How to Install a Rivel Raised Bridle

Henri de Rivel is a French saddlery company that manufactures quality tack for several equestrian disciplines from jumping to dressage. The make a raised English bridle that is used and assembled as any other single bridle (as opposed to their double bridle). The raised bridle is attractive for pleasure or showing and meets the standards of the English disciplines. Bridling with the Rivel bridle is done no differently than any other similar piece of tack.

Things You'll Need

  • Henri de Rivel bridle
  • Snaffle bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Adjust the fit of the bridle before buckling on the bit. Be sure the bridle sits comfortably on the horse's head. Take the cheekpieces out of the keepers and estimate where they should sit on the horse's face when the bit is in place. Buckle the bit to the cheekpieces.

    • 2

      Slide the reins over the horse's head. Unlatch the halter and set it aside where the horse won't get tangled in it. Do not bridle an anxious or restless horse. Retrain the horse to stand for bridling. Place the horse in a stall to teach the horse in an enclosed area.

    • 3

      Hold the crown of the bridle in your right hand (use the left hand if you are left-handed). Lift the bridle before the horse's head. Take the bit into your left hand. Guide the bit to the horse's mouth while lifting the bridle with your right. Wait for the horse to take the bit. Raise the crown over the ears and carefully tuck the ears under the crown piece. Check that the bit sits neither too low or too high in the mouth. Tuck the cheeckpiece leathers back into their keepers when the bit is hanging properly.

    • 4

      Fix the forelock under or over the browband. Adjust the crown and browband to sit comfortably around the ears. Take the throatlatch and buckle it, allowing 2 fingers to slide between the strap and the horse. Tuck the noseband behind the cheekpiece. Buckle the noseband allowing 1 or 2 fingers to slide underneath the noseband. Adjust the entire bridle so that it fits comfortably on the horse's head. Adjust the bit, if necessary.