Bridles
Bridles have existed since 4,500 – 3,500 BC, when man first domesticated the horse. From the very earliest days, having a way to influence the horse’s speed and direction was important. While some may view bitless bridles as a fairly modern innovation, our ancient ancestors probably rode in a type of halter made of materials such as rawhide and sinew. Art and paintings from the Middle Ages onwards show that bridles have changed remarkably little over the centuries.
Today, most bridles are made of leather, with a bit of metal, plastic or rubber. The snaffle bridle is the most popular in the UK. This is a basic bridle that usually has one bit, one noseband and one set of reins. Double bridles, which have two bits and sets of reins, are generally used for dressage and/or showing. Bitless bridles, such as the hackamore, crossunder and sidepull, are also popular in some sectors, but are not accepted in all types of competition.
When choosing a bridle for your horse, it’s vital that it’s properly fitted to your horse’s head, otherwise he’ll be uncomfortable and your aids will not be communicated effectively. The cheekpieces should be adjusted so the bit is positioned correctly in the horse’s mouth, and the noseband should be correctly adjusted. Although they’re generally sold as complete bridles in ‘full,’ ‘cob’ and ‘pony’ sizes, you may find you need to tailor the individual parts of the bridle to suit your horse.
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How changing bridle pressure can affect horses’ movement *H&H Plus*
The study looked into the forces applied on different horses’ heads, and its effect of their gait
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Can you spot what is unusual about this racehorse’s tack?
Champion trainer Nicky Henderson uses a special bridle on Wenyerreadyfreddie with great success
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‘I did it for Vlad’: watch showjumper compete without a bridle
‘I could have been first or last place and I would have been just as happy’
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Choosing the right bridle for your horse *Promotion*
With such a wide range of bridles available, choosing the right one for your horse can be a challenge, so here is some help from amateur eventer Lizzie Reid
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The Micklem bridle: what you need to know
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Looking for the perfect fit? Try one of these made-to-measure bridles
Finding the perfect bridle can be a difficult task. For this reason we’ve compiled a list of made-to-measure bridles to ensure you get the best fit for your horse.
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Bridle found to improve comfort and boost performance
A two-year project investigated optimal bridle design, before creating a bridle that matched the findings
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Design your own noseband and browband
Company launches personalised tack service for unique bridles
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Carl Hester helps design new dressage bridle
The British Olympic gold medallist has helped PDS design a new snaffle dressage bridle
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New bridles from Kate Negus Saddlery
3 bridles have been added to the grand prix range
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New bridle range from Classic Dressage
Classic Dressage has launched a new range of “one-stop” show and work bridles
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Mark Todd launches patent tack collection
Mark Todd has added to its range of tack products with the patent collection, which includes bridles and headcollars
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Choosing the right bridle for your horse
There is more choice than ever when buying a new bridle, so H&H offers some useful advice to help you choose the right one
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Performance Rider now offering MJM Leatherwork Bridle online
Performance Rider has become the first online stockist to offer the MJM Leatherwork Bridle
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Equipe launch affordable saddle and bridle range called Emporio
Equipe has launched a new cheaper range of saddles and bridles called Emporio
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New Silver Crown bridle available from online retailer Shadow Horse
A new bridle from French saddlery company Silver Crown is now available through online retailer Shadow Horse
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Townend and Stubben join forces and reveal new bridle
Townend and Stubben have joined forces and have revealed their first new product, a bridle
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Bitless bridles are allowed says British Eventing
British Eventing has amended its rule book to make it clear that bitless bridles are acceptable for showjumping and cross-country
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Bitless bridle confusion at Ascott-under-Wychwood
A competitor was told that he could not continue in the BE90 retrained racehorse class because his horse's bitless bridle was not permitted
