We Know: How to Buy a Bridle

What is a bridle?

A bridle is placed over a horse's head and helps to control the horse's direction. It has three parts to it, including the reins, bit, and headstall or headgear. Most horse bridles cost anywhere from around $25-$200. Both English and Western style bridles come in all types, sizes, and styles.

Tips When Buying a Bridle

Incorrectly fitting bridles make it more difficult for the rider, but they are worse for the horse and can cause extreme discomfort. When choosing a bridle for your horse, keep these things in mind:

  1. Many bridles have center rollers for the horse's tongue, which some horses like.
  2. The horse has an easier time salivating when copper or other metal bridles are used.
  3. Bridles are much harsher on the horse when they have higher centerpieces.
  4. Cheap leather bridles are more likely to break which means you may lose control over the horse. They are also more likely to stretch which makes them more difficult to fit the horse.
  5. The bridle's brow band should not be tight against the animal's forehead.
  6. The bridle buckles should not rub against the horse's head, especially the bony areas, or it will be uncomfortable for the horse.
  7. When the bridle is correctly worn, the buckles should not cluster together. If they do cluster, consider purchasing a different bridle.
  8. Check that the bridle is not hanging the bit too low.
  9. If the bridle's throat latch squeezes the horse's throat, it is too short.
  10. The bit should be comfortable at the corners of the horse's mouth or else the bridle is not correctly fitted.
  11. Some choose to have more than one bridle for the horse, one that is used for trail riding, and a fancier bridle for showing.
  12. It is a good idea to use a similar bridle bit and headgear that the horse is used to. Before buying a horse, ask the sellers what kind of bridle the horse used previously.

Bridle Sizes

Larger horses need larger bridles. They come in four main sizes:

  1. Oversized. Used for large horses such as Clydesdales.
  2. Full-size horse.
  3. Cob/Arabian.
  4. Pony.


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