SmartPak Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak

Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak

Harwich Bridles are crafted in durable imported, vegetable-tanned leather. Featuring an innovative padded crown design which allows the caveson strap to pass over the crown, alleviating pressure on the sensitive poll area. Superb craftsmanship is reflected in the fine details and? premium hardware. Crafted in rich Brown leather with dark brown padding on the crown, noseband and browband. 1? padded noseband and 5/8? padded browband. 5/8? cheeks with hook stud ends and brass buckles. Completely removable flash noseband. Includes 5/8? raised rubber reins. Color: Brown with Dark Brown Padding.
Average Customer Rating:
4.818 out of 5
4.8
 out of 
5
(33 Reviews) 31
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating breakdown 33 reviews
5 Stars
29
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
1
1 Star
0
32 of 33(97%)of customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Review 1 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Gorgeous bridle

May 17, 2013
ByKE2012
fromLexington, KY
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Novice
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I bought this bridle at Rolex. I'm. In. Love. Such quality for such a reasonable price. I had been shopping around for a while and chose this bridle over some other expensive brands and am very glad I did so!"
Review 2 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great Bridle for the Price!

April 29, 2013
ByGully
fromOregon
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Runs small
Runs large
Runs large
Runs large
"I bought this bridle because of the removable flash, such a great feature! The leather is high quality, definitely can't be beat for the price. The bridle is inexpensive enough for an everyday schooling bridle, yet nice enough for shows as well. I've had mine almost 9 months, and it is holding up beautifully. I'd recommend oiling it up before using, as the keepers were very tight to start out with. I ordered the O/S, and I'd say the bridle runs on the large size, as it is a little big for my very large headed horse."
My Photos
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
 
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Review 3 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

very nice bridle

March 18, 2013
ByKE2012
fromLexington, KY
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I ordered this bridle but ended up returning as I didn't really NEED a new bridle at the time, had buyers remorse, and returned. Am back in bridle shopping mode though and this one is definitely on my short list! Seems like a great value!!"
Review 4 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

My FAVORITE Piece of Tack!!!

December 1, 2012
ByWildHorseRescue
fromMD
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I ordered this bridle and the Harwich Padded Fancy Stitch Bridle at the same time because they looked so good on the web that I couldn't choose which one to buy, but in the end I went with this one!
First of all, I think that the leather quality on this bridle is absolutely phenomenal; it's so soft and supple and I would be willing to pay $200+ for such leather quality on an unpadded bridle (if I had the $$), but $150 for a fully padded one? Impossible! Then, the rich, deep color is droolworthy - even my mom loved it! And the contrast stitching? Makes for a very, very fancy bridle! My trainer commented on it the moment she saw it and couldn't get over how nice it was! Then, the padding is fantastic. Every padded part is so soft and I have no fear of rubs! Plus, I LOVE the fact that the crown is padded, but not monocrown - I sometimes like to take the noseband off of my bridle and ride in a simple bosal-type hackamore that attaches to the cheek straps, and that would be very difficult/unattractive with a monocrown bridle! I'm definitely going to take good care of this bridle in case the monocrowns take over so I'll still have that option! Additionally, the rubber reins were SO soft, yet grippy at the same time! Normally when I ride with rubber reins they bite right through my hands, but these are "squishier," which also helps improve the grip - my reins didn't slip even with my thick winter sports gloves that aren't made for riding! Plus I love the detachable flash - I only use flashes when I ride in loose rings to keep the rings from slipping through the horse's mouth, so it's great that I don't need an empty loop on my noseband when I'm not using the flash!
With all that said, I would maybe add a few things to this bridle:
1) A padded chin on the noseband. I was kind of surprised with all of the great workmanship that the noseband was plain.
2) The throatlatch is way, WAY long! This bridle fit my 14hh pony with holes to spare on everything except for the throatlatch, which was so big that it sagged all the way down to her noseband unless there was a knot in it! I'm taking it to my local cobbler to shorten, but I found that pretty bizarre.
3) Maybe have a fancy stitch option? I know that makes it sound too much like the other bridle, but comparing the two bridles I would prefer this exact one fancy stitched than that one in this color!
4) As someone else said, maybe have a laced rein option? I'm almost glad it doesn't because I probably wouldn't have gone with the rubber reins (which I'm now in love with and will probably only switch out if I absolutely must because of a rated hunter show or something), but I understand that some people would prefer laced reins.
But overall, the best piece of tack I've ever bought! I have three bridles (one that I bought for $215!!) and this one's leaps and bounds above them both! Thank you SmartPak for offering this lovely bridle, and anyone who's ever considered purchasing it - do it now, you won't regret it!
"
Review 5 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Unbeatable!

