The Difference Between a Bridle & a Saddle

The basic function of a bridle is to control the horse̵7;s body by controlling the horse's head. The basic function of the saddle is aid the rider in sitting comfortably on the horse in order to maintain control of the animal. Before investing in either a bridle or saddle for your horse, it is important to select riding equipment that is both comfortable to you and your horse to prevent injury to either party.

  1. The Bridle

    • Similar in style to a halter, a bridle fits over the head of the horse. Like halters, bridles have a band behind the ears, a cheek strap on each side and a nose band. Unlike halters, most bridles include a bit and generally do not have an under-chin piece. Bridles are fitted closer than halters and include a brow band that helps hold the bridle in place. The rider controls the horse using the reins attached to the bridle, which extend from each side of the mouthpiece, or bit, to the rider̵7;s hands.

    Types of Bridles

    • There are several types of bridles and each performs a unique function. For example, a snaffle bridle is the most commonly used bridle because it is both effective at controlling the horse and gentle on the horse̵7;s mouth. The western bridle has thinner leather (to prevent overheating the horse's face) and a single curb bit. Dressage and hunt seat bridles are a bit more severe, as they typically make use of two bits in the horse̵7;s mouth to ensure a high level of control for performance. However, the more severe the bridle, the more experienced the rider should be. A novice rider using a severe bridle on a horse can damage the horse̵7;s mouth. The least severe bridle is the bit-less bridle.

    The Saddle

    • A poorly fitted saddle can bruise the horse along its back.

      Even though many people ride without a saddle, a saddle is necessary for novice and performance riders to stay seated on the horse. Fitted on the horse's back, the saddle is covered with leather padding and secured in place by the the cinch, a leather under-strap. Other optional devices that help secure some saddles include a girth strap and chest strap. The girth strap attaches to both sides of the back half of the saddle to help secure it in place, and a chest strap is used to prevent the saddle from sliding off the back of the horse.

    Types of Saddles

    • There are two basic styles of saddles that all other saddles are derived from: English and Western. English saddles are lighter on the horse but may require more skill to stay seated. Derivations of the English saddle are the hunt seat saddle, dressage saddle and racing saddle. The hunt seat saddle aids the rider in staying seated while the horse is jumping obstacles, while the dressage saddle is designed to show off the horse's bone structure and musculature, also called conformation. A racing saddle is designed to reduce weight on the horse and propel the horse forward. Western saddles are heavier and designed to perform multiple tasks, including holding traditionally associated cowhand equipment, such as rifles, lassos and saddlebags.