From Horseware Ireland, created by William Micklem

WHY MICKLEM?
The Rambo Micklem Multi-Bridle and Competition Bridle are award winning bridles carefully designed from the inside out by leading international coach, author and breeder, William Micklem. William is an amazing man who spent over 15 years perfecting these bridles which focus on both exceptional comfort for the horse and effective communication for the rider.  His dynamic and innovative alternative to the traditional bridle is structured around the intricate anatomy of the horse's skull and specifically avoids pressure points which consistently cause discomfort using traditional headwear.  

MULTI-BRIDLE AND COMPETITION BRIDLE: FEATURES UP CLOSE..
Both forms of the Micklem Bridle have a wide, padded headpiece which distributes the weight of the bridle evenly and comfortably over the poll.  The headpiece, browband and noseband are softly padded for the horse's comfort, and carefully positioned straps are fitted to hold the bridle securely in place.  ALL straps are carefully placed to avoid placing any inward pressure on sensitive areas of the horse's face.  The leather cheek and nose pieces avoid critical areas such as the fragile facial bones, facial nerves and protruding upper jaw and molars.  This clever design also minimises shifting of the bridle parts whilst the horse is in work.  

Both Micklem bridles are made from high-quality, hand-rubbed leather and come in black and dark Havana brown.  Two sets of bit straps and four tongue protection bit clips are included with the bridle.

"We just wanted to thank you so much for introducing us to the Micklem bridle.  It has made such a difference to Bentley.  From the very first time putting it on, Bentley instantly seemed so much more comfortable - in his previous bridle, just a normal caveson, he would dive down into the bridle when putting it on and lean on it when ridden, there was a constant battle of trying to get him off the forehand.  There has been none of that with the Micklem, an overnight change.  As a result, Bentley's flatwork has improved, his dressage scores have gone up and he's using his body beautifully over jumps.  Thank you!!" Deborah and Samuel, Auckland. 

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My dressage boy has a long standing tongue over the bit habit.  I did change the bit to a good old fashioned simple hollow mouth but recently I decided to lift the bit up a bit higher in the new bridle and added bit clips.  He fussed a bit for a couple of rides but I'll be damned he's given up as he can't get his tongue over, so his fussing in the mouth is stopping slowly! I think the bit clips (which I only just thought to add) have helped him, of course can't compete in them but hopefully breaks his habit.  Now I'm used to it the bridle it’s great! Easy to use.  Most excited about it for kids to save ponies mouth while learning!  Jenn G. West Melton  

RAMBO MICKLEM COMPETITION BRIDLE & MULTI-BRIDLE - FITTING

SIZING AND MEASUREMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Horses heads vary a great deal but a general guide to sizing is; 

Pony 11 hh/ 103cm with a wide head to 14 hh/143cm with a small head 
Small Horse 14hh/143cm with a wide head to 16 hh/163cm with a small head 
Super Cob 14 hh/143cm to 16 hh/163cm with a chunky head or big cheek bones
Standard Horse 16hh/163cm with a wide head to 17hh/173cm with a small head 
Large Horse 16.2HH with a wide head and larger 

Taking a measurement of your horses head will provide you with a more accurate guide to your horses' size requirements.  To achieve this measure the distance from the bottom point of the protruding cheek bone on one side of the head, to the bottom point of the protruding cheek bone on the other side of the head, going over the nose.

Under 27 cm (10.6 inches) = Pony
27 - 29 cm (10.6 to 11.4 inches) = Small Horse
29 - 31 cm (11.4 to 12.2 inches) = Standard Horse
31 - 33 cm (12.2 inches to 13 inches) = Large Horse

Correct size is extremely important, if you find that your new bridle is a size to large or small we can exchange, please contact us immediately to discuss your requirements. 

FITTING GUIDE
1.MICKLEM COMPETITION BRIDLE & MULTIBRIDLE BITTED OPTION:
Your bridle will arrive partially assembled, if you disassemble your bridle check when placing it back together that the arrow on the headpiece is facing the front.  The edge next to the ears will be straighter than the edge facing the wither.

