Horse Bridle
What You Need To Know
It may be smaller in size compared to other tack items, but a horse bridle is one of the most important pieces of tack you will purchase. You have a lot to keep in mind when choosing a bridle.
For example, will you be riding western or english mostly? Will you be using it for daily riding or for horse shows?
A typical bridle, both english and western, can be broken down into a few basic parts. These parts include the reins, bit, and headstall. Below we will discuss the different parts of the bridle you will find in both english and western horse bridles.
Western Bridle
When selecting and using a western horse bridle you will notice some differences in comparison to an english bridle. Before heading out to purchase a new horse bridle, especially if it is your first bridle-buying experience, it would help to have an understanding of the different parts of a western bridle.Parts:
First we'll talk about the headstall portion of the western bridle. The headstall is the top portion of the bridle and is typically made of leather, however you may find some made of nylon.
The very top of the headstall wraps over the poll of your horse just behind the ears. This part of the headstall is also referred to as the crown piece. Some crown pieces also have ear pieces which wrap around one or both of your horse's ear(s).
The crown piece then attaches on either side of your horse's head to the cheek pieces which allow for you are to adjust the bridle so the bit fits securely and comfortably in your horse's mouth.
The cheek pieces attach to the bit. The type of bit you have on the bridle will depend on many factors. For one, it will depend on how much experience your horse has being ridden. Green horses will likely be ridden in a mild bit such as a snaffle, while veteran horses can be ridden in heavier shank bits.
If you are unsure of which type of bit you should be using, we suggest seeking professional advice to find the right bit for you and your horse.
A curb chain attaches to the bit and wraps under your horse's chin when using a bit with a shank. It allows for a little added pressure when you apply pressure to the reins while riding.
The reins on a western horse bridle tend to be much longer than those on an english bridle and are not connected. They also attach to the bit on the bridle.
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English Bridle
Again, if you are looking into purchasing an english bridle for your horse it may be a good idea to have a basic understanding of the different part of this type of bridle.Parts:
The english horse bridle consists of the same basic parts as the western bridle, but there are a few variations. We'll begin again talking about the headstall. At the top of the headstall you find the crown piece, which wraps behind your horse's ears at the poll.
In an english horse bridle you will find a brow band attached at the top of the headstall. This piece wraps over the forehead of your horse.
Extending down from the crown piece, on either side of your horse's head, are the cheek pieces. Again this is where you will be able to adjust the bridle to properly fit the bit in your horse's mouth. You can also adjust the noseband and throat latch on the headstall.
The noseband is a separate piece on the headstall and wraps over the nose of the horse. The throat latch wraps under and behind your horse's head near the throat.
The main cheek piece on the headstall then attaches to the bit. Again, the type of bit you will be using will depend on the amount of experience your horse has under saddle, and if you are unsure about bit selection you may want to consult a professional.
In an english bridle you may also find a curb chain the wraps under the chin of the horse. This will depend on the type of bit you use.
From the bit you will find the reins which are a little different than those on a western bridle. The reins are usually shorter and are connected together by a buckle.
Shopping
When shopping for your next horse bridle you have a few options available on where you can go to find one. You can head to your local tack shop where it will be easier to compare one bridle to another and have your questions answered.Another option may be to shop online at one of your favorite and trusted sources for horse tack.
You may also want to consider shopping at any tack sales or auctions for a good deal on a horse bridle.
