Headcollars under bridles

[beaker]

Do any of you wear headcollars under bridles when riding? I was always told this was a big NO, as it could rub/annoy the horse, but if I am on a long hack it's nice to get off and let the horse graze, and while he can eat with his bit in, it's easier without. I have also had to tie a horse up once or twice whilst out and about. I use a headcollar with minimum buckles, and make sure it fits properly. I thought of using a halter, but would be worried about tying a horse up with that.
What do you wise people think?

[ruthp]

At the moment I always have my Dually under the bridle - but the bridle is really a simple loop over the head to attach a bit, no noseband or any other fiddly bits. Have the Dually on because I often start off with a bit of ground manners work, and it's much easier to use the Dually for that than a bridle. Also, if for any reason I do need to get off I can attach reins to the Dually for leading, and I feel more in control.

Bali does not seem to be irritated or bothered by it.

[horsey2]

Performance equestrian do bridles which have head collar as part of it, may be worth considering, as its all in one rather than bridle and head collar.
www.performance-equestrian.com/cat/cat020602x-item_6.html

[Oranges]

Horsey 2 beat me to it lol I always ride in the combination bridles now, they are great,

But in the Pre combination times i often rode with a headcollar under, so long as they both fit, perhaps without the noseband on the bridle. Also used to pull the head piece back so horse didnt have to much sitting behind there ears

[laura]

years ago before combination bridles were around I nearly always rode out with a headcollar under the bridle ( (no noseband) as we would usually stop for a munch ( equine and human) as my fave occupation was a looooong hack !

I wouldnt use a rope halter to tie up with, a well fitting headcollar is ok . If you think your existing one is too heavy you can get driving ones which are a little less bulky because driving horses always have a headcollar on under the bridle ( safety requirement )


edited to add pic

I was always told this was a big NO, as it could rub/annoy the horse

those riders didn't tell the drivers then ;D


I think the combination bridles are brill and if I didn't have a dr cooks ( which IS a combination bridle ) I would most def have one of the "bitted" ones.

[Louise C]

I have done - but without the noseband on.

[penny70]

We always used to ride with headcollars on under the bridle, and a lot of trekking centres and riding places where they ride for a whole day at a time still do - I would absolutely do so again (if I were riding my pony at the moment).

Never seen any problems caused by it, and the only thing I would say is that the bridles used had the noseband removed...

[beaker]

Thank you for your replies. I don't have a noseband, and it certainly doesn't seem to bother the horse so I will carry on! I love the combination bridles, funds won't stretch to one at the moment, though.
Chris and Laura, your horses are gorgeous, and clearly not bothered by their headcollars/duallys.
Isn't it funny the things we have drummed into us when we are young that we never question at the time?!

[HFM]

I also have done the dually bridle combination, as im more in control on a dually if i have to lead on a hack. However, jack didnt like it after a while, i think it was simply 'too much' on his head for him to be happy with, so i abandoned that idea.

I have however done it since on other horses who are absolutely fine with a dually/headcolla runder bridle (with the noseband of the bridle taken off). My friends horse has to wear one over his bridle as has been known to take his bridle off mid hack

[jes]

I'm another one who rides with a Dually under the bridle. I use a Libby's synthetic bridle without a noseband, so it's not bulky at all. Never have a problem.

[wally]

I HATE headcollers under bridles. Ove the top is vaguely acceptable, but under drives me mad.

Too bulky, and no finesse. Under halters for driving bridles are designs to fit under a bridle without compromising fit.
If it is a narrow or unobtrusive underhalter fair enoughl. But a oe inch headcollar under an ordinary bridle is a big no-no for me.

[beaker]

Wally-you obviously feel strongly about this! Do you think they cause a problem, or is it the look of it that you dislke?

[laura]

do you have a good pic of the driving underhalters wally to show the difference ... I can't find a close up pic of Taz with hers.. you cant see it much on the pic above.

modified to add a pic ...... managed to crop a high res pic. The headcollar is much finer and fits closer to the head than a "normal" headcollar .... maybe thats what wally means ?

[zannado]

libbys do a driving one, you can see that it is thinner and less bulky
www.libbys-tack.com/shop/customer/product.php?productid=153&cat=8&page=1

[wally]

When you have a M&M type, they have enough mane and forelock to contend with. Then putting a headcollar on under the bridle just stops the bridle fitting properly.

Driving under halters are designed with them being specifically for use under a bridle. An ordinay one inch headcollar just messes up the fit of an ordinary bridle.

I don;t see why (except HDT) you'd need a headcollar on under a bridle. It's so uncomfy for the horse. If I am going on a long ride I wrap one up in a rope and clip it to my saddle.

When I do my disabled drivers group, I put a headcollar on over the top of Andy's bridle, so he can be led as well as driven with some of the high dependency kids with specialist wheelchairs. The bridle fits as it was designed to and he is more comfy.