Fit the bit straps to your bit first, with the buckle on the outside and the end of the strap facing upwards, then attach to the bridle using the bit rings at the bottom of the cheek pieces (see photo above) start with these on a longer setting so you can shorten if required at a later stage in the fitting process. For some bits with long sides or double rings a shorter attachment than the bit straps may be needed, in which case one of the sets of plastic bit clips should be used (see photo below). Now place the bridle on your horse.  Start by adjusting the cheek straps to position the nosepiece correctly.
                    

Positioning the Front Nose Piece
Correct positioning of the nose piece is very important.. When fitting for the first time keep in mind that the nosepiece should sit 2-3 inches above the horses mouth, with the cheekpieces passing just below the horses protruding cheekbones.  To confirm you have the right position, put your fingers either side of the nose at this point and you will be able to locate where the fragile ends of the nose begin.  The front nosepiece should not be below this point.  Then use both the cheek pieces and the leather bit straps (shorten now if required) or plastic bit clips to fit your bit at the normal height.

Fitting lower Nose and Jaw Straps
The last step is to fit the lower straps under the jaw and nose.  When fitting the top strap under the jaw, remember it is designed to be fastened flush with the skin, not loose like a throat lash, this holds the bridle in place without causing any discomfort. It will sit naturally on the cheek-bones at approximately 45 degrees to the vertical.  Note that it sits lower on the jaw than a traditional throat lash.  Neither of the lower straps should be tight, they should both sit flush and are designed to allow for a small amount of movement.  If you find that your straps are not meeting or the bridle is sitting too low on the horse's nose then you may need to adjust the size of your bridle.  

Fitting the Tongue and Bar Protector 
Use the appropriate length bit straps or bit clips to join the bit to the side rings on the lower D's on the side of your Micklem.  This provides you with a unique tongue and bar protection system (see below).  If a rider gets left behind, or a horse and rider pull against each other, the clips will shift the extra pressure to the nose rather than on to the tongue or the very narrow bars of the mouth. 

(Similar action created by the Australian racing noseband. This system will help the horse to accept the bit quietly with less resistance and discourages them from putting the tongue over the bit. It is also very useful for novice riders who have not yet learnt to go with the movement of the horse).
 
GUIDE FOR MICKLEM MULTIBRIDLE - BITLESS AND CAVESSON OPTIONS
2. MULTI-BRIDLE (ONLY) - CAVESSON 
The Rambo Micklem Multibridle as fitted above, can be used as a classical lunge cavesson by simply attaching a lunge line to the ring provided on the nose piece. When using side reins or running reins, which by their nature are relatively fixed, the tongue protection system using the clips is a huge advantage. It may be necessary to tighten the top back strap by one hole in some circumstances where extra security is required.

3. MULTIBRIDLE (ONLY) - BITLESS OPTIONS

There are three alternative bitless bridles, from mild to strong, so there will be one that suits your horse and they all avoid damage to the molar teeth caused by standard bitless bridles. They are great to use after any mouth injury or damage such as split corners or if your horse dislikes a bit. Some may wish to use a bitless bridle on a continuous basis and the stronger alternative is ideal for this. This design has been proved to work very successfully for many years.

. Mild (top left) - Take out the bit by undoing the bit straps or clips and attach the reins directly to the side rings and you ha-ve a mild bitless bridle.

. Medium (top middle) - Add the curb groove attachment by fitting it under the bottom back strap, like a curb chain. You need to open the lower back strap of the Multibridle when doing this. 

Fit the lower back strap though the keeper (image top right) at the back of the curb groove attachment before doing this strap up again. Then bring the side straps of this attachment back through the side rings of the Multibridle, before attaching the reins to the end of these side straps. 

.  Strong (image bottom left) - Take the long strap and bring it through the keeper (keeper image above right) at the top of the headpiece. Centre this strap, then cross it diagonally at the back of the head and bring it out through the side rings, before attaching the reins to the ends of this long strap.

HEADCOLLAR
Just take off the bit or bitless bridle attachment and loosen the back straps and it is a headcollar for travelling to competitions or for use during long distance rides.

*Please note, A comprehensive brochure on how to fit your bridle is included in all Rambo Micklem bridle packs.