How to Fit the Rambo Micklem Bridle

If horses were choosing a bridle, the Micklem would top their list! The Horseware Rambo Micklem Multibridle is the first bridle designed specifically to fit the shape of the horse’s skull, rather than the outside appearance of the head. It was innovatively designed from the inside out, with an understanding of equine biomechanics and mental health.

The Micklem avoids protruding and sensitive areas of the horse’s head. It features a higher noseband to avoid sensitive facial nerves and bones. A tight flash on a conventional bridle will desensitize the horse’s face, while the Micklem’s noseband sits higher to avoid this desensitizing pressure. The placement of the bottom back strap provides similar functionality to a flash noseband in a more gentle way. Similarly, the headpiece is made with thicker leather to avoid pinching the sensitive nerves at the poll. The shaped cheekpiece fits comfortably around the protruding cheekbones, avoiding unnecessary pressure.

2015-10-Micklem-Overview

How to Fit the Micklem

Figure 1: Micklem Multibridle
Figure 1: Micklem Multibridle

1. Bridle

Fitting the Bit Straps

Fit the bit straps to your bit first, with the buckle on the outside and the end of the strap facing upwards, then attach to the Multibridle using the bit rings at the bottom of the cheek pieces (Figure 1). For some varieties of bits with long sides, a shorter attachment than the bit straps may be needed, in which case one of the set of clips should be used (Figure 2).

Positioning the Front Nose Piece

Figure 2: Bit Clips
Figure 2: Bit Clips

The key to fitting your Rambo Micklem Multibridle is to ensure that the front nosepiece is approximately 2-3 inches higher than the corners of the mouth, and about six inches above the nostrils. To confirm you have the right position, put your fingers on either side of the nose at this point, and you will be able to locate where the sensitive ends of the nose bones begin. The front nosepiece should not be below this point. Use both the cheek pieces and the bit straps or clips to fit your bit at the normal height.

Securing the Top Back Straps

The top back straps should be fastened flush with the skin, not loose like a throat latch, so that it holds the bridle in place. It should sit naturally on the cheek bones at approximately 45° to the vertical.

Securing the Bottom Back Straps

Figure 3: The sharp narrow bars are located on the bottom jaw.
Figure 3: The sharp narrow bars are located on the bottom jaw.

This should fit like a standard dropped noseband, underneath the bit and flush with the skin. This allows the horse freedom to open the mouth slightly. When the mouth opens, the bit will rise up, encouraging the mouth to close.

Fitting the Tongue and Bar Protector

Use the appropriate length clips to join the bit to the side rings, and you have a unique tongue and bar protection system (Figure 1). If a rider gets left behind, or a horse and rider pull against each other, the clips will shift the extra pressure to the nose, rather than onto the tongue or the very narrow bars of the mouth (Figure 3).

Figure 4: Lunge Cavesson
Figure 4: Lunge Cavesson

2. Lunge-Cavesson

The bridle can be used as a classical lunge cavesson (Figure 4) by simply attaching a lunge line to the ring provided on the nose piece. When using side reins or running reins, which are relatively fixed by nature, the tongue protection system with the clips is a huge advantage.

3. Bitless Bridle

There are two alternative bitless bridles, both of which will help you avoid damage to the molar teeth caused by standard bitless bridles. They are great to use after any mouth damage such as split corners, or if your horse has grown to dislike the bit. Some may find the bitless bridle suitable for daily use.

Figure 5: Mild
Figure 5: Mild

Mild (Figure 5)

Take out the bit by undoing the bit straps or clips, and attach the reins directly to the side rings.

Medium (Figure 6)

Figure 6: Medium
Figure 6: Medium

Add the curb groove attachment by fitting it under the bottom back strap, like a curb chain. You will need to open the lower back strap of the Multibridle when doing this. Fit the lower back strap through the keeper (Figure 7) at the back of the curb groove attachment before securing this strap again. Then, bring the side straps of this attachment back through the side rings of the Multibridle, before attaching the reins to the end of these side straps.

Figure 7
Figure 7

4. Halter

The Micklem Multibridle is not just a bridle, a noseband, a lunge cavesson, and a bitless bridle; it’s also a halter (Figure 8).  That means, you can buy just one item instead of five. When using the Multibridle as a halter, the side rings are the perfect place to attach cross ties safely.

