Nicola McGivern, Olympic Dressage Rider
Nicola has had great results and uses the Elevator bridle on her top horse Active Walero. Nicola says:
"Walero used to have problems with his bridles slipping forward and pinching his ears, a problem he obviously always suffered with because he had some old scarring there.
The Elevator is really padded and shaped
behind the ears and Walero seems much happier in it. "
Robert Smith, Olympic Show Jumper, British Open Winner
“Bl**dy marvellous!” That’s how Robert Smith describes the Elevator Bridle, after trying it on his horses. “In my game it’s all about precision and focus for both me and the horse; you can’t really have one without the other. The horse has to listen totally to me. He needs to concentrate and, I believe, the Elevator Bridle removes a major distraction and allows him to be the best he can. You only have to feel under your horse’s headpiece when he is working to feel the pressure and realise how uncomfortable it is. Try an Elevator bridle for yourself and make the comparison. I did, and all my horses wear them now!” See Robert's own website at www.robertsmith.co.uk for more about his brilliant career!
Richard Davidson, Olympic Dressage Rider
“The comfort and wellbeing of my competition horses has always been my top priority. A comfortable horse is a happy horse. The Elevator bridle is in a class of its own - it complements my principles of training. I had no hesitation in changing all my bridles to the Elevator. I owe it to my horses!”
Nicola Barrett, Olympic Dressage rider
"You said it would make a difference, but you didn't say it would be a huge difference !!
Remember what I said to you on the phone after I had tried the Elevator bridle for the first time on Giorgio. Well great news - he is still going extremely well in it."
Ferdi Eilberg, British Dressage World Class Performance Director of Coaching and top international dressage Grand Prix rider and trainer
"After trying the new Elevator bridle on my horses I found that it has major advantages which enhance performance. The special arrangement of the bridle spreads pressure away from the sensitive poll at the top of the horse's head. This is most helpful if you do need the noseband a little tighter or you have a sensitive horse. The Elevator bridle can help any horse at any level."
Laura Fry, Olympic Dressage rider
"What a fantastic innovation! It is very comfortable for the horses and gives the rider a great feel."
Kay Gebbie, Paralympic Dressage rider
"HORSESENSE were fantastic support for all the equipment I needed before the Paralympic Games in Sydney 2000, and we are now preparing for the next Paralympics in Athens in September 2004. My latest purchase for Norteassa is an Elevator double bridle. It fits him really well and he finds it very comfortable, so I will be using it for all British Dressage competitions and Grade IV selection trials from now on.
Cmdt John Ledingham, Olympic Show Jumper and International trainer
"Many thanks for the second Elevator bridle - could I please have a third.The Elevator bridle is a huge success with the stallion - he is a new horse and the constant kicking out between fences has totally stopped. He has now taken up the bridle, his transitions are softer and he shows no resistance. He is a different horse to work with and we now have a chance for this horse to reach his full potential. My student put the Elevator bridle on an older 9yo jumper to see if he would work better and straight away he was so much easier! I would like to order another one please. Many thanks for all your help."
Wayne Channon, Olympic Dressage rider
"Lorenzo is good in the Elevator bridle - I'm going to get them for my other two Grand Prix horses and I will standardise on the Elevator from now on"
Tyler & ShaylaMcInulty, Mounted Games World Champions
Tyler McInulty, age 11, is the 2004 World Individual Mounted Games Champion; she says that since having the Elevator he has greater control of her pony. “She used to grab the bit and away we went! Now that I have her in the Elevator bridle, she is a pleasure to ride, schools better and her head comes down straight away, instead of up in the air”.
Tyler’s sister, Shayla, age 14, was British Champion in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and World Under 12’s Champion. Shayla says, “My grey mare, China, had been badly pulled around, when we got her. Her head used to shake all the time and she wouldn’t concentrate. We tried the Elevator Bridle and she is now a pleasure to ride and doesn’t shake her head. She is brilliant at her job and, most important, she is enjoying her job”.
(Photograph: Steve White (CameraSport)).
