Horse bridles are a key part of a horse's tack, and just like saddles and blankets, the proper style and fit are important for a horse's comfort and well-being. Bridles will differ among some disciplines, typically with the noseband and bits used, but the parts of a bridle on a horse are universal. A standard horse bridle consists of several pieces: the headpiece, also sometimes called the crown piece, noseband, browband, throat latch or lash, and cheek pieces. These leather or synthetic parts form the bridle portion that rests on the horse's head and holds the bit. From there, the reins attach to the bit.
The headpiece is the wider strap behind the horse's ears and flows down toward the cheeks. Headpieces may be straight, or contoured to fit around the ears. The materials may be padded or flat, which leads to many combinations for all horses and equestrian disciplines. The headpiece typically latches to the throat latch and the cheek pieces in the area below the ears. The throat latch loops behind the horse's cheeks and should remain loose enough to slide a few fingers into the space. Next to the throat latch attachments are the cheek pieces. These shorter lengths of bridle connect the bit rings to the headpiece. Cheek pieces are fully adjustable to accommodate varies lengths of horse's face from crown to mouth. Adjusting the cheek pieces creates the perfect distance for the bit to rest comfortably in a horse's mouth. Also coming from the headpiece are the longer, adjustable straps that hold the noseband, also named the cavesson. Depending on the bridle style, the noseband may sit horizontally above or below the bit. The cavesson steadies the bit and the upper portions of the horse's bridle. The noseband is fully adjustable, and the straps may have straightforward buckles or a more complex crank noseband system.
Nosebands may also be in a grackle or figure-8 design, with the leather straps coming together in the middle of the horse's face. Two straps, one on each side, attach above the bit, and two more straps, one on each side, wrap around the horse's mouth below the bit. This bridle for a horse is popular in eventing or for show jumping. Dropped nosebands, in which case the leather is not perfectly horizontal as it sits below the bit. A small hinge allows the dropped band to wrap down and around the lower jaw.
The browband runs horizontally from just under one ear to just under the other ear and prevents the bridle from slipping back from the horse's poll. A horse's bridle may be plain, or include a fancy browband with gems, patent leather, beads, or other adornment. Replacing a simple browband with a fancy version purchased separately is also possible.
Lastly, the reins attach to the bit to facilitate communication with your horse during riding, lunging, or leading. Options for reins included plaited leather, flat leather, reins with evenly spaced stoppers, rubber-coated, or colored. The horse's discipline will usually determine what reins are appropriate for the chosen discipline, while an equestrian's personal preference comes into play while schooling at home.
Grackle, Anatomical, Bitless, and Double Horse Bridles
Types of bridles will vary. The simple plain cavesson bridle, or snaffle bridle, has all of the parts of a bridle and is the simplest style. A hunter bridle is equally simple but may have wide flat leather pieces, as is the hunting tradition. Dressage bridles are one of two styles. The flash bridle is the simple cavesson bridle with the addition of a flash. This narrow strip of leather attaches to the noseband's center and loops down and around the lower jaw, below the bit. A double bridle for dressage includes two sets of cheek pieces for the two dressage bits - the bridoon and the curb bit. A Weymouth bridle is similar to the double bridle, except that the lower curb bit is an unjointed Weymouth bit. A bridle that uses the figure 8 noseband is called a grackle bridle or figure of eight bridle.
Anatomical bridles are designed with unique, and sometimes curved, cheek pieces and nosebands to avoid pressure on a horse's facial nerves. Due to the reduction of pressure in sensitive areas around cheekbone and neck, the comfort of the horse is considerably enhanced. Micklem bridles were one of the original anatomical bridles but over the years more and more manufacturers have introduced anatomic bridles such as PS of Sweden, Schockemohle, Premier Equine, Lemieux and Kentucky Horsewear. Anatomical bridles can often be used as bitless bridles.
Horse bridles and pony bridles come with many sizing and color options. Black and brown leather are popular for most bridles for horses, and variations of the colours may include oak, Australian Nut, Havana, and tan.
Bridles for Horses and Ponies from Top Brands
Here at Discount Equestrian, we're proud to stock only the finest quality horse tack from leading equestrian brands based in the UK, Europe, and beyond. There are so many wonderful bridles just waiting to be discovered in this beautiful Horse Bridles collection, such as:
The John Whitaker Chicago Anatomic Bridle is designed for optimum comfort and performance. It features a wide, shaped headpiece and adjustable noseband, with perforated leather padding that benefits from specially engineered moisture-wicking properties and improved breathability.
Lightly padded and crafted from soft and supple oiled leather, the LeMieux® Arika Flash Bridle maximizes comfort and evenly distributes pressure.
This anatomical bridle features a lightly padded noseband and browband that offers protection and even pressure distribution.
The Schockemohle® STANFORD flash bridle combines functionality and sporty design: The bridle with an anatomically shaped crank noseband has a unique neck piece. This was specifically adapted to the horse's anatomy and allows unconfined movement of the ears.
PS of Sweden® Paris Bridle – "This is a bridle designed for experienced riders who prefer the use of a powerful noseband instead of a harsh bit. Ideal for strong, forward going horses, this bridle combines the function of an English drop noseband with anatomical design to alleviate uncomfortable pressure, offering plenty of stability without causing discomfort. Cheekpieces benefit from elastic Cradles™ that allow the bit to be suspended in your horse's mouth, further relieving pressure across their poll."
Heritage® English Leather Comfort Bridle – "The Heritage English Leather Comfort Bridle showcases a classic cavesson noseband with sophisticated crank adjustment. This English leather bridle also features a comfort headpiece, with extra soft padding around the ears. A stylish yet innovative design eliminates the pressure surrounding your horse's head, making it the ideal bridle for sensitive horses. Sold with rubber-covered reins.
GFS® PS Grackle Bridle – "These beautifully crafted bridles feature a shaped and padded headpiece that alleviates pressure points across your horse's poll by distributing pressure evenly around their head. The noseband fastens to the headpiece on both sides, which allows the noseband to sit centrally in its optimum position. The noseband is also padded, to enhance your horse's comfort. Available in black and Havana."
IV Horse® Super Pro Leather Bitless Bridle – "Constructed from quality leather, this Super Pro Leather Bitless Bridle is designed with a poll, nose, and cross-over arrangement for the provision of complete yet gentle control. This bitless bridle, with its double-loop structure, controls your horse through steady pressure instead of relying on a bit, allowing your horse to enjoy a natural head and neck carriage without resistance."
We also stock an amazing array of market-leading products in our fantastic Horse Tack range that enable you to select specific parts of the bridle, if you wish to build a bridle yourself, including Browbands, Cheek Pieces, and Reins. If you're in need of a bit, we recommend visiting our fabulous Horse Bits range. For any other accessories you may need such as rein stops, martingale stops, blinkers and number holders that attach to the bridle, head over to the Bridle Accessories page.
Should you need any advice about choosing the right bridle for your horse, or you require advice about correctly fitting your horse's bridle, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly Discount Equestrian team – we're always happy to help!
