Horse Bridle Types

October 29, 2009 · Filed Under Hunting 

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. Three parts, the headstall, bit and reins comprise the bridle. Horse Rugs The most complicated of bridles is the double bridle which has both two bits and two sets of reins. There are bitless bridles known as hackamores that use no bit, using instead a noseband to steer 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.

English and western are the two basic types of horseback riding styles. The English style employs three basic types of bridle. With one bit and one set of reins, the snaffle bridle is the simplest. fly rugs This is the most used type of bridle in the English style. The second kind is called the Pelham bridle. Using a singular bit called the Pelham bit, it employs two sets of reins – one to control the snaffle end and one for the curb end of the bit. The third bridle type is the double bridle, the most complicated type. Two bits are used by this bridle. They are known as either the small snaffle and curb or as the bradoon and Weymouth bit. western saddle There are a set of reins for each bit with the double bridle.

Western bridles are typically less complex, for most lack both a browband and a noseband. A small strap of leather that wraps around one or both ears of the horse is used to secure the headstall. Likewise, only one set of reins is used to control western bridles. The hackamore or bitless bridle does use a noseband, however. 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.

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