem for the US-based audience. It is available through the PS of Sweden website here. Here's the thing: It's list price is $313 when using the English version of the site.

North Americans (and basically any non-Europeans) are exempt from the VAT tax, which means that when you look at your cart, the price excluding VAT is $250. Shipping to the US (via UPS 2 day) is $30, which puts you at $280 for a High Jump bridle with reins.

It's not rocket science, but your first overseas order can be confusing. Bonus, PS takes paypal, so no worries about converting currency or whatever. The internet is magic.

Leather Quality 

Micklem

To me, a bridle in the $200-300 range is pretty standard and I don't get my panties in a twist about whether or not it's the second coming of leather Jesus.

That said, not everyone is a bridle ho like I am.

The Micklem bridle has what I call "passable" or "workmanlike" leather. It's not pretty. It's not French. It gets the job done. I don't feel bad if I ride in the rain. Despite months of meticulous care by me, the Micklem never really got that "well broken in" feel I love in quality leather.

I don't worry about it falling apart, but I don't love handling it.

High Jump

Straight out of the package, I like the leather on this bridle more than I ever liked the Micklem. It still isn't Antares of course (dear god if they put Antares leather on PS designs I would die of happiness). The leather is soft and pliable. The padding is luxurious. It takes conditioner well and is already more pliable than either of the Micklems I had ever was.

The leather is nice enough. I'm going to grade it at "slightly better than Nunn Finer" and maaaaaybe whisper that a little bird told me they were planning to upgrade the leather this year. Time will tell if I can hold out and not get a new one when that happens.

cute head, but made like a block

Sizing and Fit

Micklem

One thing that has always bothered me with Micklem bridles is that they're pretty inflexible in terms of size. Your horse either has a Micklem-sized head or he doesn't. Period. I have no ties to the Rambo company and I don't know if they're working on this, but I've never been really impressed with this aspect of the Micklem.

In addition, the "jaw strap" always hits my horses funny. I get that the Micklem isn't supposed to be tightened down, but it just seems weird and uncomfortable to put it in the middle of the cheek. Now maybe my mileage would vary if my horse was more Micklem-sized (heh), but this is what I have to deal with. I do like that the awkward jaw strap kept the bridle cheeks well clear of the eyes, but there has to be a better way to do that.

For what it's worth, Courage always wears Cob size bridles and I ordered the same here. It was fine on the jaw strap and on the longest or second longest hole for the flash.That said, his muzzle is not his most delicate feature, so I'd say the bridle fits pretty true to size.

High Jump

Truth: even when I discounted the High Jump bridle as just a European take on the Micklem, I admired the fact that they found a way to make this concept adjustable. The "cavesson" is set on rolled leather, so it can move around to accommodate different faces. The strap behind the bit is similar to a conventional crank (except it fastens with a snap), so there are lots of length options.

The front strap actually buckles UNDER the chin instead of on the side. Admittedly, this makes it minorly more difficult to put on, but OMG then then buckle isn't catching my horse's lips constantly. Given that I want my bridle to fit my horse, I actually really love this feature.

Again, I ordered cob size for Courage because he always wears cob and he does fit in the cob. Buuuuuut if I were to order again, I think I'd do some measurements to see if he could rock the horse size. The browband and cheeks are fine, but due to the shape of Courage's face (I swear it's two parallel lines instead of something cuter), the noseband is on the very last holes.

Thus, if in doubt, I'd definitely size up.

DETAILS

Micklem

This is what really separates the wheat and chaff, folks.

Most bridles have two straps that run alongside the horse's face: the cheeks and the cavesson hangers. Straps make bulk. Bulk makes pressure. Pressure is what we're trying to alleviate here.

The Micklem deals with this problem by putting everything on the one strap. I mean, you've got to hand it to Rambo--the Micklem bridle has the least pieces of any bridle I've ever worked with.

HOWEVER that is exactly what keeps the Micklem from being adjustable. Everything goes where it goes and your horses either fits or doesn't.


