CHOOSING the CORRECT BRIDLE for your HORSE Story and Photos Provided By Jochen Schleese, CMS, CSFT, CSE ©2020 Saddlefit 4 Life® All Rights Reserved www.saddlefit4life.com www.saddlesforwomen.com
Obviously there are many considerations... When looking at the popular variations of bridles available on the market. For all of the different designs, remember that nosebands which are too restrictive can cause the horse to focus on the tension and pressure in and on his head, limiting the ability to focus and respond with proper muscle movement in the rest of his body. The horse’s biology does not change from discipline to discipline in riding, even though the ‘head-restraining devices’ do – all of which are designed to control and communicate to the horse what the rider wants. The horse will learn what to do to relieve pressure and discomfort, which can have further ramifications at the distal end of the body as he attempts to avoid pain. Give the horse the freedom to communicate using its mouth – comfort will result in a quiet, relaxed jaw and mouth.
COMBINATION Bridle or SNAFFLE WITH A FLASH NOSEBAND (rolled reins, throatlatch, cheekpieces, and noseband)
This commonly used type has an additional flash to assist in keeping the horse’s mouth shut (and the tongue in). The noseband should be buckled high enough to avoid interfering with the (generally) snaffle bit. (above)
ENGLISH Bridle or SNAFFLE Bridle
TRAINING & Showing
SWEDISH Bridle or SNAFFLE WITH A FLASH NOSEBAND
Extra padding under the noseband buckle makes this more comfortable than the English style bridle. Other than that, it is very similar to the combination bridle, with the extra flash. Care must be taken that the anatomy of the head allows enough room to buckle both the noseband and the flash properly. Horses with relatively smaller heads do well with this type. This bridle is often buckled too tightly, given the false sense of ‘comfort’ the extra padding at the noseband provides.
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The noseband on this bridle should lie 1-2 fingers below the zygomatic arch. It is popular for thoroughbreds, who prefer more freedom in their mouths. If your horse likes to put his tongue over the bit, this is not a style for you. Using a rolled noseband puts more pressure on the nose as well.
www.EliteEquestrianMagazine.com
