How to Install a Bridle on a Bit

A bridle is like a steering wheel for your horse: It guides the animal, indicating when it should turn, stop and back up. The bit is the most crucial part of the bridle because it sits in the horse's mouth and applies pressure to the bars and tongue to encourage proper movement. Putting together a bridle may seem baffling at first, but with a little practice, you'll be installing bits as well as a weathered old cowboy.

Things You'll Need

  • Bit
  • Bridle
  • Screwdriver
  • Curb strap
  • Reins
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the bit on the table with the large rings at the top facing you. If the bit is a snaffle or loose-ring bit, lay the ring flat against the table.

    • 2

      Unscrew the Chicago screw at the bottom of each cheekpiece and pull the screws from the headstall, setting them to the side. If your bridle has leather ties instead of screws, untie the leather straps. Slip the free end of the cheekpiece through the large rings at the top of the bit.

    • 3

      Insert the female end of the screw through the outside of the headstall, threading the male part through the hole in the end of the cheekpiece. Tighten the screws to hold the bit firmly in place. To secure the bit to a tie-strap headstall, thread the lacing through the hole in the cheekpiece and tie a knot in the strings.

    • 4

      Attach the curb chain to the small rings just below the mouthpiece on the bit, and clip the reins to the rings at the bottom of the bit. Adjust the length of the cheekpieces for proper fit once you've bridled the horse.