About
The Elevator Bridle was designed as the first ever comfort bridle.
Elevator has since evolved to include a range of exceptionally high quality, innovatively designed products making it one of the most aspirational equestrian brands for both professional and recreational riders.
The Elevator Performance Bridle was born out of inspiration by Lorraine Green’s, a qualified saddle fitter, chestnut mare ‘Elevator’. Lorraine has ridden all of her life and successfully competed at an affiliated level in numerous disciplines.
It was while competing in dressage, that Lorraine started experiencing problems with her beloved and very sensitive chestnut friend. She sought advice from respected trainers, vets, dentists and chiropractors, none of whom could find anything physically wrong with Elevator.
Coming to the conclusion that Elevator was trying to tell her something, Lorraine was determined to establish the root cause of some of her behavioural issues. It was a thought-provoking statement made by Kyra Kyrkland, Olympic dressage rider, who said “A horse can feel a fly so why do we need so much kit to control him?”
This was a turning point for Lorraine and she started to ride Elevator in a simple padded headcollar. While of course not being perfect, the improvements were noticeable.
This set Lorraine on a path of discovery as she researched in greater depth the associated physiology. It soon became apparent just how sensitive the poll area is on a horse.
Development of the Elevator Performance Bridle
Following considerable trials and development a bridle was designed that provided the ultimate in comfort for the horse to alleviate pressure behind the ears and to the sensitive poll area. While the bridle design was of course imperative, it was also realised that the softest, most comfortable of leathers was required.
The finest quality English leather was sourced, that would be sumptuously soft for the horse’s comfort, yet durable for a long lifespan. This marked the start of the first ever Elevator Performance Bridle handcrafted as it is in its present form today using the softest, best quality English leather by skilled British craftsmen.
The Elevator performance ‘comfort’ bridle, designed to give control with just the lightest touch, soon became a talking point for many leading equestrian professionals across all disciplines. Reactions such as “amazing”, “a complete transformation” and “the best investment I’ve ever made” have since become synonymous with the brand.
Elevator today
Elevator is now run by Jo Forrester who has many years’ experience within the equine world. As a young rider Jo competed successfully in Eventing and has extensive experience of dressage and show jumping.
During her time at University Jo used it to study horse movement and how items of tack can hinder or aid a horse’s way of going.
Jo has always had a passion for improving the performance horse without hindering the comfort and wellbeing. Elevator does just that, it is a perfect match for Jo’s philosophy.
Elevator Equestrian offers an entire collection of premium quality equestrian products ranging from sumptuously soft headcollars, girths, reins and beautifully crafted leatherwork. Elevator also offers a bespoke design service to guarantee you stand out from the crowd.
Craftsmanship
All Elevator products are crafted using only the finest leather and are handmade in Walsall, England.
All of our bridlewear is made using Sedgwick Bridle Leather, renowned for its stand out quality and being the best in British leather.