August 22, 2012
Byjlockm
fromWV
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"I planned on spending around $300 for my next bridle, but when I read all the reviews on this bridle I though I'd give it a shot (hey, free return shipping!). The quality is phenomenal, and not just for this price range. It was soft and supple right out of the box. It fits my horse great and looks awesome. Another great buy from smartpak"
Review 6 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
4 of 5
4 of 5

nice bridle

August 14, 2012
Byrealrush89
fromCanton, GA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Competitor:Non-competitor
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
"Very nice bridle, leather is soft right out of the bag. One thing I do not like, and did not like when ordering, is that the only reins available are the rubber ones. I wish Smartpak offered web or rubberized web reins that matched and were in the same price category."
 
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Review 7 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Very nice bridle for the price...

June 9, 2012
ByMichJ
fromVA
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"Purchased this bridle for my horse a year ago - it's held up beautifully and is very nice looking. Liked it so much we purchased one for my daughter's new horse. The flash on the Horse size bridle is rather long (had to punch a few extra holes in it) - but other than that it fits my 16.1h FriesianX very well. We did order the cob size for my daughter's 15.3 Selle Francais/TB (as she has a more petit head)"
Review 8 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Soooo Nice!!!

June 7, 2012
Byjlde
fromDavis, CA
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
"After lots and lots of research on which bridle to buy, I chose the Harwich because of overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. So glad I did, the bridle is much much nicer than the picture makes it look! It is not all light and shiny and nasty looking as it appears in the photo. The leather is soft and supple and after an oiling feels really expensive and construction is not only pretty but also looks durable. Just got it so cannot comment on durability or fit but pleased with my purchase."
Review 9 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great Bridle!

May 12, 2012
ByRRmom
fromIowa
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"I loved this bridle the moment I pulled out of the box! It was very soft and supple, but I oiled it before using for extra protection. I feel it is appropriately priced, and it seems like it is great quality. I have only used it a few times, so time will tell how it holds up. I ordered a full size for my larger headed TB after reading other reviews that the sizes runs large, and it fits her great! It also would work on my other TB who has a "normal" size head, but the browband is a bit large on him. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase thus far!"
Review 10 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

This bridle is amazing!

April 27, 2012
Byappyhorse
fromMassachusetts
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I initially bought this as a schooling bridle but when I got it, it ended up being nicer than the bridle I was showing in, so I started using it for shows. The leather is soft and supple, and the padding on the crown piece and nose band is lovely, and not something you usually see on a bridle at this price point. I also love the brass hardware. The only negative thing I could point out is that there is no padding underneath the nose band where the buckle goes, so at least on my horse, it buckles smaller, which leaves a flapping piece of leather. I attached a rubber band to keep it in place."
Review 11 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Love this bridle!

April 18, 2012
ByGRluvsSunnyGirl
fromDaleville, AL
I have used this product for:1-2 years
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Hunter/Jumper
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I have a Harwich hunter bridle that I love. So, after a recent horse show w/ my new trainer, I wanted to get him a thank you for a great show. He's just really starting out, so he doesn't have a whole lot of extra tack. So, I thought would be a great gift. And it was! He loves this bridle! I had his last name engraved on it and it came about beautifully!!"
Review 12 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Excellent Quality

January 15, 2012
ByLori Romano
fromFitchburg, MA
I have used this product for:6-12 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Leisure/Trail Riding - English
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I've had this bridle for about 6 months. I like everything about it from the quality of the leather, the way it fits and looks on my horse, to the price. I love the design of the mono crown. My horse has a regular size head and this bridle fits him perfectly. The only complain I have is that one of the keepers is very tight. I would definitely recommend Harwich bridles to my friends who are looking for a good quality bridle at a decent price."
Review 13 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

LOVE it!

