THE hugely successful Micklem bridle, designed by William Micklem and manufactured by Horseware, has been selected as one of an elite group of products to be shown as part of the forthcoming Global Irish Design Challenge exhibition in Dublin.

Selected by an international jury panel of Ailbhe McNabola (Design Council, UK), Hideichi Misono (former Chief Designer, Toyota) and Jay Osgerby (Barber & Osgerby Studio), the Global Irish Design Challenge exhibitions showcases and celebrates the best of Irish design innovation.

Designed by international coach, speaker, breeder and Fellow of the British Horse Society William Micklem, the Micklem bridle is designed to eliminate the discomfort, pain and numbness often caused by traditional bridles and nosebands.

It does this by avoiding pressure on facial nerves, protruding teeth and sensitive bones, resulting in better acceptance and performance.

“I’m thrilled that the Micklem bridle is to be recognised in this way. It truly is designed from the inside out, from the actual shape of the bones and teeth inside the horse’s skull to the position of the motor and sensory nerves. It has changed the way we look at bridleware,” said William Micklem. “It is now the best selling bridle in the world, which means there are thousands of horses that are more comfortable, and for this the greatest credit must go to Horseware and Tom MacGuinness, who was the only manufacturer to see the potential of the product.”

He added: “I have other products in the pipeline that will also have the focus on good design and comfort. It is important that the small details are right and that we are not afraid to let a good idea give way to a better idea. This is the essence of good design.”

Louise Allen, head of international programmes for the Design & Craft Council of Ireland, said: “This will be a major exhibition that will showcase the best of Irish design innovation in every form and a celebration of Irish design talent that spans the breadth of Ireland and extends worldwide. We wanted products that have the potential to revolutionise the way we live and work, and we believe the Micklem bridle is an excellent example of this.”

The Micklem Bridle will be on display as part of the Global Irish Design Challenge exhibition at the Coach House, Dublin Castle from Wednesday, June 15th to Sunday, August 27th.