How to Use a Bosal on a Horse

There are many different styles of bridles, but the bosal can be one of the most effective. Unlike a traditional bridle with a bit, a bosal works by placing pressure on the horse's nose, allowing riders to move the horse's head from side to side and apply stopping power. A bosal can be a particularly good choice for training young horses, but bosals can be used for older horses, as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Bosal
  • Saddle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the bosal up to the horse's head, and pull it up so that the horse's nose fits into the loop of the bosal. Pull the top of the bosal bridle over the horse's head.

    • 2

      Insert the horse's ear through the loop in the bosal bridle if you are using a one ear design. If you are using a browband-style bosal bridle, place the browband across your horse's face, making sure that the browband is not too close to his eyes. The browband should be at least 4 inches to 5 inches above the horse's eyes.

    • 3

      Adjust the buckles on the sides of the bosal bridle so that the front of the bosal sits above the horse's nostrils. Adjust the reins so that they come off of the back of the bosal.

    • 4

      Saddle your horse and tighten the girth. Mount your horse and ride around, holding the bosal reins in your hand and applying pressure to move the horse from side to side. Most horses will take to the bosal quite well, but you may run into a bit of resistance at first. Still after your horse gets used to wearing the bosal, he should respond well to it.