Horse Tack: Types of Bridles
A horse bridle is the piece of horse tack that is used to direct a horse. The headstall, bit and reins are the three basic components of a bridle. Horse Supplements The reins allow the rider to steer the horse, for they attach to the bit which is the piece that rests in the horse’s mouth. Other bridles like the hackamore use a noseband instead of a bit to control the horse. There are different types of bridles for the many varieties of horseback riding.
The headstall is made of several straps of leather known individually as the crownpiece, cheekpiece, throatlatch, browband and noseband. A more complicated bridle known as the double bridle incorporates two bits and two sets of reins. The bits of the double bridle are known variously as the curb and snaffle or Weymouth and bradoon. Equestrian bridles The headstall of a double bridle is likewise more complicated, requiring a second, smaller set of headgear known as the bradoon hanger. Among other components found of some bridles are blinders, a cavesson, bit hobble and curb strap.
In the English riding style there are three basic types of bridle. Known as English-type bridles, they are the snaffle bridle, Pelham bridle and double bridle. The snaffle is most common, employing one bit and one set of reins. Featuring a single bit – the Pelham bit and two sets of reins is the Pelham bridle. Using two bits and two sets of reins, the double bridle requires a snaffle and curb, also called the bradoon and Weymouth bit. Horse Bridles Double bridles are only used in highly competitive events such as dressage and saddle seat riding which require the horses be exquisitely trained.
In the western riding style, bridles are used that are customarily less complicated than in the English style. Most have no noseband nor do they have a browband. As a comfortable alternative, a halter bridle is used in some situations. It is most often used for leading or tying up the animal. Another bridle type is the bitless bridle, also called a hackamore. Rather than a bit in the horse’s mouth, a noseband is used to steer it with either end attached to the reins.
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