The Micklem does a nice job with the comfort crown and I never had any trouble with it.

High Jump

This is where the High Jump blows it's competition out of the water.

To keep the flexibility in adjustment, the High Jump sports the usual two straps alongside the face, BUT it contours one to match the shape of the facial bones and then rolls the other to eliminate bulk.

It doesn't just have a comfort crown--the entire shape of the crown is designed to sit on the horse's head. The crown is what makes it so these bridles don't need throatlatches--they're so anatomic that they just stay put.

The High Jump adds great details like fancy stitching, the snap on browband, and the hidden elastic in the bit attachments and reins to incorporate a little more give for a softer ride on the horse.

Oh, AND while the Micklem reins are standard nasty rubber reins that I literally never used, the High Jump comes with rubber lined leather reins with hand stops. That are awesome.

And that brings us to...

spring=glorious outdoor pictures

FUNCTION

Micklem

The Micklem is an item that serves to hold the bit in the horse's mouth and attach the reins while interfering with the animal as little as possible. That is the goal of bridles and it certainly gets the job done. I'd like to say it's a magic bullet or some sort of miracle cure, but 99% of contact problems seem to have a lot more to do with training than any particular piece of equipment.

That said, the Micklem is gaining traction in the show world because it is another option for those fussy horses who like a little relief. I thought Courage went well in the Micklem I had for him. My very-traditional trainer didn't like it. I ended up selling it (to get my first ps) and now said trainer has a Micklem. So. It's making inroads.

I didn't think that the Micklem changed Courage's manners in the bridle in a substantive way, but he wasn't a horse who had huge issues to start with. I would absolutely LOVE to try this bridle on some horses from my past if I ever got the chance.

winter=blurry indoor pictures

High Jump

Everything the Micklem does, the High Jump does better. It's more anatomically correct, more detail-oriented, more fitted.

The High Jump bridle is currently USEF legal only for showjumping and the jumping phases of eventing. It has not been allowed in dressage just yet. That said, it's similar to the Micklem so if PS makes the push (greases the right palms?) as it gains traction in the US market, I wouldn't be surprised if it became legal.

I have not heard that they are working on that yet, but they're a git-er-done sort of a company, so I'll keep you posted if I hear more.

PS of Sweden High Jump Bridle

CONCLUSION

At this point, the Micklem is the cheaper, show legal option that is mildly more accessible in the US. That said, the High Jump bridle is a much higher quality piece of tack that is rapidly catching on around the world. I love how it fits my horse and I love looking at it, and it's not leaving my tack room any time soon.

I think it's a good option even for the average rider with a perfectly fine horse just because it's worthwhile to explore alternatives to the traditional. Yeah, maybe you won't like it, but maybe you will.

And maybe it won't be this innovation that makes a difference for you, but it's worth being open to ideas in case one of them does.

Clip Me Baby One More Time: Winter Pattern Baldness

so much hair everywhere

Here's a thing about me: I really, really, really hate hair. It makes me batty. I hate being shed on. I hate fuzzy winter horses. I hate goat beards and yak coats and all that shiznit. HATE.

I clipped Courage back in October. I haven't re-clipped since then.

I touch up his face from time to time, but like there is hair. Everywhere. It is not ok with me.

my sexy ass horse

BUT.

I know that I know that I know clipped horses are harder to care for and require more blanket changes. I know that shedding isn't harmful and many thousands of years of horseman were shed upon every spring and very few horses were murdered as an outcome.

I know that a fuzzy horse is a warm horse and a warm horse is less likely to buck me off, especially as the weather changes.

I KNOW ALL THAT.

so bald. so pretty. need mane pull. 2014 pic

But you know what else I know?

My horse is beautiful and I like looking at him. I absolutely refuse to tie up Courage's tail or even braid it because I like looking at it. I like the aesthetics of tack and how it compliments my horse. I really love the look of a freshly clipped horse. I love quarter sheets.

And hell, I own so many blankets I hardly know what to do with all of them.

