Bridles

Learn about horse bridle types

Horse bridles are headstalls that go around a horse's head to hold a bit in the horse's mouth, allowing for wider control by the rider. Bridles also put pressure on the horse's face to give direction and help maintain control. They commonly come in leather and nylon, with nylon bridles typically being cheaper.

Bridles are generally designed for horses, but smaller pony bridles can be specially made.

Be sure to check horse riding equipment, especially bridles, often. Because they rely on putting pressure on sensitive areas to control the horse, they need to be in good working order to prevent injury. Make sure all of the bridle screws are tightened so they won't scrape the horse; check that there are no cracks in the bridle straps and that the stitching is still intact; and check the horse bit for cracks and pits.

You typically bridle a horse after you saddle it. You may want to use a halter or a lead rope to keep the horse steady through the process.

English Bridles

There are three main types of English bridles:

• Snaffle Bridle: This is a bridle with a single bit, a single pair of reins and a cavesson noseband. Despite its name, a snaffle bridle isn't used only with a snaffle bit (the most common bit, connected to two rings used to control the horse), but is also used with other single-rein bits.
• Double Bridle: As its name suggests, the double bridle uses two different bits (a snaffle bit and a curb bit) and two sets of reins. This horse bridle is often used in dressage and other horse shows.
• Pelham Bridle: Another single-bit bridle, the Pelham bridle uses the Pelham bit, which consists of a mouthpiece and shanks like a curb bit and bit rings like the snaffle bit. This bridle also uses two sets of reins, allowing the rider to control the horse in two different ways.

Western Bridles

Western bridles often do not have a noseband or browbands, making them much simpler in design.

Bitless Bridles

A bitless bridle, also known as a hackamore, is headgear without a bit. A bit normally sits on a sensitive spot between the horse's teeth to make the horse susceptible to pressure and therefore the control of the rider. A bitless bridle relies on pressure applied to the horse's head instead of to its mouth. This is considered in many cases to be more comfortable for the horse.