How can the type of bridle affect a horse's way of going?

[Teazle]

I saw some people mention in threads that the elevator or other types of bridle affected their horse. I would be interested to learn more. Maybe I should consider spending more?

I've always bought the more inexpensive english leather varieties of bridle - never spent more than about £40 on one. The cheapest one I ever bought (at £27) has outlasted every other and still looks as good as new. None have had padding or much in the way of anything fancy though.

[Bay Mare]

For Saff (who had pretty major bitting issues and was terribly head shy when I first got her) anything that made her a bit more comfortable was a plus. The Elevator did make her more comfortable as did the KK Ultra and then the mullen mouth pelham. From the point of view of 'every little helps' it's been worth every penny and I would buy another. It's also a beautiful and well made bit of kit!

Saying that though, I'm not convinced that the Elevator, beautiful as it is, is a miracle cure nor that it would make a huge difference to a horse without head related issues.

[The Original Crazywoman]

I'm not buying one because my mare has any head related problems, or to improve her way of going. It's just that she needs a new bridle anyway, and I want to get something that is comfortable for her. :)

[Daffy Dilly]

I'm not buying one because my mare has any head related problems, or to improve her way of going. It's just that she needs a new bridle anyway, and I want to get something that is comfortable for her. :)

Agreed. Although, if it did help me to improve his way of going - i'm not expecting a cure all, but increased comfort has to help - then I would consider it a bonus.

[horsey1992devon]

you can buy leather pads that go under certain bits of the bridle.
Prolite do some gel filled ones too.

If you didn't want to spend all that money on an elevator, perhaps those would be a good idea?

[The Original Crazywoman]

If I had a decent bridle I would definitely consider that, although have to say the prolite pads don't look very smart. Perhaps the leather ones would look better, but I haven't come across these. Do you have a link, and are they padded?

As it is, she came with a bridle that is a little bit too snug, and I have also changed the colour of my saddle so need havana rather than black leather. :)

[horsey1992devon]

If I had a decent bridle I would definitely consider that, although have to say the prolite pads don't look very smart. Perhaps the leather ones would look better, but I haven't come across these. Do you have a link, and are they padded?

As it is, she came with a bridle that is a little bit too snug, and I have also changed the colour of my saddle so need havana rather than black leather. :)

I don't have a link, sorry.
Have just seen them a few times in random places..maybe if you google them?