Hayden Hankey, International Eventer
Hayden Hankey said, “Whitey had great potential but I just wasn’t getting the best from him. I changed to the Elevator and Whitey has gone really well for the first time. He is very happy and settled and I am sure there is much less tension around his poll area as he has totally stopped throwing his head back. The Elevator is fantastic quality, looks stunning and is easy to use.”
Caroline Prince, International Dressage rider and Laura Fry Headgirl
"I am writing to thank you very much for sponsoring the Preliminary class at the recent Winter Championships. I was delighted to come 1st and 2nd and was so pleased to win such a beautiful and generous prize - the Elevator bridle is wonderful ! Remming wore it in the Novice on the Sunday and won again ! I'm sure it will greatly benefit the horses and am really looking forward to using it."
Georgina Somerset, European Pony Dressage Team
"Thanks to the fantastic Elevator bridle that I bought for my pony we were selected for the European pony dressage team 2003, where we won the team bronze medal and were placed 12th individually. For me it was a dream come true ! The Elevator helped by creating a more secure contact, and by improving his overall way of going it made a tremendous difference.
"I liked the bridle so much that I went on to buy a double bridle for my junior horse, and after feeling such an improvement in two different horses in Elevator bridles I don’t think I’ll ever revert to a normal bridle again. I am now in the process of purchasing yet another Elevator maybe even two for my new horse. I’ve had such a wonderful experience, thank you for making all this possible."
Robert & Louise Bell, Leading National Show Champions
Louise says, “Since discovering the Elevator Bridle, we have found our horses’ performance have improved. We believe that the pressure of the noseband over the headpiece has a lot to do with it. You can have your noseband tight, without getting any sore heads, which lead to discomfort and aggravation for your horse. You have a happy horse and a happy rider!
The added bonus is that the bridle looks good too!”
Katy Simcox, Junior National Dressage rider
"My 16 year old daughter Katy is on the Junior National Squad with her 16yo mare Glamour II (Dolly).When we bought her 2 years ago we found that although her paces were very correct she lacked sparkle and her work was flat, which led to early scores at FEI level of 57%. We tried various bits and saddles and it was only when we saw a demo of the Elevator bridle that things really started to change. She has always had a dry mouth and some resistance to the hand and had scores of 5 for submission."
"However within 1 week of her wearing the Elevator bridle we were looking at scores of 64%, absolutely amazing, there was no change of bits or saddle and certainly the jockey was the same, but she was impressively less resistant, her paces were elevated and energetic and their submission marks went up to 6’s & 7's. They were placed at the National Winter Championships 2004, won 4 Gold medals at the Under 21’s Championships in 2003 (including the Junior Championship), the Graeme Trinder Trophy for most points gained at the Championship and was voted Rider of the Year at Dressage Under 21’s UK 2004."
"They have already qualified at Advanced Medium and Advanced Medium Freestyle 2004, and achieve regular scores in the 70’s for their freestyle. Thanks to your system Katy has now earned her place on the National Squad and competes in her first two International European Qualifiers in April 2004. If anyone ever doubts that one piece of tack can change a horse’s way of going, they should think again and try an Elevator bridle !!"
Tracey Crutcher, National Dressage rider, International Sports Pony breeder and dual gold medallist for England
"Our ponies have been noticeably softer in their work and more attentive since wearing the Elevator bridle. We feel this is due to the comfort factor and the balance of the bridle. It has been difficult to find a bridle that fits the contours of a pony’s head and we are delighted to have found the solution in the Elevator."
Alesandra Doyle, National Pony Dressage rider
"Thank you for everything, I am so grateful for what you did for me at the Nationals. It has made such a difference to Sophie who is going so much better, however it is noticeable that she is not as soft with her conventional bridle compared to what she was like with the Elevator, so I am looking forward very much to receiving both that and the pad. I took her to the U21's viewing day and we were put in the U21's Elite Squad."
