Methods of Double Bridle

A double bridle is a type of horse tack used on experienced and well-trained horses. It is called a "double" bridle, because it features two bits and two sets of reins. It should only be used to give a little extra polish to the performance of a well-established horse and never to train a young horse, as it can be quite severe. Riders also need to be trained to use this bridle, as holding the two sets of reins properly and using them efficiently requires expertise and practice. Double bridles most often appear on competition horses, usually in dressage.

  1. The Parts of a Double Bridle

    • A double bridle consists of two bits. One is a snaffle bit called a bridoon, and the other is a curb bit called a Weymouth. The Weymouth attaches to the cheekpieces and head stall like a normal bridle. To hold the second bit in place, a double bridle also has a second head stall known as a "slip head". This consists of a thin strap buckled to the bit and passed over the horse's head, then through the browband on each side to secure it. Each bit has a separate set of reins attached. These two sets of reins are normally different widths to enable the rider to easily distinguish them.

    The Action of a Double Bridle

    • The point of a double bridle is to combine the action of both the snaffle and curb bits simultaneously. Normally, riders use only one of these bits at a time. The snaffle consists of a mouthpiece jointed in the middle and attached to two rings that sit on either side of the horse's mouth. As the rider uses the reins, the mouthpiece of the bit will press into the corners of the horse's mouth and its tongue to indicate the rider's commands. A curb bit acts as a lever, having a straight mouthpiece and two shanks extending down on either side of the mouth. It also has a curbchain running behind the horse's jaw. The reins are attached to the bottom of the shanks, and as the rider uses them to apply pressure to the shanks through the bridle and curb chain and to the horse's jaw, which encourages it to relax its mouth.

    How to Use a Double Bridle

    • Riders should only use double bridles on horses that are already working correctly. They should use them as a training aid or to force young horses into a correct position, as this will only teach the horse to become tense and stiff in its head carriage. Likewise, a rider must have good balance and a strong independent seat before graduating to the double. Riders who "ride on their hands", or use the reins for balance, should not ride using a double, as they risk damaging the horse's mouth. The rider must be confident using both reins independently to use the necessary combination of bits. Most of the time, the rider will use the snaffle bit and rein only, bringing the curb into play as a reminder to the horse to relax and lower its head carriage. The rider must release the curb pressure immediately after attaining the correct position.

    Fitting a Double Bridle

    • When fitting a double bridle, the rider must make sure that the bits are the correct size for the horse's mouth. Bits are measured across the mouthpiece in inches, so a 5-inch snaffle bit would measure 5 inches from ring to ring, for example. When putting the bridle on, offer both bits to the horse together and allow the horse to settle them comfortably in its mouth before fastening the curb chain. Hook the curb chain onto the hook on the right side of the curb bit, and twist it counterclockwise until the links lie flat. Hook it onto the left hand hook, checking that you can fit two fingers underneath it. The central link should lie in the middle of the horse's jaw; if necessary, adjust the links to either end, so that it sits squarely. There may also be a leather lip strap attached to the bridle -- pass this through the central link and fasten it to the corresponding buckle on the left hand side.

    Holding the Reins

    • There are several ways to hold the reins of a double bridle, but all are designed to keep the two reins separate in the rider's hand, so that they can be used independently. The most common method is to hold the curb rein -- generally the thinner of the two -- in the normal position, or coming up from the bottom of the fist, passing between the pinkie and third finger and running out the top. The snaffle rein should then pass up from the bottom of the fist, over the pinkie and out of the top. The rider should keep a normal tension on the snaffle rein, and use the curb rein only when appropriate.