Shires Leather Harbridge

[Margo + Sara]

I was looking on the Internet for stuff to buy the horses and I came across this I was just wondering if anyone has used one and has any opinions of it. I don't have much experience with things like this and would not want to put anything on him that could cause him discomfort, so i thought I should ask about and get an informed opinion on it first, but it sound good and i think it could probably help us, I would only be using it for a bit of light schooling. The information given on the Internet is:
Launched in 1995, the harbridge has been a huge success and proved invaluable for all disciplines and abilities, since it imitates the perfect pair of hands. The harbridge encourages horses at any standard to work immediatlely along correct classical lines and also helps to encourages lightness and self carriage. The harbridge encourages the horse or pony to lift the forehand, allowing a soft and supple rein. Harbridge training aids improve the paces and affords greater engagement and control. During ridden work, the harbridge encourages the rider to sit stiller and taller in the saddle and helps to create lighter hands. Recent testing has shown the leather harbridge to be very useful for trotting poles, grid work and small fences since it aids concentration and greatly enhances bascule without any interference to the mouth.

So what do you think?

[lisah]

Hi ladies
The harbridge is the only ''gadget'' that I use and I think it is wonderful :-)

I school in it now and again, it is great for flat work and lungeing, If you were looking to buy something I would recommend this - but you should not jump in it :-) I bought it when it first came out (still have mine and it is still in lovely condition) and it said not to jump in it, so that seems to have changed now with the reference to poles and bascules, Personally I would not jump in one as it will restrict the horse to some extent, and if you have the ground work and schooling right then you should not need to use it over jumps anyway :-)

If you do get one, start off with it quite loose, you should never need to have it short/tight - and be prepared for the horse trying to strain against it to start until they get used to the feeling. I would lunge in it a few times at walk and trot before you ride with it.

I find it is a really kind training aid, it does not restrict the horse, or pull it into any kind of shape but it does mean if there is a high head carriage the horse is fighting against itself and soon learns to drop the head a wee bit.

I hope this helps you make up your mind.

L xxxxxx

[chestnuttymare]

Never actually used it myself, but i think it is the one thing I would consider if i thought I needed it. I think it should only be used for very short sessions. I know someone who rides in it all the time, schooling, hacking, the horse is never ridden without it and it is really horrible to see. I feel sorry for the poor horse, her friends kid also rides her pony in one all the time too.
I suppose it is like any aid, it is only decent in the right hands and used properly.

[Margo + Sara]

Thank you so much for your advise, I would not be using it for long periods or for jumping just for 15-20 mins whilst I warm him up in the school every now and again. I have been looking for something to help him carry himself abit better for a while but did not want to use draw or side reins as I feel they would be abit harsh for him and I wouldn't have a clue how to use them so obviously I could him with them, but this sounds good for us not too strong or complicate so I think i will give it a try
thanks again x

[Margo + Sara]

*hurt him with them
sorry lol I left a word out lol

[Margo + Sara]

P.s thanks for the advise on how to use it =)

[lisah]

Hi Margo & Sarah

Do you want a ''loan'' of mine to try before you buy? I can post it down to you .

L xxxx

[Margo + Sara]

Oh how very kind of you lisa =) that would be great, could you loan me it in a couple of weeks? After I have got him going on the lunge. I will pay your postage costs, I will send the money back with the harbridge =)
Thanks again
Sara xxxx

[lisah]

No problem - happy to help. If you can PM me your address that would be great :-)

L xxxx

[shoetimeshadow]

Hi Lisah can i be cheeky and ask to borrow it aswell at some point...pleeeeeeasse.???xxxx

[Margo + Sara]

Sorry I never got in touch with you lisa, we have had a very busy time first moving yards then his radial paralasis. But I think it is going to be back to basics for quite a while to come, so I will not be needing it but thanks for the offer it was really very kind of you =)

[kookie1988]

Just noticed this post and I have to agree with Lisa that the Harbridge is a great gadget! I use it with my thoroughbred x mare to encourage collection and correct use of the back and it is one of the only aid that encourages her to accept the bridle and soften. I warm up first (walk,trot,canter) in a loose rein then fix the harbridge on and school in it for normally a half hour. As with all gadgets you need to be prepared to work hard as a rider to ensure that the horse thinks that its your hands that are helping him work correctly not just the training aid!
The idea of it is for the rider to massage the horses head onto the contact ( or soften the nose) and only when the horse fights the riders hands does the harbridge then encourage the horse to lower his head and accept the hands again.
As lisa has said I would not encourage anyone to jump in it but pole work is great. Start with it on the loosest setting for short bursts of schooling until your horse begins to find it easy.
One issue I have found with the harbridge is that if your horse was to get a fright or spook and throw their head up it can jab them in the mouth and cause them to get a fright, as happened to my mare (I quickly jumped off and undid the gadget). So make sure you use it in a safe, calm environment.
Whilst Im talking about gadgets I can also recommend the elastic training aid that john whitaker does. Its a long peice of elastic that goes over the pole, through the bit rings and attatches to eith the girth or the stirrup buckles on either side. Its great for acceptance of the bit, straigtness and giving the rider an idea of how to ride the horse into the bridle. You can lunge in it too!

[lisah]

Thanks honey - I LOVE my Harbridge xxx