Figure 8: Halter
Figure 8: Halter

Fitting the Halter

Just remove the bit or bitless bridle attachment, and loosen the back straps.

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28 thoughts on “How to Fit the Rambo Micklem Bridle”

  1. I have a Macklem bridle that I love to use. However I am having a difacult time determining what size bridle I have. I bought mine second hand. Mine fits my Cleveland bay just fine but does not fit my smaller headed yet large jowled paint mare. The main problem is the throat latch piece. If I have the bridle in the correct place everywhere els the throat latch is very tight on the last hole. I measured it to a friends bridle and I think my is a horse size. Yet if I buy a regular bridle I have to by a large horse warmblood bridle to fit my Cleveland bay. They have notoriously large heads. Will a cob size fit my paint mare. Please help

    Reply
    • Hi Meg, the Micklem bridles can be a little difficult to determine size in comparison to “regular” bridles, simply due to their difference in design. It sounds like you likely have a Horse size, judging by how tight the throatlatch is on your mare. You can see the size chart from Rambo for the Micklem bridles here: . This may help you confirm which size you currently have, and what size you may need for your other mare. I hope you find this helpful. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance!

      Reply
  2. Hi Cheshire horse, in the table you have suppled for sizes, there are 2 measurements for length of headpiece, eg for pony size, it lists 64cm and 36 cm? (row 1 and row 3)

    Reply
    • Hi Elizabeth, thank you for pointing that out. The third row is supposed to be the length of the browband. It looks like Horseware updated their chart, and this one should make more sense for sizing.

      Reply
  3. Hi, I have a thoroughbred and the small horse size fits him well. However, the reigns supplied with the bridle seem a little short. Is there a difference in the reign length supplied with the different size bridles? Can I purchase longer Micklem reigns?

    Reply
    • Hi Colleen, we don’t sell Micklem reins separately, but we have other brands that are similar to the Micklem grip reins and those can be found in oversize lengths.

      Reply
    • Hi Kim, we would be happy to help out, but we’re not quite sure what you’re asking. The Micklem noseband does sit higher than a traditional drop noseband, but a regular cavesson does not go below/under the bit. Do you want to just go around the nose? If you could share a little more information we would be happy to help! Please also feel free to give us a call at 877-358-3001.

      Reply
      • Yes please, I was wondering can you just go around the nose as opposed to a dropped noseband, and thank you for your prompt reply .

        Reply
  4. I hope it’s ok to post this here. I found this article useful in understanding why the Micklem bridle has been designed as it has. Even though we’re so used to them, and see them as the gentlest option, it may be that cavesson nosebands are not be the best idea for our horses.

    https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/how-does-micklem-bridle-work-524389

    I’m also wondering if you can use the Micklem bridle without the curb strap. Or can you leave it very loose so it won’t tighten to create pressure in this area? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Holly, the Micklem design is unique from a traditional cavesson or dropped noseband. As the article states, “the design of the Micklem bridle takes into account the shape and physiology of a horse’s skull, avoiding potential pressure points that can be found on traditional bridles.” The Micklem does not have a curb strap, are you referring to where the noseband wraps fully around the mouth? There is no need to crank the noseband closed, it is designed to avoid most pressure points which should help if the horse has been uncomfortable in other bridles. Hopefully this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions.

      Reply
  5. Hi.

    Just had my micklem delivered, I ordered the small horse size. Tried it on tonight and it seems to fit OK except the chin piece will only do up yo the first hole – daft question maybe but should I go for full size instead? Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Hi Sara, that piece should be able to be adjusted; it is designed to avoid pressure points so you would not have to crank it closed. It would probably be good to size up so you are able to adjust.

      Reply
  6. Can you use Micklem bridle with a Pelham bit and curb? If so any special adjustments!? Can you still get all the benefits of the Pelham when using this bridle with it?
    Thanks

    Reply
    • You can use a Pelham bit with a curb on a Micklem bridle. You shouldn’t have to do any special adjustments to accommodate the bit. Only to accommodate the horse’s head size.

      Hope this helps! 🙂

      Reply
  7. I have a thoroughbred and have just been using regular bridles which are cob size on him and seem to fit him fine. I am wondering how could I measure him as I’m going to go to Ireland on holidays and buy one so won’t be able to fit it until I return back.