David Hamer, Dressage rider and trainer
"Just a short note to say how pleased I am with the Elevator bridle that I recently purchased from you. The horse that I ride in it has been quite difficult in the contact for quite some time, tending to shake his head after about 20 minutes of work. He now seems much happier in the hand and takes the contact more securely; he has also stopped shaking his head, so it has been a great success !! Thank you for suggesting it !"
Nicola Bevan, Eventing
"Like your other clients I too have, sorry HAD! a difficult horse when it came to schooling. He novice events very well but hates the dressage, never wanting to go forward into a contact and very stiff from the poll not really wanting to accept the bit, so I had nothing to lose by trying your Elevator bridle and Hey Presto! a forward going round soft horse.
I have to say I am very amazed by this bridle as to be honest I thought it was a bit of hype over nothing ! One very happy customer who will definitely buy another one !"
Haley Bracewell, Dressage rider
"I am writing to say how delighted I am with the Elevator Bridle. It has made such a difference to Likeur's performance - he is much happier, more relaxed and a lot softer to the contact. His mouth is not dry which it always was before and that is using just cheap bog-standard bits !
I do have to hitch his bits up fairly high (due to getting his tongue over !). His other bridle was so tight behind his ears and over his head, like wearing a very tight hat. The Elevator is made of soft leather and so well padded with no bulk behind his ears. It is a very elegant bridle and beautifully balanced all round.
I mustn't forget the noseband - it's nice and broad with even pressure, well-padded and again no pinching or digging in. My two Elevator doubles are superb!"
Deborah Collins, Dressage rider
"Both my advanced horses are doing really well in their Elevator bridles and we look forward to coming to Solihull to do the Grand Prix again !"
Lisa Fox-Cooper
"All I can say is WOW and a great big thank you, thank you, thank you !!
Otto has never gone so well or been as happy as since I purchased my new Elevator Bridle. The leather is the softest and best quality leather I have ever seen in tack. As you know I had some problems with his hock so haven't even been able to get back into full work yet but already he's going better than he ever did before.
Otto is moving so freely and is so forward going he's a pleasure to ride and he has not shaken his head once ! For the first time ever this week I have begun to see the results that I normally only get with Cath (my teacher) shouting at me from the side line - he drops his head so easily with such a soft contact I am thrilled."
Becky Fryer, Dressage rider
"About 6 months ago I started having problems with my horse Bilbo. He was rearing, kicking out and generally did not want to work (which is totally out of character). I went down the path of osteopaths, physios, shoeing, teeth and every test a vet could do. Eventually the conclusion was that his saddle was slightly tight, so I came to see Gary. We set about trying saddles and while we were doing this Bilbo was still doing his usual tricks in the arena.
Then we put on the Elevator bridle and the horse instantly became his old self. It was a miracle !! He has gone from strength to strength, and last week he competed for the first time since it all began. We came away with a double first and qualified for the Regionals. Thank you !"
Pippa Geddes
Pippa, whose story has featured on these pages for some time now, has written to give us an update on her progress with her horse, James Dean II, who is now doing well in an Elevator Double Bridle.
“We won the PetPlan Area Festival Medium at Beaver Hall, Staffordshire, last August with 68.2%. At the same competition, we also qualified for the Freestyle Medium at the winter regionals, coming 2nd with 75.12%, and the week before he qualified for the Winter Regionals at Medium in one outing.
“I still think the Elevator is the best bridle going, and I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you for producing it.”.
Liz Gilbert, Showing
"Well, well, well ! I am seriously impressed with the Elevator bridle that I bought for my little Morgan horse Dogwood's The Cavalier. He is a highly sensitive (but brilliant !!!) horse who is successfully working his way up the dressage ladder after a few years of quite serious psychological problems.
I have had this little chap for 4 years and we have worked our way through most of the tack shops in the South East in an attempt to find a bridle that he is able to accept comfortably.
Following our discussion on the phone the other week I felt that if there was an option that would make life more comfortable for him, I owed it to him to consider it and decided to give the Elevator bridle a try - I am so amazed at how Cavalier's attitude has changed in his work.
