How to Put on a Dr. Cook Bridle

Dr. Cook bridles are a kind of bitless bridle patented by Dr. Robert Cook. Traditional bitless bridles such as hackamores and bosals rely on applying pressure to the horse's sensitive nose. The Dr. Cook bridle applies painless pressure to the underneath of the horse's jaw. As it spreads the pressure over a much larger surface area, the result is a more comfortable and clearer signal for the horse. Dr. Cook bridles are appropriate for any horse, but get particular use on those that object to a traditional bit.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Table
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check that you have the correct size bridle for your horse. Measure 2 inches upwards from the corner of your horse's lip, then measure the circumference of the nose at that point. Starting from the same point (2 inches above the mouth), run the measure over the top of your horse's head behind the ears. Check these measurements against the headstall and noseband of your bridle.

    • 2

      Lay the bridle out on a flat surface and identify all the parts. The bridle consists of two loops, one around the nose and the other hugging the whole head. Identify the noseband, the smaller loop which rests on the front of the nose. The buckled strap forming the back of the loop is the chinstrap. Two short straps (the cheek pieces) attach the noseband to the headstall. The headstall splits into two long straps (the cross straps), which cross under the horse's jaw and form the larger loop. A browband slots over the head stall at the front to prevent the bridle slipping backwards once fitted. The reins buckle to the rings of each of the cross straps.

    • 3

      Undo the buckle at the back of the chinstrap, and open up the noseband. Slip the reins over your horse's neck to hold it while you put the bridle on. Stand on the near side (left) of your horse with the bridle in your right hand. Slip the headstall over your horse's ears, letting its muzzle drop into the noseband. Do the chinstrap up loosely.

    • 4

      Adjust the length of the cheekpieces so that the lower edge of the noseband is about 2 inches above the corner of the horse's mouth. Adjust the cross straps to allow at least 3 inches of strap between the ring on the noseband and the ring at the end of the strap.

      Tighten the chinstrap buckle until you can just slide one finger under it. Adjust the browband so it sits comfortably across the forehead and is not pinching the ears.