    Reply
  8. Hello
    I have a 15.3hh Polish Arabian and I’m finding it hard to fit my Cob Size competition bridle.. the problem is fitting the noseband due to her dish face it’s hard to fit on the non sensitive area and fit everywhere else. I understand what the people meant by using it without the strap under the bit like a flash. I actually tried above the bit the other day as a loose nose and it worked really well.
    Any ideas as to fitting an Arabian please. Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Catalina, Horseware created that bridle to fit a wide variety of horses, but there are some that it might have a harder time fitting than others. One thing you could do is switch out the noseband, but doing this would void the warranty that comes with these bridles when purchased new and it would defeat the purpose of the pressure point relief that this bridle offers. If you do decide to switch out the noseband, we would suggest trying to find one that is used.

      You could also look into some other similar bridle options that might work better. A lot of companies are now realizing anatomical bridles are the way to go. Similar to the Micklem, the way the noseband is shaped allows for better breathability which then allows for a better performance outcome. We would recommend also looking into HDR, M. Toulouse, PS of Sweden, or Schockemohle. We’re happy to help you with a special order, 877-358-3001.

      Reply
  9. I have a Micklem on my SecD/Sporthorse. She is very fussy in the mouth and has a low palate. She is now in a comfort barrel thin snaffle, but whatever bit I tried She always rubs her head vigorously on me when bridle’s removed, particularly the nose and cheek pieces as if it’s annoying her. I do not have the chin strap tight as I don’t believe in clamping a mouth shut. Do you think she’s just sensitive or am I fitting it wrong, don’t look like it to me.
    Your thoughts appreciated.

    Reply
    • Hi Shirley, thanks for your question! It does not sound like a fit issue, it sounds like your mare might just be a little extra sensitive. We know plenty of horses that rub their faces when unbridled. Sometimes the slobber from their mouth after a workout can cause irritation, but it is normal. Especially with the more sensitive horses.

      Reply
  10. Hello – I love my new Micklem bridle but I’m concerned that the bit is sitting too high up. I have a large horse size for my Irish sport horse. He has a long head but a fairly short mouth. I have the long bit straps on the first hole and the bit still looks too high in the mouth and the lower strap is pushing on the bit. If I lower the cheek pieces the noseband appears to sit too low. Are there any longer straps available? Or is there a similar bridle with more adjustability?

    Reply
    • Hi Simone, thanks for your question. Is there any chance we can get a picture of how it looks? We would like to see if we can share with the experts, possibly even William Micklem. Feel free to send any pictures to [email protected].

      Reply
  11. Good day – My question is simple:. “curb groove attachment by fitting it under the bottom back strap, like a curb chain. You will need to open the lower back strap of the Multibridle when doing this. Fit the lower back strap through the keeper (Figure 7) at the back of the curb groove attachment before securing this strap again.”. I have been trying to pass it through the keeper and it is so tight that I have been pushing it through for over an hour and it still hasn’t passed through the keeper. Any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Hi Patricia,
      We understand your frustration. It can be really difficult to thread a strap through a tight keeper, especially if you’ve been at it for over an hour. Here are a few suggestions that might help:

      – Lubricate the strap and keeper: Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as leather conditioner, to the strap and the inside of the keeper. This will help the strap slide through more easily.
      – Check for burrs or other obstructions: Sometimes, there may be burrs or other obstructions on the keeper or the strap that are preventing them from sliding together smoothly. Check for any rough edges or debris and remove them if necessary.
      – Change your angle: Try threading the strap through the keeper at a different angle. Sometimes, a slight change in angle can make a big difference.
      – Take a break: If you’ve been trying for a while and you’re starting to get frustrated, take a break and come back to it later. Sometimes, a fresh perspective can help.

      We hope these suggestions help you get the curb groove attachment through the keeper! Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you need any more help.

      Reply
    • Hi Patti,
      Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your Micklem Bridle! We appreciate your interest and are more than happy to assist you with finding the right solution for your horse.

      To better assist you, we will need some additional information. Could you please let us know which specific Micklem Bridle you have? This detail is crucial for ensuring we provide you with the correct cheekpieces. Please you could get in touch with us via the [email protected] email, so we can gather more details and initiate the process.

      Reply

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