Soooooooo.

Just a little bib clip.

I pulled my little clippers out and just did a nice bib clip for Courage on Monday. It didn't take long, it wasn't hard to do, and Courage didn't even need his cooler for very long after the ride. WOO WOO.

forgot how to take pics in the sun

And then Tuesday was warm and sunny and I had a little extra time.Plus Courage gives no shits about clippers, so he just dozes while I clip away.

It's a slow week at work, so I keep taking off a little early to play clippers. Who knows where this will end up...

Teach Me Tuesday: Hoof Boots

True confession: I have never been "in" to hoof boots like... ever. The hellmare went barefoot quite a bit, but I never put boots on her. I did buy a set for Cuna at the advice of my vet, and I HATED them, though my experience was probably tainted by the fact that the whole experience was miserable and horrible and depressing.

And now I have Courage.

Who is rocking the barefoot thing for a cycle right now.

And the word "rock"ing probably makes him wince a little.


He's a bit tenderfooted, but no way Cuna's old giant size 3 Easyboots would go on him. I borrowed a pair from my BO and I thought they looked pretty ok. Heck, I didn't even swear very much putting them on.

I did chuck Courage on the lunge for a spin before I got on to see what he thought.

He didn't really give a shit, even when one of them flew off and hit him in the belly.

So I guess those didn't fit.

Thus, we are hoof-boot-less. I've considered trying to track some down for him, but I keep circling back to this: what are hoof boots really for? Are they an every-ride, every-time substitute for shoes? Just a band aid to stick on if Pookie loses a shoe before farrier day?

Hell if I know.

Ideas?

PS of Sweden Breastplate High Five Review

PS of Sweden breastplate

Ok, true confession: despite my mild belittling of the PS High Jump bridle as "just the European Micklem", it grew on me. And then I wanted one. And then I REALLY wanted one.

And then they went on sale.

Oops! Bloppis, you get me every time.

Kicker was, the bridle came in a set with the PS of Sweden Breastplate High Five. Another brutally honest moment here and I'll admit that I'm not really in to the "big" look on breastcollars that is going around and the PS breatcollar is definitely big. It's a five point and the section across the chest is wide and eye catching.

straps

I get that it's a trendy thing, but I didn't know if I would like it.

Without further ado: The PS of Sweden Breastplate High Five Review

MSRP: $195 (before deducting 25% VAT for us non-Europeans)
What I paid: $75 (per PS invoice)

CONSTRUCTION

The night it showed up, I spent a good hour or so playing with the new toys and conditioning everything. The breastplate is large, but it's lined with super soft leather padding. I am WAY more ok with leather padding because cleaning sheepskin is, eh, let's just say "not how I want to spend my time".

The ring at the center attaches the strap that goes between the legs and the optional (but included) martingale attachment. I have to hand it to this breastplate--the straps are SUPER adjustable. As you can see, I can adjust the top or the bottom of the strap between the legs (is there a name for it?). It also has a handy clip to attach to the girth, which is my favorite thing in breastplates.

so many straps

The other two straps (top attaches to saddle, bottom attaches to girth) are tidy and well made. Again, I LOVE clips for ease of attachment, /I have whined before about having a girth strap that's nylon instead of leather, but I'll hand it to PS: it lays much flatter under the saddle flap and is completely hidden from view.

Noted: I actually think the leather quality on this piece is much nicer than on the Flat Out Bridle I already have.

martingale attachment

The more I handled this breastplate, the more impressed I was by the thoughtful details.

MARTINGALE

I mean, I knew I'd wanted one of their martingale attachments because they looked cool. I loved it even more after I handled it.

HELLO.

CLIPS.

Yes, you're seeing correctly. Instead of rings to go over the reins, PS uses heavy duty clips that just snap into place. Forget undoing your reins before and after every ride. Nope. Just snap the rings on and you're good to go. Also the overall length is full adjustable.

And I didn't snag a close up, but there's cool detailing on the keepers too.

