Finesse Bridle Review: The Best Anatomical Dressage Bridle?
Nox in his Finesse Bridle.
There's more to selecting the best bridle for your horse than comparing blingy browbands and patent nosebands.
Research suggests bridle design can significantly impact equine comfort and performance. A poorly fitting bridle places excess pressure on sensitive facial structures, which may lead to training and health issues.
Many anatomical bridles claim to have ergonomic designs that reduce pressure points caused by traditional bridles. But only a few brands have scientific studies to support these claims.
I've used nearly every brand of anatomical dressage bridle on the market, and I found that Finesse Bridles made the biggest difference for my horse. Keep reading to discover why and learn more about other research-backed anatomical bridles.
Anatomical Bridle Guide
An anatomical bridle has ergonomically shaped pieces designed to avoid facial nerves and bony structures, evenly distribute pressure, stabilize the bridle, and minimize restrictions.
Anatomical bridles are available for nearly every equestrian discipline. But as a dressage rider, I'm particularly interested in how anatomical bridles might influence contact, connection, and gait.
Anatomic Bridles vs. Traditional Bridles
In recent years, nearly all popular bridle brands have incorporated anatomical features to improve comfort. Compared to traditional bridles, these bridles usually include padded nosebands and headpieces shaped to avoid bit or ear interference.
Some anatomic bridles differ significantly from traditional bridles with bit cradles that attach directly to the noseband or curved cheek pieces. A wide variety in anatomic bridle design corresponds to the diverse conformations and preferences of individual horses.
Anatomical Bridle Research
Do all of these design changes actually make a difference? You may hear plenty of anecdotal evidence from barn mates about popular brands. And every horse has their own preferences. But unfortunately, there's limited scientific research available evaluating bridle design.
Anatomical bridles featured in published research studies include the Micklem bridle, Fairfax bridle, and Finesse bridle.
Micklem Bridle Research
The Micklem Bridle often comes to mind when riders think of anatomical bridles. It features an easily recognizable noseband that avoids interference with the horse's breathing and cheekbones. But the Micklem does not have as much padding as other anatomical bridles.
One study found that horses displayed more positive behaviors and spent more time in the correct head carriage when working in the Micklem Bridle compared to a conventional flash noseband. [1]
However, the study did not use objective measurements to quantify the physiological effects of the bridle. Therefore, the authors recommend further research before drawing definitive conclusions about the manufacturer's claim that the bridle improves horse welfare.
Fairfax Bridle Research
Fairfax has a reputation as an industry leader in using scientific research to develop its products. I found four published articles in peer-reviewed journals that featured Fairfax products, including their Performance Girth, Performance Saddle Panels, and the Fairfax Performance Bridle.
These bridles are available with various nosebands that improve traditional options like the drop, flash, and grackle nosebands. They also make a double bridle. In addition, all Fairfax Bridles have a unique headpiece with an ergonomic shape, a fixed browband attachment, and Prolite padding.
Fairfax bridle research used pressure mapping and gait analysis to identify pressure points caused by traditional bridles and objectively evaluate the impact of bridle fit on performance.
The study found the Fairfax bridle reduced pressure on critical areas and increased joint flexion in elite horses, which suggests that this anatomical bridle might improve horse comfort. [2]
Finesse Bridle Research
Finesse Bridles are distinguished by a unique headpiece that reduces pressure on the horse's poll. The substantial pad underneath the headpiece consists of a special fiber-based material originally engineered for hospital beds to prevent bed sores and promote healthy circulation in bed-bound patients.
Previous bridle studies, such as the Fairfax study, found pressure points under the headpiece of traditional bridles below the base of the ears. This area also has several important muscle attachments for muscles responsible for head flexion, neck bend, and forelimb movement. [2]
One study evaluated the effects of Finesse Bridles on two of these muscles, the M. Brachiocephalicus and M. Splenius. Researchers used acoustic myography to measure the sound produced by muscle contractions. This technology can also detect "pain strikes," which indicate muscle overload. [3]
The research found that horses wearing Finesse bridles experienced significant improvements in muscle performance and reduced pain strikes. This data provides an objective measure of equine welfare that benefits from the anatomical bridle. [3]
Finesse also conducted a study with Olympic dressage rider Cathrine Dufour to evaluate the effects of the Finesse bridle on the horse's back and core muscles. You can learn more about the study in the video below.
