A bridle is an integral piece of horse tack that fits over the head in order to direct it. The three basic parts are the headstall, the bit and the set of reins. Horse Rugs The reins allow the rider to steer the horse, for they attach to the bit which is the piece that rests in the horse’s mouth. Other bridles like the hackamore use a noseband instead of a bit to control the horse. There are different types of bridles for the many varieties of horseback riding.

Made of several straps and buckles, the headstall features the crownpiece, cheekpiece, throatlatch, and sometimes the browband and noseband. The double bridle - a more complicated harness - uses two sets of reins along with two bits. The two bits are known as either the curb and the small snaffle or the bit and bradoon. safety stirrups A bradoon hanger is a second, smaller piece of headgear that a double bridle requires due to its complicated setup. Additionally, there are several other optional components to bridles including blinders, cavesson, bit hobble and curb strap.

Three types of bridles used in the English riding style are known as English-type bridles. The snaffle bridle, Pelham bridle and double bridle collectively comprise English-type bridles. Most common is the snaffle, using one bit and one set of reins. A Pelham bridle features the Pelham bit, a single bit but with two sets of reins. The double bridle uses two bits and two sets of reins; one bit is the snaffle or bradoon and the other is the curb, also known as the Weymouth bit. Horse Supplements Highly trained horses in advanced competition use double bridles, dressage and saddle seat riding being two such events.

In the western riding style, bridles are used that are customarily less complicated than in the English style. Many do not have a noseband, nor do they have a browband. In some situations a halter bridle is used which is a more comfortable alternative. More often than not it is for leading or tying the horse. A hackamore is yet another type, also known as a bitless bridle. Rather than a bit in the horse’s mouth, a noseband is used to steer it with either end attached to the reins.