How to Size a Bridle

Owning a horse is a dream for many people. Whether you ride for fun, to race, or for animal therapy you will need to own the proper equipment for the horse. A good saddle will often be the first purchase, but a good, properly fitting bridle will be a close second. There are three parts to the bridle: the bit, the headstall and the reins. Each piece must be properly sized to your horse. An improperly sized bridle can injure your horse or make riding impossible.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure (cloth, not metal)
  • Marking chalk or sticker
  • Paper
  • Pen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write down each measurement as you go. You need to take these measurements to the bridle shop.

    • 2

      Measure across the top of the horse's head from the top of one eye to the top of the other. Label this measurement "crown -- eye to eye." (Reference 1)

    • 3

      Measure from one corner of the horse's mouth to the other around the top of its head. Label this measurement "crown -- corner to corner." (Reference 1)

    • 4

      Determine the cheek length by measuring from the corner of the mouth to the top of the eye. Label this the bit-ring measurement. (Reference 1)

    • 5

      Find the headstall size by measuring around the horse's nose about 1 1/2 to 2 inches above the corners of the mouth. This is also called the caveson measurement.

    • 6

      Measure the distance from the bottom of one ear to the other loosely (allowing four fingers to fit under the tape measure). Label the distance the throat latch measurement.

    • 7

      Take a loose measurement (allow two fingers to fit under the measuring tape) of the distance across the brow from the base of one ear to the other. Only take this measurement if you are using a browband.

    • 8

      Take these measurements with you to purchase your bridle.

    • 9

      Place the bridle on your horse. Lift the crown piece around the top of the horse with your right hand and coax the bit into the horse's mouth with your left.

    • 10

      Adjust the straps on your horse for a precise fit. Unless you purchase a custom-made bridle you will need to make some adjustments. Adjust the cheek pieces until the bit makes one small wrinkle on the edge of the horse's mouth. Make sure the noseband lies about two inches below the point of the cheek bones. Leave two to three fingers of slack in the nose band. Be sure that at least three fingers can fit between the throat latch and the horse.