07/04/2026
This week I have seen a lot of posts and criticism of the new rule change prohibiting double bridles at 3rd Level.
I’ll start by saying, personally, I’m rather neutral on the rule, because all of the horses that I have trained to 3rd level+ can do the tests in a snaffle. I’m not anti-double bridle, it has its place. Yes, some horses go a “bit” better in the double. Just like some horses go a “bit” better in the snaffle. For me it’s not a make it or break it piece of equipment, if correct progressive training is being utilized.
The reality is, I see the double bridle misused A LOT at ALL levels, and not just at shows. Many have been saying the judges, the TDs, ring stewards need to be the ones to be held more accountable for not punishing misuse at shows more effectively. But for me, accountability lies with us trainers/riders. The day to day training and use of equipment at home matters way more.
These are the most common sins I see trainers/riders making in regard to double bridle use. This post isn’t to point fingers or tell anyone they are a bad trainer/rider. It’s more to provoke thought and help AA riders, professionals, JR/YRs riders and their parents think about the training they might be receiving at home.
1. Your trainer starts using the double because there are connection issues in the snaffle. Their rational is it’s helping to get the horse “on the bit.” Big red flag, I could go on and on, but to keep it simple… one major prerequisite for using the double bridle is that horse accepts the contact with relaxation and suppleness in a snaffle bridle.
2. Your trainer only rides your horse or other training horses in a double. They don’t even have a snaffle bridle for some horses. They justify by saying “the curb rein is loose”, “I’m just riding him off the snaffle.” Bottom line no horse should ever be ridden only in a double. Just having a curb in their mouth is leverage. I was taught to only ride in the double a few days a week. Good training includes days solely working on basics and suppleness, and that work should be easy to do in the snaffle.
3. The horse gets heavy or strong, so the trainer starts using a double. Again, keeping it simple, more leverage is not the answer, more strength building is. Transitions introduced at 2nd level, such as canter walk, require collection, collection requires strength. Often the horse just needs more time to develop more strength. Another prerequisite for using the double, for me, is that the horse is proficient in all the 2nd level movements in a snaffle and is schooling 3rd level movements half-pass, fly-changes, etc. in a snaffle.
4. “This horse is just more comfortable in the double.” First of all, the double is made up of 2 bits one being a snaffle 🤷♀️ Secondly, we have so many choices these days! So many bits and nosebands to choose from. Might take some experimenting, but you can find a snaffle bridle that your horse likes, is comfortable in, and is legal to compete in.
5. The trainer can ride the horse just fine in the snaffle, you, the owner, can’t. Double bridle comes out to “help” you ride your horse. This is where you as a rider need to look at your own skills and goals. Another prerequisite for using the double bridle is that rider has the self carriage, body control and skill to get the horse correctly on the bit in a snaffle.
If your current trainer is committing one of these sins please don’t attack them or accuse them of bad training. But take this knowledge and use it to guide your choices moving forward.
If you are guilty of number 5, don’t beat yourself up, but maybe prioritize developing your skills over getting that bronze or silver medal score. Maybe also ask yourself, is your horse is a suitable match for your current skill level?
To finish, all equipment needs to be thoughtfully used. I personally don’t use any bits that are not legal for competition in my training program. It’s not just the misuse of the double bridle that I see being an issue… Draw reins, elevator bits, to name a few, are things I commonly see being used to create an illusion in training. My biggest advice, ask thoughtful questions, stay true to the basics and keep learning!
