Finesse bridles are quickly becoming one of the most popular among all equestrians including Olympian medalists. What makes these bridles so unique? Lets have a look.
These bridles feature a special neckpiece engineered to distribute and alleviate pressure on the horse’s neck.
The innovation behind this unique padding comes from technology used in hospital mattresses for bed-bound patients. It’s not made of memory foam, but rather a specially designed fiber material that maintains blood flow in the areas of contact with the horse’s body. Engineers and specialists have developed the distinctive padding material found in Finesse Bridles. They conducted a decade-long study to discover the ideal pressure-reducing material.
If we consider the poll, it is a very important and sensitive place in the horse as it connects the head (where the bridle sits and the horse can receive aides) to the rest of the body. Ideally, we would like this area to be as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Another great feature of this padded headpiece is that it also relieves bridle pressure on the TMJ, as the cheekpiece straps are held away from the head. This area is again becoming increasingly important in horse comfort and relaxation.
A study conducted by Stud.med.vet Katja Gabara, Emilie Gertz, and Dr. Adrian Harrison on 12 Icelandic horses demonstrated that all horses exhibited significantly more free movement throughout their bodies when wearing FinesseBridles® compared to standard bridles.
This is significant because, when working with a FinesseBridle®, horses do not suffer the same number of ‘pain-strikes’—defined as muscle overloads during work. The study examined not only the muscles associated with the neckpiece but also the myofascial lines that affect the horse’s overall movement from the base of the skull to the hindlimbs, specifically m. Splenius and m. Brachiocephalicus.
An article detailing the benefits of FinesseBridles® was published in the OJVM in 2020, a well-regarded scientific journal that features advanced and innovative research from scientists and veterinarians globally.
You can read the article here.
The Finesse bridle was carefully developed with the assistance of Grand Prix rider Cathrine Dufour.
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We are also seeing riders such as Becky Moody, Van Ols Stables, and many more top Grand Prix riders using these bridles with excellent results.
In summary, Finesse bridles are an excellent option for many horses. I have received feedback from clients with bridle shy, head shy, tense, sensitive, and stiff horses that all benefitted and improved using the Finesse bridle.
I will not claim they are essential or suitable for every horse or that they are going to fix every problem. However, as we have the best interests of our equine partners at heart, Finesse bridles are worth a try. We believe in this product and are happy to offer our Finesse Bridle Trial option.
A Finesse bridle is a large investment for your horse, check out our other blog post about why Horse Fashion Australia is the best place to buy one!