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Bridles: how to choose and fit them correctly
Download our helpful guide to find out how to make sure your horse’s bridle fits.
Download our helpful guide to find out how to make sure your horse’s bridle fits.
Did you know that the design and fit of a bridle almost certainly affects how comfortable a horse is? And that it can also affect how they perform?
This is because the bridle can put excessive pressure on various parts of the head when the horse is standing still, moving, or swallowing. In addition, important structures in the head are connected to the breastbone (sternum) and the forelimb. So if we pay attention to how bridles are designed and fitted, this is likely to make horses more comfortable – and help them to move better.
To help you achieve a better-fitting bridle, we have put together a guide on what to look for when choosing and fitting a bridle. Developed with the help of Dr Rachel Murray, formerly of the Animal Health Trust, these evidence-based guidelines cover every part of the bridle, going into detail on issues that you may not have considered before.
The guidelines emphasise the two main aims of good bridle design and fit:
- Minimising pressure
- Maximising stability.
So we want the bridle to stay as still as possible, whilst putting the minimum amount of pressure on the head.
To achieve this, we need to consider the general shape and function of horses’ heads. For example, where are the bony protrusions? Which parts of the head move when the horse swallows? We also need to think about each horse’s individual head shape – horses’ heads differ in size and relative proportion and this means that no one style or make of bridle will fit every horse.
The guidelines cover all of the main factors that we should consider in every horse when choosing and fitting a bridle. They have also been condensed into three one-page documents that cover the essential information on:
- Features of a well designed and fitted bridle
- Common signs of problems with the bridle or bit
- How to take care of a bridle.
Download our bridle fit guides
Bridle fit guidelines
Download our evidence-based guide to assess the fit of your horse’s bridle.
Features of a well designed and fitted bridle
Download our guide about features of a well designed and fitted bridle.
Guide to common signs of problems with the bridle or bit
Download our guide to common signs of problems with your horse’s bridle or bit.
Guide on how to take care of a bridle properly
Download our guide on taking care of your bridle properly.
Webinar: Bridle fit – why getting it right is so important
Catch up with our Welfare Wednesdays webinar on bridle fit, with Dr Rachel Murray and Di Fisher, Society of Master Saddlers Master Saddle Fitter and Bridle Fitter.