Does my horse need an anatomical bridle?
Science shows that bridle fit and design significantly impact your horse's welfare and performance. Your horse needs a well-fitted, ergonomically correct bridle to be his best. But that doesn't mean you need to go out and buy the most expensive, most popular anatomical bridle today.
The Best Anatomical Dressage Bridle
The best anatomical dressage bridle is the one that fits your horse. Several quality bridle brands offer anatomical designs. I've used many brands as a professional groom, including Micklem, PS of Sweden, Schockemohle, Bridle2Fit, Passier, and others.
Some horses prefer the unique noseband of the Micklem bridle or similar designs from Schockemohle. For horses that do well in a simple bridle, Passier is my top pick for its leather quality and excellent value. If your horse has a weirdly shaped or sized noggin, Bridle2Fit is a great option for custom-fit bridles.
Fairfax has the most impressive research and well-thought-out design. I prefer their drop noseband design to a traditional one, and their headpiece offers the best stability. However, my young horse was not a fan.
My favorite anatomical dressage bridle is the Finesse Bridle. But, ultimately, the decision is up to our horses. After trying countless bridles, mine clearly preferred the Finesse. The noseband is simple but well-padded. And the unique headpiece can make a world of difference for horses with poll problems.
Finesse Bridle Review
I learned about Finesse Bridles from my former boss, a US dressage team rider. I recently discovered that my young horse had minor changes in his poll, and I wanted to ensure the bridle we started his training in would keep him comfortable and happy in his work.
She recommended the Finesse bridle after trying it on some client horses who struggled with poll pain. After switching to the Finesse bridle, she noticed a significant difference in their comfort and rideability.
Our bit and bridle fitter, Horse by Horse, sold the bridles here in the United States, so I decided to try it.
Finesse Bridle Quality
The Finesse Bridle is relatively expensive. I paid $476 for a snaffle bridle, not including reins. I chose a patent leather flash noseband with rolled leather cheekpieces.
The leather quality is reasonably good. However, it doesn't have the same buttery leather quality as Passier.
Like all bridles, it's not entirely young horse-proof. My horse promptly thanked me for his new bridle by scratching the noseband and breaking a throat latch keeper because sometimes the urge to itch his face on anything and everything within reach is too great to overcome.
It came with a button-on metallic browband that was incredibly convenient and sized generously to prevent tightness. Some people complain that the browband doesn't stay in place, but I haven't had any issues. I originally swapped it out with a crystal browband but realized the Finesse browband was a better option to avoid pulling out forelock hair.
The cost primarily reflects the high-tech material used in the headpiece, which is the central selling point of this bridle. Overall, I'm happy with my investment and how it's held up to use and abuse for over a year, and even more pleased with how it helped my horse.
Finesse Bridle Headpiece.
Finesse Bridle Sizing
My young horse is a gangly 17H dutch warmblood whose head is a little too small for his body. While this is definitely preferable to the alternative, it makes bridle fit a bit of a challenge.
In the past, cob bridles were usually too small, and full-size bridles were too big. A full-size headpiece with cob cheek pieces generally fits him best, but the Finesse bridle doesn't have mix-and-match cheek pieces.
We chose a full-size Finesse bridle. These bridles fit relatively true to size, but we had to punch many holes in the cheekpiece strap to fasten his bit correctly. Because the strap secures above the poll, it doesn't impact the placing of any buckle by his eye or on his TMJ.
The noseband straps attach with hook fasteners, so you can't add holes to them. However, the full-size noseband fits my horse well on the second to last hole, and I simply replaced the crank chin strap with a smaller size to avoid extra unsightly leather sticking out of the keeper.
