Our cheekpieces are specially developed to reduce pressure from the neck through our elastic Cradle™. A cradle is an additional elastic strap on which the bit is meant to rest. The elastic strap is attached both at the bit end of the cheekpieces and also on some of our reins. The idea is that it should act elastically and provide a higher level of comfort for the horse by allowing the bit to “bounce.” This is intended to relieve the teeth and bars from static pressure. Many riders find that their horses are more comfortable with this type of bridle, making it a gentler and more horse-friendly alternative compared to traditional bridles and reins. On this particular bridle, the cradles are sewn in place, which makes them especially suitable for jumping—but they work just as well for at-home dressage schooling. The cheekpieces are designed for the Mary Lou bridle (formerly HvE) and cannot be combined with other bridles, as the leather color and finish differ.