One critique I'd offer is that given all the other clips, I'm rather shocked there wasn't a clip to attach the martingale to the breastplate. However, that's a problem that I can fix with $2 and a trip to the hardware store.

gah so much hair

SIZING

I was a little not sure on the sizing--I ordered cob size because I was mostly wanting the bridle and Courage is definitely cob in the head, but he kind of goes either way when it comes to breastcollars. I mean, I hjave three (dear god) Nunn Finer breastplates--my hunt style is horse size and I had to punch extra holes. My bridge style is cob size and it was pretty snug till it stretched. My "normal" five point is horse size and it's adjusted pretty tight.

Which is to say Courage is somewhere between cob and horse.

it's blurry indoor pics time of year

The PS was tighter than I'd like--I added d savers to the rings on my saddle to make it long enough and everything went on, but I won't be sad if my straps stretch out a little bit.

So it's cob size, but not like really tiny cob size. There is quite of bit of flexibility to the fit--I have straps all over the place. It's fine between his front legs (admittedly, I think that's all the way out still) and the elastic in the design makes it fine everywhere else.

plus sweet free keychain

COLOR

The more perceptive among you have probably noticed that this breastcollar is a lighter brown than my usual "almost looks black" shade. That's because the sale was on the chestnut color only. I pulled the trigger and closed my eyes because I wanted the gear and I do love deals. I was completely prepared to hate the color and spend my entire next paycheck on an entire vat of hydrophane.

But I was pleasantly surprised. The chestnut is a warm brown without an god-awful red tint to it. It maybe wouldn't have been my first choice, but I certainly don't mind it and I haven't purchased any hydrophane as of right now.

SHAVE THIS HORSE

WRAP UP

And how did it ride?

I'd say pretty great. The leather is cut away to make it fit quite ergonomically. The elastic is nicely stretchy, so even if it's a little snug, it still has lots of give. Despite my worries about it being a little small, Courage was perfectly happy and freely forward during his ride.

There was no rubbing or chafing anywhere after I pulled it off, which is nice since his Nunn Finer is rubbing him bald right now. The clips are easy to use and it's very self-explanatory to put on.

This version does not have a grab strap over the withers. I am a big fan of things to hang on to, so I wouldn't rule out adding one if this becomes my go-to breastplate for winter riding.

So here we are. The look is growing on me and I'm definitely glad I got it. I don't really think Courage needs a five point for daily dressage in the indoor, but given how badly the Nunn Finer is rubbing him, I think this is my go to until the summer coat comes back in.

I tried to answer as many questions here as I could. If you have more questions, please leave them in the comments and I (or Amanda, haha) will happily get back to you.

Vengeance is Mine

he didn't want to put his ears up. i made him.

My social media friends probably noticed this particular shot going around and were like "WTF SB SOME FAMOUS FASHION LADY SAID ALWAYS TAKE OFF ONE ACCESSORY NOT ADD 7 MORE".

Or what have you.

So yes, I'll admit that Cookie Monster bonnet+snowflake polos+sparkle browband+ogilvy goodness+PS bridle+quarter sheet+sparkly bell boots is a tad on the overkill side.

I'll also point out that it is January and the cold fog is so intense that it's freezing to the ground and you can't see very far and that sucks.

O HAI

PLUS

Courage has discovered his new favorite thing IN THE ENTIRE WORLD.

Standing in the rain.

No joke. I buy snazzy blankets for this damn horse and he stands in the rain with his head straight up so the rain runs under the blanket until the whole freaking thing is SOAKED.

The other horses give it up and go inside. NOT COURAGE.

Oh no. He's the only horse with a private drying rack set up in the tack room so I can rotate blankets enough to keep him semi dry despite his proclivities.

I can rationalize that he's from the track and he hasn't gotten to experience rain much and all that, but you know what? If he's going to make me work this hard, I have no shame decking him out in in snowflakes and sparkles.

It's on like donkey kong.

And yeah, I had to google that.