He was working well in his original bridle, but he is now totally consistent in his outline and more willing to take the contact forward into the bridle. He won an open Riding Horse class yesterday and as I reached for his double bridle when tacking him up for the ring, I changed my mind and showed him in his Elevator - he was fantastic !!!
The judge's comment was that he gave her the 'ride of a lifetime' ! I would like to add that the bridle is wonderful quality, beautiful leather, and your service & advice have been second to none. Many Thanks."
Sally Anne Hoyle, Dressage rider
Having battled with roundness, suppleness and softness at the poll since I bought Squidge in May 2002, I was beginning to despair that I would ever make the improvements I was seeking. I had heard some good reports about the new Elevator bridle and took the opportunity to have a closer look while at the Winter Championships in April this year. I was still not convinced, especially as I had recently invested in a competitor to the Elevator with seemingly little improvement.I battled on with my schooling with little or no improvement and even considered selling Squidge. Eventually I decided that the Elevator was worth a try and considered the further investment worth the risk.We train with David Trott and Mike Garman and at last we were making progress. I was very pleased with the improvements that the Elevator appeared to be making in Squidge's way of going, but it was not until a couple of weeks ago after a lesson with David that I realised the value of the Elevator bridle.Squidge was being particularly difficult during our lesson ... his unforgiving Arab nature coming through! At the time I thought "here we go again - the improvements were too good to be true". However when I got back to the yard I realised that in a rush I had mistakenly put Squidge in his old bridle instead of his Elevator! I have since made sure that I do not make this mistake again and the improvements have begun to become established. Squidge and I became Reserve Open Champions 2003 at the Wing Dressage Summer Championship Show under Maureen Newell and Joyce Head, only losing out in the Championship on our collectives! This achievement is small in comparison to some but it is a big step for us. I do believe that I can attribute a good proportion of our success to the Elevator.
Fiona Kemish, Dressage rider
"I tried my new Elevator bridles on today and was really pleased with both my horses' reactions - completely quiet through their head and mouth and improved self-carriage. I am so glad these bridles exist. As a human osteopath I was always concerned about the damage that bridle poll pressure can cause and until today my horse always seemed to look like he had a headache. Many thanks for your fast service which enabled me to change and improve my horses quickly."
Sharon Leighton, Dressage rider
"I first saw your Elevator bridle at the Dressage National Championships 2003. I was not looking for a bridle for my horse but was drawn to your stand when I saw this different bridle hanging up, and you gave me a detailed explanation of the bridle, showing how much pressure a normal bridle exerts on the poll and how much less the Elevator bridle exerts.
Even though I certainly did not relish going home and explaining to my partner why I had bought yet another bridle for my beloved horse, I had to have one! My initial thought was that even if he didn't become softer in the bridle it would relieve some pressure.
The first ever time my horse wore his new Elevator bridle he became softer and much more willing to accept my aids to the bit. This was a huge breakthrough in his training, as until now I had tried different bits, training aids, nosebands, even reins, when as it turned out all I needed was the Elevator bridle.
Since owning this bridle I have sold all 3 of his old bridles including a brand new one, as this is the only one I will ever use from now on. A new training aid or a new bit may work for the first few times, but after a while they tend to stop working and you try something else, but the Elevator bridle has worked every time I have used it.
Thank you from Pepsy my 15.3hh cob gelding and myself."
Lucy Owen, Dressage rider
"Joey was bought as an 18th birthday present for me at Easter 2003. Being a typical Welsh cob cross, he was slightly stubborn when it came to schooling and this was affecting our dressage results. His head carriage was inconsistent and he would happily swing it from side to side when coming down the centre line !
I had heard from a number of people who were using an Elevator bridle how amazed they were with the effects it had on their horses, and that they really recommended them. Having to buy a new bridle anyway, I thought it would be worth a try and I had not a lot to lose, but was not entirely convinced that a different bridle would sort out our problems.
After only having the bridle on for 10 minutes Joey instantly became a pleasure to ride. He worked into the bridle and in a super outline, his head carriage was so much more consistent and his paces much more open and relaxed.
