Training

Double Time: The Function and Future of the Double Bridle

Traditionally required in FEI tests, the double bridle has been an integral piece of equipment at the upper levels ‒ but will that change?

Nick Wagman and Zenith demonstrate the nuances a double bridle allows during a pirouette in a Grand Prix test at Pacific Coast Dressage in California. (Kim Miller photo)

By: Alison King | April 17, 2020

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you're listening to an article from horse sport.com. double time: the function and future of the double bridle by: alison king. for many dressage riders, the introduction of the double bridle marks a major milestone in their horse’s training. in national competitions, the double bridle is optional at all levels from third to grand prix. in 2019, the fei updated its rules to allow snaffle bridles at 1* and 2* international competitions. but will we see doubles replaced by snaffles at the 3*, 4* or even 5* levels in the future? function and purpose. before we can make any predictions about the future of the double in the sport, we first have to understand its function and purpose. tammy levasseur, a certified lorinary specialist and owner of on the bit tack and apparel in bonfield, ontario, explains. “a double bridle has both a class 1 (bradoon) and a class 2 (curb) bit. the bradoon is mostly responsible for lateral flexion, while the curb provides more enhanced communication, longitudinal flexion, and softening through the jowl. in skilled hands, it can also improve collection and self-carriage. when correctly used, the double bridle is a precise tool to increase collection and elevate the withers.”. advertisement scroll to continue with content although there is a perception in some circles that the double bridle is harsher than a snaffle alone, levasseur asserts that’s not necessarily the case. “while it is true that a curb bit does amplify the forces applied through the reins, it’s important to remember that even the “mildest” bit can be harsh in the wrong hands, and the most “severe” bit can gentle if the hands are educated.”. debuting the double. understanding the function and purpose of the double is a key factor in determining when and why to introduce it. for grand prix rider and trainer meredith risk of nobleton dressage, the double bridle is an essential tool that provides valuable feedback throughout the training process. “in and of itself, the double bridle doesn’t improve performance, but used correctly it can refine the connection and self-carriage,” she says. “i find it useful to highlight any weaknesses in the connection or holes in the training, because it amplifies problems. any horse that tends to be behind the leg or behind the bit is going to be ten times worse in the double. revealing an issue in the double allows me to go back and correct it in the snaffle before trying again in the double.”. risk typically waits to introduce the double until a horse is least schooling third level, with the strength for self-carriage and an understanding of collection. how much she uses it depends on each horse. “i have some that actually prefer the double, and i ride them in it all the time. with others i use it two or three days out of a five-day work week,” she says. “i do think it should be part of the education of every horse and rider. there are so many options for bits now, there should be a double for any horse. i also think it’s good for the rider to develop the dexterity to isolate out the curb and snaffle in their hands. but the rider has to be ready, with very independent hands and a good seat. “i think it’s like spurs, which are also required in competition at the highest levels. at that point a rider should have enough control over their feet and legs to ride even a very sensitive horse. same with your hands. the double, like spurs, is for refinement.”. weighing in on the double. viewing the double bridle as a consummate test of a rider’s skill and a horse’s training helps explain why it is still required at the elite levels of international competition. canadian fei 4* judge lee tubman weighs in on the fei’s recent change to make it optional at 1* and 2* events. “as a trainer, i have always thought that every rider should be capable of training with any piece of equipment correctly,” he says. “however, i believe there is a small cross-section of horses that don’t perform well in the double bridle, but perform very well in the snaffle. this rule change allowed them the opportunity to compete successfully at those levels. it’s a decision that i support, with the caveat that eventually at the highest level the horse still must perform competently and correctly in the double bridle.”. tubman believes that this essential piece of equipment can enhance performance in the ring, and will continue to play a role in competitive dressage. “the double bridle allows the rider to correct the horse more quickly, and to collect the horse to a higher degree with smaller aids. if this is successful, of course the scores will be higher,” he explains. “its correct use is part of the degree of sophistication required for riding at the highest levels, so i believe it will always be part of competition as well.”. &&>

For many dressage riders, the introduction of the double bridle marks a major milestone in their horse’s training. In national competitions, the double bridle is optional at all levels from Third to Grand Prix. In 2019, the FEI updated its rules to allow snaffle bridles at 1* and 2* international competitions. But will we see doubles replaced by snaffles at the 3*, 4* or even 5* levels in the future?

