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!


Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing, I just LOVE this bridle on him! It's a total no for me unless I can mix and match parts though, sigh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's funny, I thought of that because I was like "Ugh I wish Jen had this bridle, as our horses use complimenting parts." The reject Harwich pieces you sent fit Spicy perfectly!! :P

      Delete
  2. Definitely a much prettier piece of tack than the Micklem!

    I never thought about bit stability as it attaches to the bridle before this post. Thanks for plugging that thought into my brain. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I didn't until my dressage trainer mentioned it. Then when I rode in a normal bridle I noticed how much the bit moves!!

      Delete
  3. I want one of these so thank you for the review. What size did you get? My mare has a cob nose and horse length head too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got a cob, I used this size chart: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1712/5117/files/SchockemoehleSports_SizeChart_Bridles_1024x1024.jpg?v=1510315783

      Spicy measured exactly 48" in the over the head measurement, and 23" on the nose measurement. The Cob size nose fits him perfectly and is on the last hole over the top, so I found the size chart pretty accurate.

      Good luck!

      Delete
  4. I LOVE THESE BRIDLES. The Alpha is majorly calling my name even though I need another bridle like I need a hole in the head. The Schockemoehle strapgoods are really nice. It's interesting that the Dover one doesn't come with reins since the Riding Warehouse one does. And the 20% off code makes the RW one $15 cheaper than the reinless Dover one. Oh, Dover.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeaaaaah dover. The bridle is so nice though. I'm so glad it exists to save me from micklems!!!

      Delete
  5. That is a beautiful bridle!! He looks so handsome in it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've been eyeing these as Levi seems to like the Micklem design, but I hate the crappy leather and overalls quality of the product. Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hate to enable you, but it IS a nice alternative.

      Delete
  7. I haven't tried any of these fixed bit type bridles yet. Mostly because if they're happy why mess with it right? But also the Micklem is kinda... well. You know. Not pretty.
    This however is GORGEOUS! He looks so handsome, and I think your browband is perfect on it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The browband really jazzes up everything. I love it so much, best totally unnecessary purchase ever!!

      Delete
  8. Is this show legal? My horses both liked the trial Micklem we looked at, but even their most expensive had really crappy leather.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you thought I spent ages trying to figure this out... you'd be right.

      USDF has a picture of the Alpha on page 32: https://www.usef.org/forms-pubs/96D17lSsaCo/annex---bits-saddlery-equipment

      Since the Delta is the same without the flash, I went ahead and assumed the same for it.

      USEA doesn't EXPLICITLY say whether it's legal or not, so I'd check, but it's so similar to the Micklem I feel like there's no way it couldn't be.

      Clear as mud, right?

      Delete
  9. This looks great on him I am glad you got a bridle you like/works for him/and looks good on him. Win win! :) Now is that browband purple??? ?GIMMEE

    ReplyDelete
  10. LUFF IT (not as much as the PS I got from you though, heehee)! Glad you found something you both lkike!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

I love comments so much, it makes me want to give you a BIG hug.

Popular Posts