September 25, 2011
ByKCJC
fromNC
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"I bought this bridle for my TB eventer. He is 17.2 and very big boned. The browband was a bit big for him (would slip down by his eyes), so I switched it with a slightly smaller one and it fits perfectly. I love the padding (and so does he), and the fact the flash comes completely off. I did have to punch some extra holes in the flash to tighten it up. I didn't like the rubber reins, but I don't like any pairs of rubber reins, so it's no big deal."
My Photos
(click to see full-size image)
User submitted photo
Review 14 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Looks fantastic, high quality

September 1, 2011
ByKCJC
Expertise:Intermediate
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Average
Excellent
"This fits my 17.2hh big boned TB great for the most part, except for the brow band-it's so big it falls in his eyes! And he has a big head. Luckily, it was easy to switch with a different brow band that is a bit smaller. It looks like a much more expensive bridle and I get a lot of compliments on it. Only thing I don't like are the rubber reins but those were easy to switch."
Review 15 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Thank you smartpak!

August 3, 2011
ByBigGreyHunter
fromNY
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"Wow, this bridle is amazing. The picture really does NOT reflect the quality of this bridle. The leather is not shiny at all, it's soft, pliable and sturdy. It feels like it will last forever! The leather is a little dry, but it took oil really well and became even softer. The padding is generous, but the buckle on the noseband could padding. Unfortunately, this bridle runs large and is bulky, so I don't recommend it for refined faces like mine. It's nice enough, I'm keeping it in case I ever buy a bigger horse! Definitely buy this bridle!"
Review 16 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
2 of 5
2 of 5

Seemed good...Initially

June 21, 2011
ByBri9
fromNortheast
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Value:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Durability:
2 of 5
2 of 5
Fit
Poor
Excellent
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
"Purchased the bridle about 2 months ago and it has held up well. Initially the bridle seemed amazing, it matched all my tack, decent leather for the price, and the sizing seemed true, however, I was very disappointed upon further inspection. The monocrown is a poor design, the browband won't rise past it due to the padding, while it doesn't affect me it could be problematic for others. My draft cross has a true sized draft head, he's usually in the large oversize range and the browband fit him when it was raised as high as it would go, if the horse's head was any smaller it would begin to cover their eyes rather than sit in its proper place. The monocrown also makes cleaning difficult, I can usually take apart and put a bridle back together in 5 minutes tops, this bridle doubles the time at best, my trainer even commented on the poor design. We normally clean our bridles after every use, not this one...its a major hassel. I also hate the noseband, it doesn't have a flap behind the buckle so my horse's hair and skin often gets caught inside. If you have a horse on the larger end of each size and don't mind my other complaints the bridle is fine, but it doesn't work for me and is probably the least liked bridle of the entire barn (over 30 horses on property, so lots of tack around). I much prefer the bridle I paid $30 for from my tack store, I'm going to buy a flash attachment and use that one instead."
 
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Review 17 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Great value for the price

May 24, 2011
Byegillmor
fromDenver, CO
I have used this product for:less than a month
Expertise:Expert
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
4 of 5
4 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"Very nice crown design, and extremely good quality leather for the price. Love the removable flash. Definitely recommend!"
Review 18 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Very nice bridle for the price

May 5, 2011
Byflsporthorse
fromFlorida
I have used this product for:3-6 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Rated
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"Love this bridle, it is very nicely made and the leather is quality. My guy is hard to fit, in between cob and horse sized and the cob fits him, but he could have used a horse sized noseband."
Review 19 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Much Nicer than Expected!

April 29, 2011
Byferraroroche
fromCharlotte, NC
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Excellent
Excellent
"I have had this bridle for about three weeks now and have really enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised at the leather quality and nice stitching. It has broken in well and the rubber reins are still great, even in our bit of NC heat. I really enjoy being able to take the flash and extra leather loop all of the way off! I have no hesitations buying another Smartpak bridle."
Review 20 for Harwich Eventer Bridle by SmartPak
Overall Rating:
5 of 5
5 of 5

Better Then Expected!

April 21, 2011
Byferraroroche
fromCharlotte, NC
I have used this product for:1-3 months
Expertise:Intermediate
Riding Style:Eventing
Competitor:Local/Open
Quality:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Value:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Durability:
5 of 5
5 of 5
Fit
Good
Excellent
"I bought this bridle based solely on the reviews and was pleasantly surprised. The leather has pretty soft and supple and the stitching neat and well done. I have enjoyed the brass fittings and find the rubber reins to be nice and supple right away. At this point, no melting rubber (but hopefully it won't happen!) The padded crown is very nice and a unique approach. The only issue I have had with this bridle is that the keepers are VERY tight! Sometimes it is quite difficult to tuck the extra from the noseband and throat latch away. Overall, a nice bridle! Well done Smartpak."
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