Why Choose Micklem

Most bridles are designed to look good from the outside. The Micklem is different: it is designed to fit the actual shape of your horse’s skull. Improving both look and feel in every ride.

By following the natural curves of the head, the Micklem avoids five key pressure points that often cause horses to resist the bit, toss their heads, or feel uncomfortable. Horses love the Micklem Bridle for this reason.

1. No More Poll Pressure

Standard headpieces can pinch the sensitive area behind the ears. The Micklem is shaped to sit further back, spreading pressure evenly across a wide, padded headpiece.

2. Comfort for the Jaw & Teeth

Did you know a horse's upper jaw is wider than their lower jaw? Traditional nosebands often squish the sensitive inner cheeks against the teeth. The Micklem’s unique shape sits higher, avoiding the molar teeth entirely.

3. Protecting Sensitive Nerves

There is a major nerve (the infraorbital nerve) that sits just below the cheekbone. The Micklem's cheekpieces are curved to arch over this area, preventing the numbness or tingling that can lead to headshaking.

4. Safety for the Nosebone

The bottom of a horse’s nose is made of thin bone and delicate cartilage. The Micklem sits higher than a standard dropped noseband, ensuring it never puts pressure on these fragile bones or restricts your horse's breathing.

5. A Softer Mouth

The Micklem is designed to keep the bit steady. This protects the tongue and the bars of the mouth from sudden jars or heavy pressure, leading to a much happier, more consistent connection.

How to Assemble Your Bridle

The Micklem is designed to be simple. Here is how to get it ready for your first ride.

1. Pick your bit straps

The bridle comes with two pairs of straps:

Short straps: These work for most standard bits.
Long straps: Use these if your bit has very small rings.

2. Attach the bit

Thread the strap through your bit ring, then through the leather loop (the keeper) and buckle it.

3. Connect the headpiece

Buckle the headpiece to the cheekpieces on both sides.

4. Attach to the side rings

Take your bit straps and buckle them onto the metal rings on the side of the bridle.

How to Fit Your Bridle

1. Position the Noseband

Adjust the side cheekpieces until the noseband sits between the protruding cheekbone and the corners of the mouth.

The Goal: The "V" in the leather should curve perfectly around the bottom of the cheekbone, never sitting directly on top of it.

2. Adjust the Bit Height

Use the bit straps to set the height of the bit. It should sit comfortably in the mouth, high enough to be steady, but not so high that it pinches the corners of the lips.

3. Secure the Bottom Strap

Fasten the bottom back strap so it sits comfortably around the bit. It should be flush against the skin, but not tight.

4. Fasten the Top Strap

Finally, do up the upper back strap. This should sit comfortably against the jaw, allowing your horse to breathe and move their head freely without restriction.

Quick Check

Noseband: You should be able to fit two fingers between the leather and the front of the horse's nose.
Cheekbone: Ensure the leather curves around the bone, leaving it completely clear.

Using the Tongue Protection Clips

Every Micklem bridle comes with a pair of small plastic clips. These are designed to connect the bit to the side rings of the noseband.

Why use them?

The clips transfer some of the pressure from the reins directly to the noseband rather than the tongue. This is great for:

Sensitive horses: Horses that dislike too much tongue pressure.
Young horses: To help them find a steady contact without catching their mouth.
Rider stability: It protects the horse's mouth if a rider's hand is accidentally too heavy.

How to attach them

Hook one end of the clip onto the bit ring.
Hook the other end onto the metal side ring of the bridle.
Repeat on the other side.

Note: These clips are optional and used for training purposes.

The Multi-Bridle: 3 Bridles in One

The Micklem Multi-Bridle is the ultimate all-rounder. Instead of buying three separate pieces of equipment, this design can be easily converted to suit whatever you’re doing that day.

1. A Performance Riding Bridle

Use the bit straps to attach your horse's preferred bit of choice. This gives you all the anatomical benefits of the Micklem, ensuring your horse is comfortable and focused while you ride.

2. A Lunge Cavesson

Because the Multi-Bridle has a strong metal ring on the noseband, you can clip a lunge line directly to it. This allows you to lunge your horse effectively without the bridle twisting or the bit being pulled through the mouth.

