Bridlework Before & After

Browband Alteration

One of the most common bridle fit issues I see is browbands that are too small!! Before and after of one side of a western show bridle browband extension. (Don’t worry, we did the other side after the photo!) This horse’s head should be a lot more comfortable in the show ring!

Noseband Repair

Here is an example of my detail neuroses…the previous noseband billet had been size stamped, so naturally I had to stamp the repaired billet as well. Cracked billets will tear eventually. I can replace them easily. Reach out if you have a well loved bridle that needs some attention!

Noseband Repair

Better than new, I used heavier hide than before. It won’t break in the same place again.

Martingale Repair

Every stitch by hand. Replacement billet on a fully stitched martingale.

Bridle Repair

Replacement dee ring on a Micklem bridle

after photo of D ring replacement on horse bridle

Re-lacing Reins

Before and after of torn up rein lacing

Re-lacing Reins

Re-lacing a pair of high end reins. One continuous piece of rein lacing vs two spliced together. You don’t see that much anymore since hides have become so expensive and most bridlework is now assembled in India. One continuous piece is safer, more correct, and better craftsmanship.

New Buckle End

New buckle end on vintage plaited reins.

Noseband Restoration

Might have gone a little overboard with this one but why not? Completely remade this all but dead 30ish year old Crosby crank noseband. There was the option of splices/reinforcements or doing it to make it beautiful again. I chose the latter. I also reinforced the places it broke before. It won’t break there again in the next 30 years!

leather noseband for horse being repaired

Crownpiece Repair

These are the pieces I love the most. The ones someone probably considered throwing out rather than having repaired. Spliced in new leather for strength, and matched up stitching. The browband will hide most of it and the whites will even out with use. I love delicate repairs!

Spliced Repair

Matching existing leather can be really difficult. Sometimes a splice is the best way so that the defect is less noticeable than a whole new piece that doesn’t match.

Noseband Repairs

Friends don’t let friends take their fine bridlework to “harness shops” for repairs (there are plenty of them around, usually with buggys parked out front if you’re getting my drift). They may be cheaper, but you’ll probably end up with shoddy work like this attempt at a London laid buckle chape on the left, or you’ll bring it to a trained saddler for a second repair, like my proper London laid chape on the right. This was a satisfying repair today.

Keeper

Just a quick keeper replacement.

Halter

Brand new rolled throat on a halter. 100% hand cut and hand stitched.

Micklem Bridle

Torn Dee ring on a Micklem bridle. Looks simple but is actually a very tricky and tedious repair. Don’t think I would ever do one of these again…too bad I have to do the other side too