Crossunder bridles - what's the difference between them?

[Bronya]

I have tried a Dr Cook copy called the Gentle Touch No Bit Bridle (the one here: http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/horsecare/1370/36743.html ). My girl wasn't frightfully impressed at first, as it wasn't normal - no bit! She went in an outline nicely and was much more fluid - more akin to the way she goes in a snaffle but without the choice of grabbing onto the bit if she fancies running off! It had a similar braking time to a snaffle too (i.e. instant usually, a bit longer if she really doesn't want to stop!).

I have some queries though and wondered if any of the other crossunder ones would solve them..
- it didn't release very well.
- the noseband rode up on her nose so it became less effective with time.
- ideally the straps would be a bit narrower so the signals were more precise.
- I was worried that if I used it often it might cause pressure problems on her nose since it didn't release.

[No_Angel]

Ive found that my horses prefer flat cross straps than rounded ones, and prefer very soft material like beta, i was worried Shay didn't like his biothane bridle, but he seems ok with a sheepskin noseband on.

I don't ride with constant rein pressure (personally don't think you should in a bitless, or a bit for that matter really,lol) or work my horses in an outline (i prefer a long relaxed frame with back end working) and have not had a problem with pressure points/marks or the bridle not releasing that well, it doesn't drop through completely but there is isn't release, even if it not as clear as pulling all the way through.

[Bronya]

I have looked around and found the Be Nice bridle which has rolled straps but such a padded noseband I don't think the horse would feel the pressure much anyway!

I quite like the look of the IV horse bridle (leather) and the Nurtural one (beta probably) to any of the others I've seen, but am not sure which one would be better. They are here:http://www.horseandharmony.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=401&zenid=e0bb4fd82d48125bfdfe716c86cbe444

Oh, and we're dressage people - so outline is necessary! I got the very light contact she's used to and could use it to half-halt etc, but when we jumped and she got faster and faster and faster (having fun) I had to pull pretty hard to stop her and then it didn't release well at all.

What's beta like?

[wedney]

Beta is nice - very soft.

The Nurtural has the circle x which prevents the cross straps from fully tightening around the head and aids release.

The Be-Nice is nicely padded and has the rolled straps which release a bit better than flat straps.

[Bronya]

OH ordered me a nurtural to try and I have to say it gives you fantastic brakes! It released much better too. The noseband moved a little but not much so overall I quite like it. It says in the info that it is like having a bit and it does really feel like one, which suprised me!