Horse Bridles
The different equestrian riding styles utilize different types of bridles, just as they use different saddles. Used to control a horse, a bridle is an elemental piece of equine equipment. A headstall, bit and a set of reins are the basic components of a bridle. equestrian rugs Some are more complicated than others such as the double bridle. Still others known as bitless bridles or hackamores use no bit, instead relying on a noseband to control the horse.
A metal rod that fits into the horse’s mouth, a bit is used to steer the horse. Attached to either end of the bit, the reins are dual leather straps held in the rider’s hands. To secure the bridle to the horse’s head and to keep tension on the bit, several connected leather straps and buckles called a headstall is used.
The two basic riding styles are known as the English style and the western style. In the English style, there are three customary bridle types. The simplest, with one bit and one set of reins is the snaffle bridle. fly rugs In the English style, this is the most common type worn by horses. The second kind is called the Pelham bridle. The Pelham bit is a singular device, but there are two sets of reins – one for the snaffle end and one for the curb end. The most complicated type in the English style is the double or Weymouth bridle. This type uses two bits. The two bits are known variously as the small snaffle and curb or the bradoon and Weymouth bit. comfort bridle Two sets of reins are used – one for each bit.
Lacking a browband and most lacking a noseband, western bridles are less complex. To secure the headstall, they instead use a small strap of leather that wraps around one or both ears. Western bridles have one set of reins for control. Some do use a noseband such as the bitless bridle or hackamore. With a rein attached to each side of the noseband, it puts pressure on the horse’s face, giving the rider control of the animal.