OTTBs, spooking, and winter riding explained.

he really is adorable

When I first moved Courage to the new barn, the other boarders were blown away by how quiet Courage was and the fact that from his first ride in the indoor on, I've been hacking around on the buckle.

Which is why I thought it was really suspicious that Mr Calm and Cool was all of a sudden losing his marbles and spooking at all kinds of random things. ALERT ALERT ALERT ARENA DOOR AHEAD sort of nonsense.

I recognize that it's winter and the cold weather+sometimes limited turnout can cause some behavior changes, but that didn't really feel right. There was something else going on.

MUST YOU TAKE ANOTHER SUNSET PIC

See, this past fall Courage started being a total dick to ride. Every minute of every ride was me fighting with him about stupid stuff. And then S rode him and was all "IGNORE HIS BULLSHIT COMPLETELY" and you know what, it completely went away.

So what happens when my usually non-spooky horse leaps dramatically away from the in-gate of the indoor arena?

Well, I look for what scared him, which means I take a little leg off and let him drop impulsion and maybe give up the contact and...

Ding ding ding!! We have a winner.



It was so obvious when I put it in those terms. I had just been talking to a friend of mine and remarking how sweet he's been and wondering where his jackass/smart/evasive side was. Yeah, right there on the surface. Where it always is.

Sooooooo.

With that in mind, I put Courage on the bit and made him do ring figures. If he had time to invert and look up, his brain wasn't working hard enough. If he spooked, I kept leg on and rode forward. If he told me he wanted to spook, I pushed the reins at him and rode forward to keep from bracing.

plus he looks great in my cooler collection

And yeah, guess who completely gave it up and gave me a lovely ride?

Yup, Courage.

In fairness, after I hopped off, he had a massive spook in place. Because you know, cold weather+limited turnout really is a thing. It's just not as big of a thing as he wanted me to think it was.

He's such a bastard. It's why I love him.

The Smoking Mouth

You may have noticed that in pretty much every single picture I post of Courage (including the fancy dressage ones), his mouth is open.

(Noted: I'm pretty selective about editing, so maybe you don't see it as much as I do, but let me assure you, it's a thing.)

Fall

Summer

Could he be more good looking?

You may also notice that I'm not doing a hell of a lot about it. Yeah, his bridle has a flash and I own a figure eight and I certainly know how to mechanically remedy the situation.

But here's the thing--according to both S (biomechanics) and C (dressage), it's far better at this point to let Courage express his tension by opening and closing his mouth than it is to tie it shut and force that tension to show up another way.

You may be sick of this pic. I'm not.

And you know what? The more comfortable and confident Courage gets working though his back into contact, the more often he starts closing his mouth of his own accord.

So I'm not saying I'd never put a flash on him--I have before and I'm sure it will happen again. It's just that for where we're at right now, I'd rather he open his mouth and release his topline than close his mouth and invert.

Because let's face it, that tension is coming out somewhere.

2015 Goals.

Technically taken last year

I hesitate to even set goals after failing at pretty much all of them last year. That said, I love goal wrap ups and a huge part of blogging is taking snapshots in time so progress is more tangible... so here goes.

Things I think I can achieve in 2015 with my green OTTB, limited time, short funds, so-so bravery, and a deep and intense hatred of showing green horses, but I still think need to be done in pursuit of a useful and well-rounded horse to have fun on:

1) Compete at two dressage shows (schooling shows count) with Courage. Me riding. Don't care what level. Complete test and stay in the ring.

2) Attend two jumping shows with Courage. Don't have to compete. Do have to hack around warm up.

he thinks we could do this right now

3) Comfortably jump around a 2'6" course at home, including oxers and spooky fill.

4) Pop over the occasional 3' (or better) single.

5) Get out on the trails. Courage is brave and willing. I want him comfortable solo and in groups.

6) Ride bitless. I dunno. Just want to try it and have an english hackmore, so might as well.

7) Take 1-2 lessons a month so I'm not just stalling out without help.