If you have a horse between sizes, I recommend sizing up and buying a flat leather model, as there's more space to add extra holes to the bit strap. You can always add a chin pad or replace the chin strap to make a too-large noseband fit better, but too-small nosebands can place straps too close to your horse’s eye.
When fitting the Finesse Bridle, ensure you tighten the cheekpieces enough to allow the headpiece to conform to the horse's poll. It may stick out a bit at first, but over time it molds into the perfect fit.
Finesse Bridle Comfort
In my experience, most horses find the Finesse Bridle, especially the headpiece, extremely comfortable.
I was initially skeptical because the headpiece looked so different from other anatomical or traditional bridles. The thick padding seems like it might look a bit silly at first, but it really doesn't.
The headpiece forms to the horse's head to distribute pressure evenly over the poll. Unlike traditional leather padding, the Finesse headpiece uses fibrous material designed not to interfere with circulation, nerves, or muscle movement.
While fastening the bit strap over the head can increase pressure in other bridles, the Finesse design prevents pressure points while avoiding buckles over sensitive areas on the horse's face. The padding material also avoids excess pressure behind the ears traditionally caused by straight headpieces while allowing the bridle to fit a wider variety of horses with different poll anatomy.
In my experience, Finesse Bridles benefit horses with poll problems the most. The padding also lifts the straps away from the TMJ, avoiding pressure on the joint. However, it may not be the solution if your horse prefers an alternative to traditional nosebands.
Finesse Bridles vs. Fairfax Performance Bridles
Both Finesse and Fairfax offer high-quality bridles backed by peer-reviewed scientific research. While a well-fitted Finesse bridle is pretty stable once broken in, the Fairfax headpiece and symmetrical design provide more bit and bridle stability.
The Fairfax headpiece is wider than the Finesse to distribute pressure with less padding but might not fit the shape of all horses. Fairfax bridles also feature padding specifically designed to alleviate pressure on the TMJ.
Fairfax is a better option if you need a custom-fit bridle for your horse, as fitters can build a bridle with different pieces. However, my horse constantly rubbed his head in the Fairfax drop-noseband, and the headpiece did not fit his poll well.
Bits and Bridle Fit
My horse previously struggled with some inconsistency in the contact before I changed his bridle. While the Finesse Bridle immediately affected his comfort and connection, finding the right bit was crucial for advancing our training.
The best bridle won't compensate for the wrong bit, and the right bit can only make a difference with a well-fitted bridle. Work with a qualified bit and bridle fitter to find the best combination for your horse. The investment will save you countless hours of frustration in the saddle and possibly even some vet bills.
The Verdict: Finesse Bridle Review
Bridle fit is essential for your horse's comfort and performance. Anatomical bridles have ergonomic designs that reduce pressure on sensitive areas, but not all ergonomic bridles are backed by science.
Every horse will have different preferences. Listening to your partner and investing in the best bridle for him can improve your connection, support your training goals, and help prevent veterinary problems.
Finesse Bridles are my top choice for simple, quality bridles proven by research to improve equine welfare and trusted by top competitors to get the winning edge. But most importantly, my horse is happy and comfortable in them.
Find out more about Finesse Bridles and try them out with Horse by Horse.
References
Bucknell, D. et al. A comparison of Micklem bridles and conventional bridles fitted with restrictive nosebands. Ag Environ Vet Sci. 2019.
Murray, R. et al. A Bridle Designed to Avoid Peak Pressure Locations Under the Headpiece and Noseband Is Associated With More Uniform Pressure and Increased Carpal and Tarsal Flexion, Compared With the Horse's Usual Bridle. J Equine Vet Sci. 2015.
Gertz, E. et al. The Effects of the Quantum and Finesse Bridles on Equine M. Brachiocephalicus and M. Splenius Function at Three Different Speeds. Open J Vet Med. 2020.
