Review: Premiera Imperia From 20×60

In the search for quality tack, the options and variety can feel overwhelming. When I made the switch to dressage this year I had a LOT of shopping to do! It took 4 tries but when I finally found the right show bridle – I had to share it with you .

When I first started taking dressage lessons, I rode in my jump saddle with my usual stirrup length and tack. The first change I made was the bit. Elf jumps in a full cheek gag which is not exactly well suited for dressage so he switched to a french link full cheek snaffle. Within a couple months, I was floored by the progress we were making. I decided to change my goals – and the tack shopping commenced. I relatively easily replaced my saddle, saddle pads and girth but finding the right bridle proved a challenge.

Over three months, I tried 3 different high quality black dressage bridles. I didn’t think I was looking for anything crazy. I wanted a little bling on a generously sized brow band and super soft leather. Elf hated 2 of the bridles I tried – immediately tossing his head around and refusing to settle down. The third didn’t look good on his pony-like head, overwhelming his nose and looking distinctly harness like. Throughout this process, I was riding in my havana figure eight bridle and had to borrow a bridle from my trainer for our first show. Just days before our second dressage show, I found myself sending back the third bridle and on the hunt again.

I found myself revisiting the gorgeous Premiera bridles available exclusively through 20×60. I had looked at them before but had originally been concerned that the width of the nose band wouldn’t work for my oddly sized Elf. This time, though, I got in touch. After discussing measurements and styles and their recommendation, I choose the black on black Premiera Imperia for the generous brow band sizing and rolled leather pieces. My hope was that the less bulky look of the rolled leather would balance the wider nose band. The ladies at 20×60 were wonderful to work with – even adding a 2 day shipping option so I could make sure the bridle arrived early enough to school in before we left for the show.

When the bridle arrived, I was absolutely thrilled. It comes beautifully packaged with an adorable 20×60 tote bag and handwritten note. Out of the box, the leather is amazingly soft and there no conditioning or breaking in is necessary. The fit on the Imperia is a little different than most bridles as the buckles are located at the crown, creating the lovely minimalist look that attracted me to it. I had to adjust a few times during my ride to get it just right. From the beginning, though, it clearly made a statement. The browband is gorgeous! If you like bling, you will certainly not be disappointed. At the Houston Dressage Society show, the bridle generated multiple comments and inquiries into where I had gotten it. If you’re aiming to blend in, this is probably not a piece of tack you want to own!

The Imperia was my first purchase from 20×60 and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. Aside from their willingness to find a cost-effective shipping solution in my tight timeline, the customer service is top notch. A week after I purchased the bridle, I realized that one of the crystals from the brow band had been lost at the show. I contacted 20×60 via their Facebook page asking for suggestions and they quickly shipped out a replacement brow band at their expense. It was much more than I was expecting and I was absolutely thrilled.

Since the show, I’ve ridden in the Imperia 4-5 times a week in the humid Texas heat (just tacking up is enough for a sweat soaked shirt). It holds up beautifully to daily use, is easy to clean and condition and the leather has maintained its softness. Elf is sensitive about his head, disliking too many straps or too much weight and easily stress sweating around his jaw when he is uncomfortable. We’ve made great strides during the last month I’ve had this bridle including being able to move to a loose ring snaffle that has helped to improve the consistency and quality of his connection. While I don’t know for sure what role the Imperia has played in that, it has certainly made him more comfortable while working and that can only help! I’m now a firm fan of Premiera and 20×60 products and have developed a little shopping list (husband hint: our anniversary is coming up!).

1. The Premiera Novara – I’m considering trying a drop nose band for Elf, and if I do it will be this one!
2. A new show halter but I’m torn between the blingy gorgeousness of the Valenza and the elegantly traditional braid of the Vienna -maybe one in black and one in cognac?
3. This Fior De Liso Judita Show Shirt is happening – maybe a present to myself if I qualify for Regionals?

What makes your fingers itch to do some online shopping?

Click the image to check out all the details on the Premiera Imperia – now my #1 recommendation for a show bridle!

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