Double Bridles

Double bridles, originally called "full bridles", were much more common several hundred years ago. They were considered the "proper" equipment for a trained rider and horse, while a simple snaffle bridle was only for green horses and riders, young children, grooms, and poor riders. The double bridle is commonly seen in old paintings of hunt scenes, used by the well-trained gentry as they rode cross-country.

The double bridle differs from the usual snaffle bridle in that is consists of four reins attached to two separate bits: the bradoon-style snaffle and a curb. The curb bit hangs down from the main headstall, and the bradoon has a separate, simpler headstall made from a narrow piece of leather known as a "bradoon hanger" or a "slip head." The bradoon headstall lies under the curb headstall, with the browband of the bridle holding both pieces, as well as the cavesson all together as a single unit.

Riders must be skilled before attempting to use the double bridle, and the horse should be far enough along in his training that the double bridle would be accepted and understood. It is a refined piece of equipment that can greatly enhance the riding in good hands, or destroy the animal's training and mouth in bad. Because it uses two bits, it has a much greater chance of damaging the horse's mouth if used incorrectly. Source

New & Used Double Bridles

NEW Dark Oil Double Poco Bridle with Reins - Beautiful Current Price: $ 15.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States (more info)	WOW DOUBLE J SILVER SHOW BRIDLE HEADSTALL BARREL RACING *GORGEOUS* SHOW BRIDLE LOADED W/ CRYSTALS MUST C! NR!!* Current Price: $ 30.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States (more info)
FSS English COMFORT poll DOUBLE Dressage Bridle BROWN Current Price: $ 0.99   Shipping: Seller is located in Great Britain Shipping Cost: $ 26.0 (Flat) (more info)	SOMMER Weymouth/Double Dressage Bridle w/Reins, FS NEW Current Price: $ 325.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 0.0 (Flat) (more info)
One Ear Double Stitched Horse Headstall Bridle Horse Current Price: $ 28.95   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 0.0 (Flat) (more info)	Hermann Oak Double & Stitched Headstall Horse Bridle Current Price: $ 37.95   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 0.0 (Flat) (more info)
NEW Dark Oil Double Poco Bridle with Reins - Beautiful Current Price: $ 15.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 0.0 (Flat) (more info)	Vtg Braided Double Ear Silver Show Headstall Bridle Current Price: $ 150.0 Buy It Now: $ 175.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.0 (Flat) (more info)
FSS English Leather Curb Reins Convert Double Bridle 54 Current Price: $ 9.0   Shipping: Seller is located in Great Britain Shipping Cost: $ 12.0 (Flat) (more info)	FSS English Leather Curb Reins Convert Double Bridle 56 Current Price: $ 0.99   Shipping: Seller is located in Great Britain Shipping Cost: $ 12.0 (Flat) (more info)
FSS English Leather Curb Reins Convert Double Bridle 52 Current Price: $ 0.99   Shipping: Seller is located in Great Britain Shipping Cost: $ 12.0 (Flat) (more info)	FSS English COMFORT poll DOUBLE Dressage Bridle CUSTOM Current Price: $ 0.99   Shipping: Seller is located in Great Britain Shipping Cost: $ 26.0 (Flat) (more info)