When we set out to create the world's first plant-based bridle, we knew it had to be more than a statement. It had to perform. Here's how rider feedback at CSIO St. Gallen shaped the Bridle Mela.
Testing at CSIO St. Gallen
In the summer of 2023, we brought our very first Uppeal bridle prototype to CSIO St. Gallen. We wanted to put it in the hands of real riders, trainers, and equestrian professionals to see how the material felt, how the fit worked, and whether a plant-based bridle could truly hold up to daily use. The response was immediate and honest: riders loved the softness and weight of Uppeal, but they had clear opinions on buckle placement, cheekpiece width, and noseband adjustability.
Listening and Iterating
Every piece of feedback went straight into our development process. We adjusted the crown padding for better pressure distribution. We refined the throat latch length. We reworked the browband attachment to sit more cleanly. Some changes were small, others required rethinking entire sections. But each iteration brought us closer to a bridle that felt as considered as any premium leather piece, without a single animal product.
The Bridle Mela
The result is the Bridle Mela: a fully plant-based bridle made from Uppeal that's soft from day one, requires no breaking in, and cleans with a simple wipe. It's the product of real-world testing, honest feedback, and the belief that better materials lead to better riding. Available now in our boutique.