Tips on Selecting Bridles or Headstalls for the Large Horse

Most of the tack for sale at auctions and tack shops is made for average-size horses, and owners of very small and very large animals often have difficulty finding halters, bridles and saddles that fit their animals properly. But no matter how difficult it may be, horse owners need to make sure the tack they select is a good fit. A well-fitted bridle is an essential piece of safety equipment.

  1. Fully Adjustable

    • When choosing a headstall or other type of bridle for a large horse, make sure the equipment is fully adjustable. The cheek pieces on most bridles and headstalls adjust using a buckle and a series of holes punched into the leather.

      When looking at a particular bridle, check to see how much additional room there is on each cheek piece. If there is sufficient room, a standard size horse headstall can be adjusted to fit the longer face of a draft-type animal. If there is little additional room available, it is best to look for a bridle that is specifically designed for larger horses.

    Draft Horse Tack

    • Owners of larger horses often shop at tack shops, mail-order houses and Internet sites that specialize in bridles, saddles and other tack for draft horses. Draft horse tack can be a good choice even if your large horse is not a draft animal. Many warmblood crosses, and even some larger quarter horses, are nearly as tall as draft horses, and this similar size makes draft horse bridles and headstalls a good choice.

      In addition, many tack shops that specialize in draft horse supplies keep a variety of sizes on hand, because there are many different sizes and shapes in the draft horse breeds. This gives the horse owner a larger selection to choose from and makes it easier to find a bridle that is suitable for shows or pleasure riding.

    Custom-Fitted Bridles

    • Horse owners who plan to show their animals or engage in other types of competition may find it easier and more cost-effective in the long run to have bridles, saddles and other pieces of tack custom made by a professional saddle maker. If you have a good leather worker in your area, consider having him make one or two bridles and headstalls for your large horse. Custom-made tack provides a better fit than a standard off-the-shelf bridle, meaning greater comfort for the horse.