Stubben
Raised Snaffle Bridle
English Bridles
Manufacturer: Stubben
Model: Raised Snaffle Bridle
Category: English Bridles
Purchase: I purchased this bridle from Dover online. I wanted a high quality bridle that would last forever and fit my new 15hh appendix eventer. I paid about 240.00 plus shipping.
Likes: I loved the style. I always admire the darker, classic look when it comes to bridles. This bridle was the right proportion for my boy's short head, not too fat or overpowering. The color was Ebony with dark stitching which seemed perfect for the old classic look I adore.
Dislikes: The quality was EXTREMELY disappointing. This was my first Stubben, and I thought that it would be amazing because of what I had heard from other people. I normally don't buy such expensive pieces, but I felt safe spending the money "sight unseen" because of the Stubben reputation. Yeah, think again. I felt really stupid, like someone had dumped the bridle on me that no one in their right mind would purchase in the store...and I paid them an arm and a leg to ship it to me.
Quality: The construction was sloppy. None of the decorative edging was in line with the edges of the leather. The whole thing was dried out, like it had lived in the desert for a few years. I could see little cracks in the leather when I barely bent it. The leather on most of the parts (especially the crown, throat, and cheek pieces) was 'bubbling' off, and if I tried I probably could have used my fingernail to peel it off. I guess the stitching was ok, but my free Bobby's and 12 yr old Courbette looked better.
I called Stubben thinking maybe this was normal and was told to use the Hamminol conditioner, so I gave it a go. It made no difference after two applications, except that the edges of the noseband and crown were now losing their color!!! OMIGOSH! I had enough, the thing went back.
Oh, and one other thing. The bridle wasn't even close to fitting when it came to the brow band and crown piece. My poor horse's forehead and ears were seriously crammed. I ordered a cob size, which is what he had worn in the past. I even tried him in my other horse's cob sizes to be sure, so I think Stubben may run a bit narrow up top.
I later called one of my friends and told her about my experience. She is a long time Stubben owner and she was absolutely appalled by what was sent to me.
Summary: Overall, I don't know that you can trust..yes, even Stubben, when it comes to ordering online. I always like to feel my bridles before purchasing, but that's a rare opportunity for most of us.
I did go back to my tried and true friend...Courbette (I got one CHEAP at a tent sale 12 years ago, it's still kickin') I ordered the same exact Courbette (NOT the Magic!!!) for the new guy from VTO on sale for 130.00, so the saga continues... we'll have to see what they send me.
Rating: 1
Author: Bridle-less in Indiana
Date: 2007-11-19
Usefulness Rating: 4.75 out of 5.
8 reader(s) voted.
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