Whether you’re doing show jumping, trail riding, or other equestrian competitions, having the right equipment is critical to having a pleasant horse-riding experience. And one of the most vital pieces of equipment you need to consider is the right bridle for your horse.
This article shares the basics of a bridle and how to choose the right one for your equestrian activities.
What’s a Horse Bridle?
Horse bridles are simply the harness placed over your horse’s head so you can control and steer them when riding. They’re designed to reduce pressure on the sensitive facial parts of a horse while still putting you in control of the horse’s movements and directions.
The best horse bridle allows for better blood circulation while allowing your horse to fully control its facial movements, such as swallowing or chewing. A horse bridle can be complex and consists of multiple parts, or it can be simple with a few adjustable straps.
How To Choose The Right Bridle For Your Horse?
- English or Western Bridles
Horse bridles are divided into two categories— English and Western.
English bridles are mainly used for English riding styles like jumping, dressage, trail riding. Typically, it features a noseband (more on it below) for better control of your horse.
On the other hand, western bridles are simpler in design and don’t usually have nosebands, and sometimes don’t have browbands. Western bridles are used less to control or communicate with the horse. Instead, riders use their weight and seat to communicate. Depending on which you need, you must choose the appropriate one to ensure a smooth and fun horse-riding experience.
- Think Of Your Discipline
When choosing a bridle for your horse, it’s vital to consider the discipline you want to do. You want to keep in mind the guidelines and rules for whatever you compete in most.
Bridles can vary from dressage to western pleasure to cart work, and jumping to hunting. For instance, there are specific rules on what bridles are permitted for a dressage rider or jumper. On the other hand, eventers may need more than one bridle for fast changes between phases.
If you’re a newbie competitor, it is best to check that whatever bridle you’re eyeing is allowed, particularly if it has a feature such as a modified noseband or a cut-back headpiece.
Having the right bridles for competition or discipline specifics can make learning and horse riding more enjoyable and easier than using the wrong ones.
- Understand Nosebands
An important consideration when shopping for bridle, particularly the English varieties, is the noseband. Some of the common noseband choices include:
- Cavesson
It is a simple and plain noseband with no flash and little action. Cavesson bridles work well with most bits. Those with a crank can also be used with a double bridle. The best thing about cavesson is that it works for almost any horse breed and size.
- Cinch Or Crank
Almost similar to a cavesson, a crank or cinch doubles back on itself for optimum fastening. As a result, there’s no buckle under the horse’s jaw that can cause discomfort. A cinch noseband can help prevent crossing the jaw. However, it should be adjusted to avoid overtightening.
- Flash
Flash is simply a cinch or a cavesson noseband but with an extra angled strap and fastens underneath the bit. It offers more action than the cavesson since the additional flash can prevent the horse from opening its mouth.
The flash noseband is often the first choice for younger horses since it can keep the bit quiet and secure the mouth so they won’t evade the bit.
- Figure 8
Also called grackle, a figure 8 noseband features two straps that cross over in an X shape over the horse’s nose. One fastens below the bit, and another fastens high up on the jaw. Sitting fairly high up, figure 8 is considered comfortable for horses since it avoids pressure on the cheekbones and allows the nostrils to open fully. Thus, it is best for sensitive horses and suitable for horses that tend to cross or twist their jaw to avoid contact.
- Drop
This style of noseband bridle has only one strap that fastens underneath the bit. Like a flash noseband, it prevents the horse from opening its mouth. These nosebands became less popular in recent years since they don’t look flattering on the horse’s face. That said, horses that don’t do well in a flash noseband may prefer the action of a drop style.
- Measure, Measure, Measure
When choosing a bridle for your horse, it must fit perfectly on its head. Thus, you want to get your measuring tape and start measuring for these parts:
- Cheekpiece and Crown Piece
The crownpiece is the strap that goes behind the ears. Start from one corner of the mouth. Measure up the cheeks and over the ears, then down to the opposite side of the mouth.
- Throatlatch
To measure the throatlatch, place the end of a measuring tape at the back of one ear, going under the throat and back up to the opposite ear.
- Browband Length
Start measuring at the back edge of one ear, then measure around the forehead, up to the back edge of the opposite ear.
- Noseband
Measure the noseband starting an inch (or two-finger widths) down from one cheekbone. Then, measure the circumference of the nose.
- Look For Special Features
Bridles may come with extra features designed to improve your horse’s comfort in various areas. It can vary from one bridle to another; however, all special features are designed to enhance fit and performance.
Most bridles may feature anatomically shaped or padded headpieces. Such a design can help alleviate pressure behind the ears and on the poll. Some may also feature anatomically shaped nosebands to avoid sensitive facial nerves.
Takeaway
And there you have it!
A horse bridle allows you to communicate with and control your horse easily, allowing you to adjust direction and speed when horse riding. So, you must pick and use the best one to ensure a smooth horse riding experience.
We hope that this guide helped you choose the right one and made your equestrian experience more enjoyable and easier.
