What Are Bits & Bridles for Horses?

The bit and bridle are a system of controls for horseback riders. Using a hard bit in the mouth of the horse, the rider applies pressure with the reins to cause the horse to turn or stop in its effort to alleviate that pressure.

  1. Basics

    • The bit and bridle work as a system to control the head of the horse. By maintaining control over its head, the rider is able to direct the horse either to turn left or right or to slow down or stop. The bit is placed in the horse's mouth and attached to the bridle. The bridle includes the reins held by the rider and pulled to move the bit.

    Bit Parts

    • The bit contains multiple parts allowing for customization to meet the needs of the rider and the horse being ridden. The purchase, which is above the mouthpiece, is what controls how quickly the bit affects the horse. A short purchase means smaller pulls will bite more quickly, while a larger purchase requires harder pulls to affect the horse. The shank extends down from the mouthpiece. A longer shank creates more control for the rider.

    Bridle Parts

    • The bridle contains multiple loops and lashes that are used to secure the bridle to the head of the horse. This helps hold the bit in position. The headpiece extends up to the back of the head, with a shorter brow band hooked over the front of the horse's head. The nose band secures the bridle on the horse's nose, while cheek pieces and throat lashes secure these various parts together. A snaffle bit attaches to the bridle near the nose band and on either side of the nose and connects the reins to the bridle.

    Controlling the Horse

    • When riding, the rider holds one rein in each hand. By pulling on one rein while allowing the hand with the other rein to move forward, the rider pulls the bit back on the side he wishes to turn toward, causing the horse to turn in that direction. If the rider wishes to slow or stop the horse, the rider pulls back on both reins evenly. The degree of pressure applied by the rider determines how much the horse slows and whether the horse will stop.