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Why should I try Diana Thompson's sidepull?
Diana Thompson has drawn from years of horse training and extensive knowledge of horse anatomy to adapt a basic sidepull bridle into a custom-fitting training and riding bridle. Like other sidepulls, Diana's bridle offers the horse freedom from a bit and clarity of communication in turning but this is where the comparison stops. The difference between Diana's bridle and even the best conventionally-designed sidepull is considerable.

 
Diana Thompson's sidepull offers:

1) A completely redesigned noseband, chin strap and jowl strap:
Diana Thompson's revolutionary sidepull design limits the lariat contact to the bridge of the horse's nose. This unique construction removes the lariat from the rest of the horse's face and removes the bulky, unattractive lariat knots from each side (these knots often twist and gouge the horse's face).

Diana Thompson's sidepull also offers short side brace pieces, a well-fitted padded chin strap and strategically located jowl strap. This design allows the bridle to shape around the horse's face and stabilizes the noseband and headstall in place on the horse's head. Unlike other sidepull designs, Diana Thompson's sidepull does not allow the lariat noseband to slide in a see-saw motion across the horse's nose (this can rub the skin raw). Her design also prevents any tendency of the bridle to twist sideways up into the horse's eyes (a common problem with sidepull bridles due to the side rein attachment). This construction improves clarity of the bridle's function. It also turns what can be a bulky, rough-looking piece of equipment into an attractive all-sport bridle. Horse owners are amazed at how quickly their horses understand, accept and enjoy Diana Thompson's sidepull bridle.

2) The ability to relax and collect the horse:
Conventionally designed sidepulls help the horse turn left and right and allow the horse to relax and lengthen his neck down and forward. While this is desirable, the design can result in the horse becoming too strung out, heavy on his forehand and leaning on the rider's hands. Unless the rider "roughs up" the horse's nose with a see-saw motion of the lariat, the conventional sidepull does not give the rider the ability to bring the horse's nose inward. They also do not stimulate the horse to move in a light, graceful position of self-carriage as a horse does when he is properly collected and "on-the-bit".

The design and customized fit of Diana Thompson's sidepull bridle guides the horse clearly in turning his head left or right and in lengthening his neck. IT ALSO can be used to collect the horse and stimulate him to move forward from his hindquarters into a round, light-in-the-hand position of self-carriage. All without roughing up the horse's nose, using heavy-handed pressure or using a bit!

3) Much more stop:
A conventional sidepull does not provide the rider with a lot of two-handed "stopping" ability. It's primary virtue is in clearly turning the horse to each side. Diana Thompson's sidepull gives the rider much more two-handed stopping power than the conventionally designed product without roughing up the horse's nose or muscling him around.

NOTE: The best way to stop a horse who is pushing through the riders hands (and refusing to stop) is to turn him. Complete instructions on using Diana Thompson's sidepull to stop the horse is included with each bridle.

5) Instructions on fit and training:
An award-winning writer and magazine editor, Diana Thompson has prepared step-by-step instructions for adjusting the bridle so it properly sits on your horse's face. She has also prepared detailed instructions of ground-exercises, body work and riding tasks which will help you and your horse understand her sidepull bridle.

6) High quality materials and construction:
Diana Thompson's sidepull bridle is custom made from quality materials by veteran tack manufacturer and endurance rider Gail Hought of Hought Fine Art & Leather & Endurance Tack in McKinleyville, California.

The bridle is primarily made of black Beta series BioThane. This material is a vinyl-coated polyester webbing which was developed as an alternative to leather for harness and other equine uses. The Beta series material has a soft, leather-like feel and appearance (other styles of BioThane have a hard, shiny appearance). The Beta material is superior in strength to leather, lighter weight and easier to clean (you use a sponge and water). It does not fade, crack or absorb sweat. Only the padded chin strap of Diana Thompson's sidepull contains conventional leather. The bridle hardware is high-quality brass which is strong, rust free and attractive.

When a riding instructor felt the bridle and matching reins, she said: "I can't believe it isn't leather - it looks and feels so good!"

7) Matching reins:
Beautiful, strong reins made of the Beta Biothane which match Diana Thompson's sidepull bridle are available. Standard length is 10 feet (long by normal standards). Several widths and designs are available - see order form.