Anyone have any experience with these? I bought one and have to send it back, it does not fit right. Should have done my homework because internet reviews show that there are fit issues. The piece that goes under the cheek is way to short and the "nose band", that all in one piece, is too long and if I shorten it to where it will correctly fit then the bit straps are too short! I bought a standard horse size, which is what my horse usually takes. He is a foundation bred quarter horse and I guess his head is too short and wide for this bridle.
I had to get three sizes of Micklem Multi-bridles to fit the horses I ride. Both Arabs both need the standard horse size crown piece and the pony nose piece. I have had to punch extra holes in the jowl strap, and I am on the new hole at the very end of the strap. I finally just took the lower chin strap off the bridle. I also replaced the too short bit straps.
Luckily the Cob sized Micklem fit the Arab/Welsh mare I ride, I just had to punch more holes in the jowl strap, replace the bit straps, and I ended up taking off the chin strap on the second bridle too.
Aren't those little bit straps cute? I only use them for Kimberwicks or Pelhams. For snaffles I had to get two flash nose-band attachments and cut them down and punch even more holes. I also got some extra strap keepers. On my second bridle I use leather spur straps to replace the bit straps that come with the bridle but the leather is much much flimsier than the flash straps.
The Micklem bridles are worth it. So long they fit right the horses I ride seem to prefer the Micklem headpiece to normal bridles. Of course I've ended up with a horse sized nosepiece and a pony sized crown piece that I am not using, but if I ever have to use them on a bigger or smaller horse I will just exchange the pieces.
I bought a Micklem Cob-size for my dainty-headed WB mare. (She's only 14.3 and looks more Arab than WB, even though there is NO Arab in her pedigree up close!)
She seems to like it a lot. My gelding has a long, narrow head and can wear the same size bridles (adjusted for fit) as the mare (surpise, surprise), but not in the Micklem. He went inverted the first time I tried it. Don't know if the standard horse would work better, and don't know if I need yet ANOTHER bridle anyway.
Thanks for the posts! I will message Micklem directly and hopefully will not need to buy another bridle just to get pieces parts to get this one to fit. A little too pricey for me...