Rambo is part of the respected Horseware equestrian manufacturing group. Having manufactured rugs since 1985 they are well established as a trusted brand. Whilst always offering great quality, Rambo are also forerunners in innovation. They create reliable products with added features that really benefit your horse and you. The Rambo Micklem is no different.
The Micklem Multibridle was designed from the inside out by international coach, speaker, and best selling author William Micklem, to fit the shape of the horse’s skull itself, avoiding any discomfort or pressure on the facial nerves, protruding cheekbones and molar teeth. It reduces pain and numbness, giving all riders a kinder option. Winner of the innovation award at BETA 2008, it is the most comfortable, effective and flexible bridle ever designed. William Micklem’s understanding of equine bio-mechanics and mental health, and his ability to think outside the box, has enabled him to develop a sure fire winner in the Rambo Micklem Multibridle.
Let’s take a look at the science behind the design and why it’s the clear choice for a happy horse and rider…
On top of all the amazing benefits to your horse’s health, the Rambo Micklem Multibridle is also highly functional and practical, consisting of four main pieces of equipment in one;
It also features a unique protection system for the tongue and bars of the mouth, which has proved effective for many horses. The following information about how to use and fit the Multibridle comes from William Micklem’s own site
http://www.williammicklem.com/multibridle-multibridle.html
Fit the bit straps to your first bit, 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. 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.
The key to fitting your Rambo Micklem Multibridle is to ensure that the front nosepiece is approx 2 to 3 inches higher than the corners of the mouth and at least six fingers above the nostrils. To confirm you have the right position, put your fingers either side of the nose at this point and you will be able to locate where the fragile ends of the nose bones begin. The front nosepiece should not be below this point. Then use both the cheek pieces and the bit straps or clips to fit your bit at the normal height.
This should be fastened flush with the skin, not loose like a throat latch, so that it holds the bridle in place. It will sit naturally on the cheek-bones at approximately 45 degrees to the vertical.
This fits like a standard dropped noseband, underneath the bit and flush with the skin. This fitting actually allows the horse freedom to open the mouth a little, but when this happens the bit will rise up encouraging the mouth to close.
Use the appropriate length clips to join the bit to the side rings and you have a unique tongue and bar protection system. 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 on to the tongue or the very narrow bars of the mouth. This is a similar action to the Australian racing noseband. This will help the horse to accept the bit quietly and discourage them from putting the tongue over the bit. It is also very useful for novice riders who have not yet learnt to go with the motion of the horse.
The bridle, as fitted above, can be used as a classical lunge cavesson by simply attaching a lunge line to the ring provided on the nose piece. When using side reins or running reins, which by their nature are relatively fixed, the tongue protection system using the clips is a huge advantage. It may be necessary to tighten the top back strap by one hole in some circumstances where extra security is required.
There are three alternative bitless bridles, from mild to strong, so there will be one that suits your horse and they all avoid the extreme 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 dislikes a bit. Some may wish to use a bitless bridle on a continuous basis and the stronger alternative is ideal for this. It has been proved to work wonderfully well over many years.
Take out the bit by undoing the bit straps or clips and attach the reins directly to the side rings and you have a mild bitless bridle.
Add the curb groove attachment by fitting it under the bottom back strap, like a curb chain. You need to open the lower back strap of the Multibridle when doing this. Fit the lower back strap through the keeper at the back of the curb groove attachment. Then do this strap up again. Then bring the side straps of this attachment back through the side rings of the Multibridle. Next attach the reins to the end of these side straps.
Take the long strap and bring it through the keeper at the top of the headpiece. Centre this strap, then cross it diagonally at the back of the head. Bring it out through the side rings, before attaching the reins to the ends of this long strap.
There’s even more added value to the Rambo Micklem Multibridle. It’s not just a bridle, a noseband, a lunge cavesson and a bitless bridle. It’s also a headcollar, enabling you to buy just one product instead of five. It is important that when you are using the Multibridle as a Headcollar, or when the bit is attached, the side rings are the perfect place to attach cross ties safely.
Just take off the bit or bitless bridle attachment and loosen the back straps and it is a headcollar for travelling to competitions or for use during long-distance rides.