Guide to Buying a Horse Bridle: Its Parts and Uses

The bridle is the next important piece of horse riding equipment after the saddle. Most importantly, it’s a headpiece that directs and commands the horse to move in a definite direction. Thus, riding a bridle during horseback is essential for any riding discipline. Also, you can choose the one that’s more suitable for your riding discipline.

While there are a lot of things that you can consider before buying a horse bridle, it’s essential to see if the bridle fits your horse’s head. Otherwise, using an improperly fitted bridle will make the horse uncomfortable and result in accidental falls. Thus, it’s better not to use an improper bridle instead of risking the life of the rider and the horse.

This article will inform you about the basic parts of a horse bridle and its various options. Let’s begin with the different parts of a horse bridle.

Read More: What is a Horse Bridle?

Various Parts of Horse Bridle

There are various parts of a horse bridle that constitute to form a perfectly fitted bridle. They include –

1. Headpiece or Crownpiece – As you come across any type of bridle, a headpiece is common all. It is the main part that helps to keep the bridle in place. Moreover, it sits at the back of the horse’s ear and secures other pieces of the bridle.
2. Browband – This piece attaches just below the horse’s ear and above the eyes. It, too, runs across the forehead and connects with the end of the crownpiece at every end. Likewise, it too helps in preventing the bridle from staying in place without sliding down anywhere. In general, you can quickly identify the browband as it’s the decorated piece of the bridle.
3. Noseband – The purpose of fixing a noseband is to keep the jawline of the animal shut. In some versions, you may find bridles that do not have a noseband. More so, if you want, you can choose the bridle that doesn’t come along with a noseband.
4. Throatlatch – As the name suggests, it goes under the horse’s right ear and below the throat and then connects with the left ear. It’s important not to buckle up the throatlatch too tight, or else it can cause irritation to the horse.
5. Cheek Pieces – These are strips on each side of the horse’s face that connects the bridle’s headpiece with the noseband and the bit. To say the least, the cheek pieces of the bridle will not allow the equipment to fall from side to side. Thus, every piece of the bridle connects to provide support from falling.
6. Cavesson – These are commonly available in English bridle. In general, it is an English bridle noseband that connects with the headstall. Henceforth, the browbands hold the rest of the bridle in place.
7. Reins – Though it is not a part of the horse bridle, it connects with the bit that’s right below the noseband. About its use, reins come in a set that helps pull and control the horse while horseback.
8. But – It is a metal piece that goes inside the horse’s mouth and connects with the reins. Currently, many people are in favor of using a bitless bridle as it does not bother the horse.

See More: Difference Between Horse Bridle and Halter

What things to Consider in a Horse Bridle?

Before buying a horse bridle online, know that there are many different things you must consider. Here are a few primary points to look through –

• Durable for usage – You can look for bridles for horse that are available in double-layer design, more flexible, high-quality leather, and firm in places. In general, you can check the thickness of the horse bridle as it should be at least 6mm to last long.
• Must be adjustable – There are options to look for in a horse design that comes with a buckle design with an adjustable length. In short, the size of one horse’s head may differ from another. In addition, it should be comfortable to use.
• Ease of use – No matter which bridle you choose for your horse, make sure it’s comfortable. Secondly, there should be ease of use so that it does not bothers the horse and cause irritation or other things.

How does a Bridle work?

While putting a bridle to work, it’s essential to note that certain parts come together and form a single horse bridle. In general, a headpiece, a bit, and set reins function accordingly to make the rider communicate with the horse during horseback riding.

Now, each part of the bridle plays a separate role. For example, the bit placed inside the horse’s mouth is used to apply pressure at certain places. Likewise, the rider will command the horse to move in different directions. More so, the working of a Horse Bridle can be as follows –

• As you fix the bridle’s headpiece, its primary function is to hold the bit in place.
• The additional pressure that the bit creates on the horse’s cheek will allow them to follow the rider’s command.
• A bridle will work in accordance with the natural inclination of the horse. Furthermore, it will make them stay away from the discomfort of the position.

In addition to the proper working of the bridle, it’s essential to note that you must place the bit in its exact location. As per the rules, a bit should rest on the gums in between the space of the incisors and molars. Thus, only that’s how it will work effectively and allows the horse to have comfort during the ride.

Can you ride a horse without a Bridle?

There’s always an option to ride a horse without a bridle, yet it’s safer to use a bridle while riding the horse. In general, you can only ride a horse without a bridle if you have a well-trained horse. Alongside, riders who have a good relationship with their horse will be able to feasible ride it without a bridle.

Here are a few points that you follow before going without a bridle ride with your horse –

• You can go for direct communication with the horse and build a close bond with the animal.
• You may begin by teaching a few instructions in a lower voice so that it doesn’t intrigue the horse.
• If it’s feasible for you, going for a halter will be a better choice before removing the bridle. In that manner, you will get to test your horse’s abilities to ride without a bridle.
• Once you are sure that horse can go with a halter, you can smoothly take it for a ride nearby.
• Make sure you wear a helmet to stay safe from your first session of going bridleless with your horse.

In order to say the least, teaching your horse to ride without a bridle is a long process. Furthermore, you must take professional help from horse riding to prepare you for the situation. Likewise, you can begin practicing your horse with reins and leg aids at first. Then, you can use your voice to command the horse in a little progressive manner.

Conclusion:

While considering that anyone can be buying a horse bridle online, you must get the one that is more suitable for your riding discipline. In other words, always get the one that fulfills your requirement without shifting from the quality and it’s a reasonable price.

Read Article: 
https://horsesaddleshop.org/horse-harness-parts/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/reasons-to-buy-synthetic-saddle/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/bridle-an-important-component-of-horseback-riding/
https://horsesaddleshop.org/how-to-put-a-halter-on-a-horse/