Function and Purpose

Before we can make any predictions about the future of the double in the sport, we first have to understand its function and purpose. Tammy Levasseur, a certified Lorinary Specialist and owner of On the Bit Tack and Apparel in Bonfield, Ontario, explains.

A correctly-fitted noseband sits just below the cheekbones. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the noseband when fastened. (A.King photo)

“A double bridle has both a Class 1 (bradoon) and a Class 2 (curb) bit. The bradoon is mostly responsible for lateral flexion, while the curb provides more enhanced communication, longitudinal flexion, and softening through the jowl. In skilled hands, it can also improve collection and self-carriage. When correctly used, the double bridle is a precise tool to increase collection and elevate the withers.”

Scroll to continue with content

Although there is a perception in some circles that the double bridle is harsher than a snaffle alone, Levasseur asserts that’s not necessarily the case.

“While it is true that a curb bit does amplify the forces applied through the reins, it’s important to remember that even the “mildest” bit can be harsh in the wrong hands, and the most “severe” bit can gentle if the hands are educated.”

Debuting the Double

Understanding the function and purpose of the double is a key factor in determining when and why to introduce it. For Grand Prix rider and trainer Meredith Risk of Nobleton Dressage, the double bridle is an essential tool that provides valuable feedback throughout the training process.

Laredo, a handsome six-year-old PRE owned by Kyla McKinney of Edmonton, AB, sports a Solo ShowBiz bridle, showing the correct fitting of the bridle, Weymouth, bradoon, and curb chain. (Stephen Forbes photo)

Laredo, owned by Kyla McKinney of Edmonton, AB, sports a Solo ShowBiz bridle, showing the correct fitting of the bridle, Weymouth, bradoon, and curb chain. (Stephen Forbes photo)

“In and of itself, the double bridle doesn’t improve performance, but used correctly it can refine the connection and self-carriage,” she says. “I find it useful to highlight any weaknesses in the connection or holes in the training, because it amplifies problems. Any horse that tends to be behind the leg or behind the bit is going to be ten times worse in the double. Revealing an issue in the double allows me to go back and correct it in the snaffle before trying again in the double.”

Risk typically waits to introduce the double until a horse is least schooling Third Level, with the strength for self-carriage and an understanding of collection. How much she uses it depends on each horse.

“I have some that actually prefer the double, and I ride them in it all the time. With others I use it two or three days out of a five-day work week,” she says. “I do think it should be part of the education of every horse and rider. There are so many options for bits now, there should be a double for any horse. I also think it’s good for the rider to develop the dexterity to isolate out the curb and snaffle in their hands. But the rider has to be ready, with very independent hands and a good seat.

“I think it’s like spurs, which are also required in competition at the highest levels. At that point a rider should have enough control over their feet and legs to ride even a very sensitive horse. Same with your hands. The double, like spurs, is for refinement.”

Weighing in on the Double

Viewing the double bridle as a consummate test of a rider’s skill and a horse’s training helps explain why it is still required at the elite levels of international competition. Canadian FEI 4* judge Lee Tubman weighs in on the FEI’s recent change to make it optional at 1* and 2* events.

“As a trainer, I have always thought that every rider should be capable of training with any piece of equipment correctly,” he says. “However, I believe there is a small cross-section of horses that don’t perform well in the double bridle, but perform very well in the snaffle. This rule change allowed them the opportunity to compete successfully at those levels. It’s a decision that I support, with the caveat that eventually at the highest level the horse still must perform competently and correctly in the double bridle.”

Tubman believes that this essential piece of equipment can enhance performance in the ring, and will continue to play a role in competitive dressage.

“The double bridle allows the rider to correct the horse more quickly, and to collect the horse to a higher degree with smaller aids. If this is successful, of course the scores will be higher,” he explains. “Its correct use is part of the degree of sophistication required for riding at the highest levels, so I believe it will always be part of competition as well.”