History and Legacy of the Beloved Edgewood Pony Bridle

The History of Edgewood Pony Bridles

Edgewood pony bridles have a long and storied history in the equestrian world. These distinctive bridles were originally designed and crafted by the Edgewood Saddle Company, which was founded in Lexington, Kentucky in 1921. The company's goal was to create high quality yet affordable tack for the huge population of pony riders across the United States.

In the 1920s and 30s, pony riding and showing was extremely popular. Nearly every stable had a string of ponies for lessons and competition. Edgewood spotted a need in the market for bridles specially proportioned for ponies. At the time, most bridles were sized for horses and ill-fitting for the average pony. Edgewood set out to design a scaled down bridle made from quality leather and hardware.

The Edgewood pony bridle made its debut at the Madison Square Garden Horse Show in the 1930s to great acclaim. The bridle featured a nicely contoured crownpiece and throatlatch proportioned to fit the average pony head. The browband and reins were also correctly downsized for pony riders. Edgewood bridles quickly became popular among top pony barns and riders.

Key Features of Edgewood Pony Bridles

Over the decades, Edgewood has continued improving and updating their classic pony bridle design, while keeping the hallmarks riders love. Some key features include:

• Fine leather construction from quality American hides
• Stainless steel crownpiece, cheekpieces, and hardware for durability
• Proportioned 1/2 to 1 inch shorter headstall and reins compared to a horse bridle
• Curved crown and rounded lower headstall for pony comfort
• Narrower noseband and browband suited to a pony's head
• Lightweight and properly balanced for riding ponies

These smart design features made the Edgewood pony bridle stand out from the competition. The company also offered many customizable options so riders could select the style details they preferred. Options included different nosebands, browbands, rein options, and decorative features like padding and crystal accents.

The Edgewood Pony Bridle in Competition

It didn't take long for the Edgewood pony bridle to become ubiquitous in the show ring. By the 1960s, you would be hard pressed to find a pony rider not using an Edgewood bridle. Pretty much every famous pony clubber and young rider was photographed wearing the classic Edgewood style.

The bridle was so popular due to its quality craftsmanship and show ring performance. The flawless fit and comfortable leather ensured ponies went happily in the bridle. The precisely proportioned size gave riders the fine control they needed for equitation and jumping classes. And the elegant styling looked beautiful when paired with a show jacket or pony club pin.

Prominent pony riders that brought home trophies and titles using an Edgewood bridle include:

• Sisters Pam and Susie Hickey, dominant on the '60s pony show circuit
• Hap Hansen, the first rider to exceed $100,000 in pony winnings
• Don Stewart, who won the AHSA Medal Finals three times in the 1970s
• Maude Burt-Williams, the first female on the US Pony Jumping Team

Edgewood bridles were so ubiquitous, they became part of pony show culture. Braiders always knew exactly how to perfectly arrange a pony mane to complement the Edgewood's classic style.

Edgewood Bridles Today

Although the pony bridle market isn't what it used to be, Edgewood continues producing their time-tested original pony bridle. Each bridle is handcrafted at their shops in Kentucky using techniques perfected over 100 years.

While synthetic bridles have gained some popularity, many riders still prefer the look, feel, and longevity of an heirloom quality leather Edgewood bridle. There is simply no comparing the buttery softness of quality leather to plastic and nylon.

Edgewood bridles are also now beloved by collectors. Vintage bridles from the 50s and 60s, complete with original Edgewood brass plates, can sell for hundreds to thousands. Just another testament to the enduring legacy of the Edgewood pony bridle.

Whether you are a pony rider looking for a new show bridle, or a collector seeking a piece of equestrian history, Edgewood makes a bridle you'll treasure for a lifetime. Made from natural high quality materials by master craftsmen, the Edgewood pony bridle represents the best of classic equine style and craftsmanship.

FAQs

What makes the Edgewood pony bridle special?

The Edgewood pony bridle is specially designed and proportioned to fit ponies comfortably. It features a contoured crown, rounded headstall, and narrowed browband and noseband. The quality leather and stainless steel hardware also help it stand out.

When was the Edgewood pony bridle first made?

The Edgewood pony bridle debuted in the 1930s and quickly became popular. It was originally designed and made by the Edgewood Saddle Company in Lexington, Kentucky.

Why was the Edgewood bridle so popular?

The Edgewood bridle was ubiquitous in the show ring by the 1960s due to its comfortable fit for ponies, quality construction, and elegant styling. Top pony riders relied on its flawless performance.

What makes Edgewood bridles special today?

Edgewood bridles are still handcrafted in Kentucky using traditional techniques. The leather quality and construction is outstanding. They are also beloved by collectors as equestrian memorabilia.

How can I buy an Edgewood pony bridle?

You can purchase new and used Edgewood bridles online from tack shops and resellers. Be sure to inspect condition carefully if buying a used vintage bridle.