Complete Fairfax Snaffle Bridle with Grackle Noseband
Developed, designed and handmade in the UK. The first bridle to be based on scientific research and proven to:
- Reduce pressure by up to 84%
- Reduce force by up to 77%
- Allows greater forelimb extension
- Increase knee & hock flexion
Based on two years of scientific research, this bridle significantly relieves peak pressure in the six key pressure zones around the head, articulating and moving in harmony with the horse's head during the stride.
This Mexican grackle design sits higher on the face than an English grackle and benefits from articulation rings each side which help it articulate and move in harmony with the motion of the horse’s head. In scientific trials, the grackle noseband was a top performer when it came to pressure reduction on the horse’s face making it a great starting point for youngsters. It is also BD legal.
The default sizes of the component parts are as follows:
Fine
16" browband, 19" throatlash, 8" cheek pieces, 6" pad & 9" strap, 16" jowl strap
Standard
16" browband, 21" throatlash, 9" cheek pieces, 6" pad & 10" strap, 18" jowl strap
Large
16" browband, 22" throatlash, 10" cheek pieces, 6" pad & 11" strap, 20" jowl strap
If you require anything more bespoke, you can buy each component separately
Patents: GB 2517150B, 2540305B, GB2544761B
Design Details
- Unique design based on scientific research
- Pearl or crystal decoration options on browbands
- Hand-stitched and made in Walsall, England
- Quality buckles and metalwork
- Made using the finest English bridle leather
- Fully lined with Prolite® which is proven to disperse pressure
Features
- Carefully thought-out features reduce pressure in six key zones
- Articulation rings on the noseband improve stability on the horse’s head, allowing it to move with the horse, without causing restriction
- Improved bridle stability enhances the horse’s comfort
- Symmetrical design with buckles both sides
- Browband and noseband are interchangeable with others from the Fairfax range
- Approved for use in FEI competitions including all three eventing phases
- Double headpiece can also be used as a snaffle
Use and Care
1. Get the benefits
The Fairfax Performance Bridle has been designed specifically to improve your horse’s way of going and your horse may need time to rebalance during acclimatisation. To get the maximum benefits from your bridle use it continuously (ie not just for competition), as regular use has a cumulative benefit.
2. Cleaning
- Immediately after use wipe all traces of sweat off the leather using warm water
- If the leather has become wet, dry thoroughly
- Apply leather feed to both the under and upper surfaces using a clean, soft cloth
We recommend Rapide Leathergel (supplied with the bridle) for regular cleaning and feeding of the Performance Bridle
3. Important
- Do NOT use any glycerine-based products (such as saddle soap) or oil-based treatments (such as neatsfoot oil). These will adversely affect the finish of the leather
- Never use wet tack
FEI Approved
The bridle and the various nosebands are FEI 'legal' for competition use, including all 3 phases of eventing.
Bridle Fitting Guide
Vanessa Fairfax, designer of the Fairfax Performance Bridle explains how to correctly fit and adjust the Fairfax Performance Bridle.
Bridle Testing & Design
A research team spent two years investigating and testing traditional bridle designs to identify the exact location of high-pressure zones and demonstrate the performance improvements when bridle pressure is removed.