We are now earning at least 10% more on our dressage tests and our centre lines are much, much better ! I am without doubt that this is thanks to the Elevator bridle, and I would never have believed that it could make such a huge difference.
Thank you Horsesense - from a very happy Lucy (& Joey) !"
Cathy Taylor
"A little while ago I bought an Elevator bridle from you and now my horse is back in work and our schooling has began can I just say, WOW ! It is such a nice bridle and feels so soft I figured it would just be more comfortable for him and I must admit I wasn't expecting any difference, but I was wrong !
He used to back off his bridle by being stuffy, not moving forward and tucking his head in to avoid the bridle, and I thought he was just being piggy ! I used to have to work so hard to work him into his bridle, but now he just goes forward into it without any effort - he is really stretching out and is so much more forward going.
I can't recommend your bridle to enough people. I was going to save my Elevator for posh, but no way can I put his old bridle back on - no way !! Thanks guys."
Sophie Wells
"Having trained with Vicki Thompson for 2 years my pony was working Advanced Medium at home but sometimes was a little difficult in the head and neck and was always impossible at shows. My friend recommended the Elevator bridle - it was like a different pony, he was soft and round.
Since having the bridle he is super at shows and in a short time I have qualified for the Regionals at Open Novice. We also did an unaffiliated championship at Sheepgate EC and won the novice, the elementary and the medium championships. I cannot recommend the Elevator bridle enough !!"
Alison Wilson
"I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with your bridle. Having only seen photos I was quite dubious about whether it was worth investing in ... that was until it arrived (24 hrs after my order, which was also really impressive!).
It is a beautiful bridle which has received a lot of attention from my fellow livery owners and yard staff alike. My mare is not a serious competition horse, more a much loved pet, but she is obviously much more comfortable with the Elevator than her old bridle.
My physio did a routine check on her two days after the Elevator arrived and I specifically asked him to look at the poll area. She was quite sore and he said it was probably due to my old bridle.
Since then both of my instructors have commented on how much more settled she is in her head carriage. Alas, it hasn't given me a Grand Prix prospect, but it has given me a happier horse and I will not put her old bridle back on again. Thank you."
Vicky Young, Showjumper
"Regarding the Elevator bridle I purchased from you recently, I have enjoyed much success with a horse who works above the bridle when trying to shorten in a jumping competition. He is a 7yo Grade 'C' horse jumping 130 OC Grade B & C.
His problem was down a distance and he always arrived at the 2nd jump too deep and head too high, but with this new Elevator bridle he is definitely altering the more he is trained and competing in it so that he is a better distance off the fence and able to jump it more correctly. Thank you."
Stephanie Charley, Showjumper
One young show jumper is really flying now that she has changed to the Elevator bridle. Stephanie Charley, a 13 year old from Coventry, has just won the BEIB Junior British Novice second round and Intermediate Open at Gorse Farm, West Midlands, and the South of England Championship.
‘Tatty Keel’, whom Stephanie was riding at Gorse Farm, was the first pony she had tried the Elevator on. He used to have an extremely high head-carriage but Stephanie says, “Since changing to the Elevator, ‘Tatty Keel’ must have dropped his head by at least six inches”. ‘French Classic’, another of Stephanie’s ponies, used to toss her head up and down, but after trying her with the Elevator she simply doesn’t do it anymore.
Georgie Wheeler, Dressage rider
Georgie Wheeler (15) has had great success since starting competing with her horse, Dolce Vita 007 (Dolly), just over a year ago. Results to date include - NW Prelim Regional Champion 2005, Reserve National Champion Prelim 2005 and NW Novice Restricted Champion 2006. When Georgie purchased Dolce Vita 007 (Dolly), she came with an old fashioned bridle. Georgie’s trainer, Patsy Bertram recommended the Elevator. Georgie has found that Dolly is more willing and submissive since changing to the Elevator Bridle and, all in all, she is a happier horse.
