Product Review: Schockemohle Equitus Delta Bridle

I recently did a tack purge. I like doing that every so often, to move stuff that's sitting unused and open up funds to pursue delicious new leather goods. Most of my stuff didn't fit Spicy, so I sold everything except this piece of shit that's still in my tack box because I'm using it pretty reliably.

Yes, still.

What Spicy seems to enjoy about the Micklem is the bit stability. It attaches to the cheek pieces which keeps the bit very still in his mouth. I sent out an SOS on Facebook to find something similar and better quality because I'm tired of it, even if all my horses do love it.

Enter the Schockemohle Equitus Delta.

The Alpha is very similar to the Micklem in design. The Delta is the same as the Alpha, but without the flash strap. I'd like my horse to go without his nose strapped shut because he doesn't need it, and the Delta has the stability of the bit being attached to the cheek pieces. So far, Spicy loves it. I love it, too! I measured Spicy per the size chart provided by Schockemohle and found it exactly accurate.

Topline looks good with everything.

The Good:

• Unique design. Every piece of the bridle is thoughtfully designed and with the absence of a flash/drop strap, the bridle is totally unique from other ergonomic bridles.
• Durable. The leather feels thick and durable. The edges are finished, and the noseband strap is even stitched. The leather on the padded parts doesn't feel cheap or like it's going to fall apart.
• Comfortable. The padding is placed very well and is just the right amount without being too soft or flimsy.
• Beautiful. It's just a really nice piece of tack.

The Bad:

• Adjustability - Spicy could use a cob noseband and horse crownpiece. It fits as is but it's on the last hole on the crownpiece, which isn't my favorite. I wish I could've mixed and matched the pieces, but maybe that'll be offered in the future?
• The part that attaches to the bit was really stiff and it was a real bitch to adjust it in the beginning. I don't know that I'll need to adjust it very often, but I had to use a hoofpick to try and pry it out of its keeper trap.
• Doesn't come with reins.

This bridle retails for $329 with free shipping from Dover. I bought it from Naylors and paid £179 + £30 shipping (I bought something else as well to make the shipping more worth it) which is about 277 in fine US Dollars. Only took a week to get to me, so it might be worth shopping around, especially if you want to Tack Ho™ with friends! I always advise Tack Ho-ing with friends.

The bridle is quality and fills a niche market that doesn't have any other contenders. If it's something you think your horse would like I can definitely recommend it!