Is There a Difference in Dressage Between the Western & English Bridles?

Dressage, French for "training," makes use of the horse's natural athletic ability in order to create a performance. Turnout of both horse and rider is very important, because of the emphasis on appearance. Competitors at lower levels use a standard English bridle, while upper-level and FEI riders use a double bridle. Riders never use a Western bridle in dressage.

  1. Dressage Nosebands

    • In the U.S., the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) specify the rules as to what tack riders must use. Lower-level dressage bridles have either a plain cavesson, drop noseband or flash noseband, with most riders preferring the flash noseband. In upper-level dressage, competitors use a double bridle with a plain cavesson. While the USEF does not permit the figure-eight (or Grackle) nosebands in pure dressage, competitors may use them in the dressage phase of eventing. The USEF considers Kineton nosebands to be too harsh and does not allow them.

    Dressage Bits

    • Lower-level dressage riders use a snaffle bit, usually with a single or double joint. The double bridle of the upper-level dressage and FEI riders has a bradoon and curb bit with a smooth curb chain. The USEF does not permit some bits, as they consider these to be too severe. These bits includes pelhams, kimberwickes and gag bits, and snaffle bits such as twisted wire, corkscrews, slow-twists and water-fords.

    Features of the Double Bridle

    • The double bridle is only one bridle but consists of two headpieces, two bits and two pairs of reins. The second headpiece, called the slip head, attaches the extra bit to the bridle. It is not as wide as the main headpiece and has no throat lash. The two pairs of reins always differ in some way to allow the rider to distinguish between those connected to the bradoon and those connected to the curb bit. One pair may be thinner, or may have a rubber or leather lacing added for grip.

    Other Uses for the Double Bridle

    • While riders most commonly use the double bridle in upper-level and FEI dressage, they may also choose to use it for other purposes. In the United States, riders use the double bridle for saddle seat, show hack and sidesaddle riding. The double bridle allows for subtle commands, and therefore helps riding to become more refined. For this reason, experienced riders often prefer to use the double bridle for advanced riding.