Bobbie Hewitt, Shirley, Solihull
Bobbie says, “I first heard of the Elevator Bridle from my equine physiotherapist. She was treating my horse, Shanaz, for very tight muscles, just behind the poll area, possibly caused by the previous owners strapping his head down to stop him headshaking. After being treated, my physio recommended I try an Elevator Bridle as some good results for headshaking have been achieved with it.
“After purchasing an Elevator Bridle from Horsesense, I am now able to ride Shanaz without him tossing his head. He is light in the hand and a pleasure to ride. I think he is more relaxed around the poll area and he has stopped throwing his head around. I recommend the Elevator Bridle to anyone who is experiencing behavioural problems. The Elevator is lovely quality and looks fantastic.”
Alison Reddy, Parkland Stables
Alison contacted us after trying Elevator on two horses. She says,
“Arazmataz (Archie) was quite difficult as a young stallion, often resisting poll pressure and being very sensitive. He was so busy fighting up to a fence he could not shape correctly and clear them. After trying several bridles and bits, I tried the Elevator. This worked wonders. He no longer throws his head in the air when schooling and his performance has improved tremendously. He has passed his performance testing and is now competing at CSI*** level and International age classes.
“After having a year out of work during to injury, Le Beau was not too convinced about returning to work. He was very sensitive and often tight through his poll and neck, not allowing him to work through his body. As soon as the Elevator was fitted, he became a lot more responsive and his training excelled, quickly returned to Grand Prix within a few months. He is currently rated 6th in the Hanoverian Dressage Stallion Rankings. The Elevator allowed him a fantastic comeback, before being finally retired from Grand Prix at the end of 2006.”
Vicky Hammond
Vicky bought an Elevator Bridle after using a friend’s for three weeks and wrote to tell us why she thinks it’s ‘sooo’ great.
Vicky says, ‘I’m an Equine Dental Technician and lecturer in Equine Dental Science, and have had quite a few problems with my horse head tossing during exercise. As an EDT, I naturally assumed the problem was dental yet after treatment, x-rays, my horse had the all clear, but the problem persisted. My vet and I concluded that it was not dental. I mentioned the problem to a colleague and she suggested the Elevator Bridle. I have to say, it is actually amazing! There has been no head tossing at all whilst using your Bridle, so I have to say it’s worth every penny.”
Kathleen Telfer
Kathleen Telfer wrote to us after purchasing an Elevator Bridle to express her delight with its performance. She said, “My horse is easier to turn in jumps off with much less resistance. There is a general improvement in his head carriage. He also looks great in it!”
Alison Grant
Alison wrote to us after purchasing an Elevator Bridle last summer. She was sceptical at first that it would make that much difference to her horse, Shared Interest. He is a 16hh TB x Welsh Sec D Gelding, who regularly competes in dressage. He is a nervous horse and as soon as he is scared, his head is straight up and so he loses all concentration, which is not ideal for a dressage test. She found, however, that once in an Elevator he was a different horse from the word go – his head was low, his neck was loose and he was immediately working through his topline.
Alison says, “Before, I would struggle to maintain his outline in the arena, whereas now I school with next to no contact and he is constantly alert and concentrating. I now have a much fitter, happier horse, who is no longer dangerous to hack out. I can’t thank you enough for this wonderful bridle”.
Louise Crow
I bought an Elevator Snaffle Bridle with a flash noseband a year ago. My sensitive thoroughbred mare is now much more comfortable. No more comments regarding an unsteady head in my dressage tests. The only problem being she forgot she was wearing a bridle when we walked and, initially, I lost her lovely outline!
The Elevator Bridle has allowed our training to continue and she is a much less distracted horse – which for a thoroughbred – is very important.
Lisa Roche
“I just wanted to thank you for all your help last week and great customer service. As you know I placed the order with your on Friday at 2pm and it arrived at 8am on Saturday morning. The Elevator Bridle fits brilliantly and I'm really pleased. I couldn't recommend you highly enough and will definitely use Horsesense again. As you can see, my mare looks great in it.”