3. A Bitless Bridle

By removing the bit and using the side rings (or the included bitless strap), you can enjoy a comfortable bitless experience. It’s perfect for horses that are very sensitive and prefer bitless riding To learn more about the Bitless Bridle: (Insert video link)

Want to learn more? Click here to watch our video guides on the Micklem Bridle Range

Welfare our Top Priority

At Horseware Ireland, every product we create is designed with the horse’s well-being at its heart. While our traditional bridles are crafted for a classic fit and performance, the Micklem offers a unique, anatomically-focused alternative for riders looking for a different approach to comfort.

Award-Winning Innovation

The Micklem bridle is a proud recipient of the Saddle Research Trust (SRT) Award. This recognition is given to products that go above and beyond in supporting equine welfare through scientific design. It highlights the Micklem as a leading choice for riders who want to prioritize facial comfort and nerve relief.

A Focus on Natural Anatomy

The Micklem stands out because it is shaped to follow the natural lines of the horse’s skull. By choosing this design, you are providing:

Targeted Relief: Avoiding the most sensitive areas of the face.
Freedom of Movement: Allowing the jaw to relax without restriction.
Clear Communication: Encouraging a soft, consistent connection between horse and rider.

FAQs

Is the Micklem bridle FEI legal?

Yes. The Micklem Competition and Multi-Bridle are legal for use at FEI, British Dressage, and most national organizations. However, you must remove the bit clips and use a bit for the dressage competition.

Can I use the bit clips in competitions?

Generally, no. While the clips are excellent for training and schooling at home, they are considered a "training aid" and are usually not allowed in the show ring for dressage or eventing. Always check your specific rulebook before competing.

What is the difference between the Competition and the Multi-Bridle?

Competition Bridle: Designed for the show ring. It is made of high-quality leather with a slim, elegant look. It does not have the ring on the noseband.
Multi-Bridle: The ultimate all-rounder. It includes a metal ring on the noseband so it can be used as a lunging cavesson, a bitted bridle, or a bitless bridle.

Can I lunge in my Micklem?

If you have the Multi-Bridle, yes! You can clip your lunge line directly to the ring on the noseband.

My horse is between sizes, should I size up or down?

The Micklem is very adjustable, but the "V" shape around the cheekbone is the most important part. If your horse has very large cheekbones or a wide jaw (like a Cob or a warmblood), it’s often better to size up to ensure the leather doesn't rub.

Does it come with reins?

It depends on which model you choose. While some Micklem bridles are sold as a complete set, others are sold without reins. This allows you to choose the specific grip you prefer, whether that is rubber, continental, or leather reins. You can also buy Micklem-matching reins separately to complete the look. Always check the product description of the specific bridle you are buying.

About William Micklem

William is one of the most influential and respected figures in modern equestrian sport, with an international career spanning elite breeding, coaching, authorship, and innovation. A Fellow of the British Horse Society, he is the author of the internationally best-selling, The Complete Horse-Riding Manual, a renowned piece of literature on horsemanship and rider development that has been translated into multiple languages and is regarded worldwide as an essential reference for riders and trainers. He is also the inventor of the revolutionary Micklem Bridle, the first widely adopted anatomical bridle, designed to improve communication, comfort, and welfare by respecting the horse’s facial anatomy. As a breeder, he is best known for producing, High Kingdom ridden by Princess Zara Tindall, as well as Mandiba, another Olympic event horse from the same distinguished dam line. His work has consistently combined practical success at the highest level with a pioneering influence on the way horses are trained, ridden, and understood worldwide.

Testimonials

“William Micklem is a consummate horseman.”
Mark Phillips. USA Olympic Coach.

"William’s teaching philosophies are ahead of their time and his horsemanship continues to be the flagship of our training programme. He has shaped my career, as he has so many others.”
Karen O’Connor. Olympic medalist & 11 times USA Female Rider of the Year.

"William's great strength is his understanding of and involvement in all the major disciplines - show jumping. dressage & eventing. This background gives special value to what he has to say."
Eddie Macken. Irish Olympic Show Jumping Team Coach.

The Micklem Bridle Guide: How to Assemble, Fit and Use the Micklem Bridle