Finesse bridles have been developed to provide your horse with ultimate comfort throughout wear. Not only does it eliminate pressure points by avoiding the sensitive areas of your horse’s face. It is a scientifically-proven, well-thought out creation that have a truly unique headpiece, made with a pressure reducing fibre-material pad.
All buckles on the Finesse Bridles are carefully placed to reduce the risk of unwanted pressure points, and the noseband attaches to the headpiece with cleverly engineered hook-and-eye fastenings. This also allows the noseband to be removed while the bridle is still on your horse.
A study conducted by Stud.med.vet Katja Gabara, Emilie Gertz, and Dr. Adrian Harrison on 12 Icelandic horses found that all horses showed improved freedom of movement when wearing FinesseBridles® compared to a standard bridle. This means that when working in a FinesseBridle®, horses are less likely to experience ‘pain-strikes’ also known as muscle overload and associated pain.
The study analysed not only the neck muscles but also the myofascial lines from the base of the skull to the hind-limbs, including the m. Splenius and m. Brachiocephalicus, which impact the horse’s overall movement.
Grand Prix Dressage rider Cathrine Dufour, well known and respected in the equestrian community, collaborated with Finesse for over two years on the development of their bridle collection. She tested the bridles on several of her horses and provided important feedback on design and fit, leading to necessary adjustments. The result of this partnership is a collection of bridles that combines style, functionality, and most importantly, comfort for the horse.
When you first receive a Finesse Bridle, the foam headpiece will be stiff. Before using it, Finesse suggests that you squish the foam to make it more pliable. This is normal and you may hear the fibers crack as you do this. The fit of the bridle may vary on different horses, but the foam headpiece is designed to eliminate pressure, even if it sits close to some horse’s ears.
The bridles are sized generously, so you may need to size down. Although the cheek pieces do have plenty of room for additional holes if needed.. The browband and headpiece are designed to sit far away from the sides of the horse’s face to eliminate pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Always apply leather oil to your new bridle before using it for the first time.
- Use a damp cloth with water or leather cleaner to remove dark sweat marks.
- Use leather balm or oil once a week. If your horse sweats a lot, use it twice a week. Do not use large amounts of this – just enough to lightly wipe over your bridle
- Store the bridle in a dry temperature tack room. If this is not possible, make sure to hang your bridle directly above a damp surface.
- If you have been riding in strong sunlight or rain, always treat with oil afterwards.
‘If you take care of your Finesse Bridle, they will last a lifetime’
The fit of a bridle has a lot of importance for the comfort of your horse. That’s why I have been helping with the shape and design of FinesseBridles® and also the reason why I use them on all my horses” – Cathrine Dufour (Grand Prix Dressage Rider)
“We are so excited about Finesse Bridles. Our horses love the freedom these bridles are giving, but at the same time, it gives stability. And…these bridle are beautiful.” – Anne Van Olst & Lottie Fry
“We feel a huge difference no matter what level or age of our horses. Especially the sensitive horses respond by taking a deep breathe and then they get so relaxed, you almost don’t believe it. We are so excited with Finesse Bridles and the facts with the scientific study are just a bonus.” – Dorthe & Karoline Rohmann
