Types & Uses of Horse Bridles

No matter what type of riding you do or what kind of horse you ride, understanding what your bit and bridle do is important. Understanding the different types of bridles is particularly important if you plan to show your horse, since different styles of riding require different kinds of equipment.

  1. English Bridle

    • The typical English bridle fits behind the horse's ears, with a browband in the front to hold it in place. In addition to that browband, the English bridle usually has a noseband that fits around the horse's nose, providing an extra level of control for the rider. Many English bridles use snaffle bits, which are generally quite mild for the horse. Riders who need an extra level of control and refinement may also use a kimberwicke, which uses a straight or curved mouthpiece, along with a metal curb chain that fits under the animal's chin.

    Western Bridle

    • Western bridles have a simpler design, and they generally do not include a loop around the horse's nose. One-eared and two-eared western bridles fit over the horse's ears, and the animal's ears keep the bridle firmly in place during the ride. A browband style fits behind the horse's ears, with a browband fitting along the top of its head. Western bridles use either a shank bit like a curb, along with a curb chain under the chin, or a snaffle bit with or without a curb chain. Riders who choose a snaffle are permitted to ride with two hands in the show ring, but snaffles are generally reserved for horses 5 years of age and under. Older horses are expected to show in a shank bit with a curb strap, and their riders are expected to ride with only one hand on the reins.

    Bosal and Hackamore

    • Bosals and hackamores do not use a bit like other types of bridles do. Instead, the bosal and hackamore uses pressure on the horse's nose to control and refine its movements. A traditional bosal uses a rawhide-wrapped piece that fits over the horse's nose. A standard one-eared or browband attaches to that nose piece and holds the bosal in place. A hackamore also works by applying pressure to the nose, but it adds an element of leverage to provide the rider with more control of the horse.

    Double Bridle

    • Double bridles combine the actions of a snaffle and a curb bit to achieve more subtle control of the headset and movement of the horse. Double bridles are typically used by saddle seat riders to achieve the high head carriage and high stepping action typical of that style of riding. Dressage riders also use double bridles to communicate more subtly and effectively with their mounts during the more difficult maneuvers required at the higher levels of the sport. Double bridles should not be used by beginners because they work best for riders who have a light touch and a good feel for the horse's movements.