Crosby
Performance Bridle w/ Brass (Australian version)
English Bridles
Manufacturer: Crosby
Model: Performance Bridle w/ Brass (Australian version)
Category: English Bridles
Purchase: I bought this item off ebay for $170 AUD, however they retail at Horseland for around $395 AUD.
Likes: To tell the truth, I wasn't expecting that much since word has it that Crosby has changed the quality of the leather on the bridles available to us here. Not what they used to be, old folk say, and rattle on about how it was the finest money could buy back then. Even Horseland shop assistants will tell you in hushed voices its just very, very good Indian leather. In fact you only ever see these bridles worn by eventers under patronage of Horseland....
When I ripped open the parcel I was surprised, it was really quite nice. Sure, the pores of the leather aren't as dense as the really good stuff but it is supple, good stitching with a nice finish. The chestnut color looks really gorgeous against the champagne padding and would darken up if I wanted it to. Great Quality.
I am really happy with it. Coming from an Otto Schumacher to this is a little hard, but if there was a fault with the otto, it was that it was TO soft and floppy, like butter.
It does ooze that leather smell I have only had from bridles from England but it may be the way it is dyed. I personally think its still good English leather. Not the best quality you can get, or used to get with Crosby but still really, really nice.
The reins are better than I expected as well. When I saw it I thought, Oh, Web Reins. I hate web reins. But these are suregrip, A very thin web lined with rubber with leather stops. Even if, like me, you hate web reins you will like these. Not big, stiff or fat enough for dressage, but grippy as hell and just the thing for cross country, hunting and showjumping. Wrap em around your hands, in your teeth, anything. I love em.
I would think someone with arthritic hands would be able to use these with ease due to the extreme grip and leather notches, even if they are a bit thin. Just bung on some sticky gloves!
Dislikes: There is not really anything I don't like about it, especially at the price I got it for. I would not pay $400 for this bridle, which is why I am only giving it a four. Its retail is over priced, if I had that lying around I would go Otto Schumacher again, Passier or custom made. They never seem to offer them on sale either, I think people who might buy them for that money just go, ah whats it and get a custom made. But price aside, its great. I don't think the Horseland eventers mind using them, either.
Quality:
Summary:
Rating: 4
Author: mj
Date: 2007-01-20
Usefulness Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
2 reader(s) voted.
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