8) Travel to one out of state show to see either upper level eventing or grand prix showjumping.

this is hot

Reach Goals:

9) Jump double clear around a stadium course at 2' or better in a show.

10) Score 65% or better on a training level dresssage test.

Bonus Goal:

11) Ride in either of the H/J shows at the end of the summer.

Instead of setting big achievement goals, I wanted to break it down this year to more incremental progressive goals. I want to avoid checking in at the end of the year and being like "wow, yeah totally didn't even think about these things". I want to focus on doing the things that make the horse I want to ride.

So yeah, even though I hate showing green horses, I'm going to do it in pursuit of making a less green horse.

but our dressage is getting kick ass

You might also notice that is is way less performance oriented than in years past--I haven't called out specific shows or levels or even anything that seems way out of reach. Part of that is me wanting to attack the mental aspect and get really happy and comfortable and part of it is realistic--I'm not working consistently with a jumping trainer right now and I have other personal goals I'm working towards this year that realistically limit the horsey $$ at least for now.

It's so us

I want to tie this all together more holistically, so look for a sidebar or new tab or something in the near future. Maybe I will also get my shit together and (gasp!) migrate to my own domain here soon.

I'm Back! (And I have new toys)

My apologies for scattered auto-posting, but I've been out of town for most of the past week. It was a non-horse-related trip, but I still wheedled my way into a trip to a fantastic tack store. Plus met another blogger. Plus got my secret santa present. PONY TIME ALL THE TIME.

Plus has my initials on the other side

First things first. I got a note from the post office on Christmas Eve that there was a package I needed to sign for. It was late in the afternoon and I was tired and the name on the note was a person from whom I was expecting a Christmas card, so I opted to wait until after Christmas to go get it.

THAT WAS NO CHRISTMAS CARD. Well ok, T Meyers did include a card in which she wrote a really nice note, but she sent me a personalized Ogilvy baby pad. It's beautiful and perfect and I love it.

Hands off, ladies.

ALL THE PRETTIES

Next up, my mom (may her name be blessed) decided to get me a Christmas present on said trip.

I wandered the tack store and touched all the things and hemmed and hawed. I knew I didn't need more strap goods (we don't need to discuss how many bridles/breastcollars I have right now). I'm not really all that in to clothes.

I did almost cry when the Tredstep tall boots on clearance for $100 were a half a size too small for me.

Also the orange saddle pad. Obvs. Best mom ever.

And then I found it: THE BOOT AISLE.

Now you might be saying, "SB, you have SO MANY BOOTS SRSLY QUIT BUYING THEM."

And you might be right.

But that means you've never gotten to handle the new Majek Equip open front memory foam boots. I loved how they felt. I loved the price point.

And if I bought the fronts, my mom would buy the hinds and...

SOLD.

Because I'm a dork who takes pics of EVERYTHING

And then since the point of my tip to 70f sun and paradise was to watch my alma mater stomp a power 5 conference team into the desert dust, I trooped off to the game.

Whilst out and about tailgating, this nice girl walks up and is all "Hi, what's your name?"

AND IT WAS TOTALLY JODI (from Racing to Ride). Ha!! Super fun to meet her and bonus, she's just as nice and down to earth in person as she sounds online.

Sad to say, I left 70 and sun behind and am now back home in 18f weather that won't let up, but you know what?

I have an INDOOR. It's on, people.

PROGRESSION POSTS

Ok, yeah, I'm working on a lesson wrap up and I have tons of great pictures and there is so much to talk about, but I haven't done an honest-to-goodness progression in a while. LET'S DO THAT AGAIN. Instead of doing a multi year sort of thing, let's just look at this summer/fall:

July 2014

August 2014

December 2014

All photos by Alyssa.

It's definitely a long, slow process and there's more to do. What I'm seeing is Courage learning to really relax his topline and use his hind end. I know he's 9, but this is completely contrary to his race training.

I can't wait to see how he looks in the spring!