Horse Bridles
The different equestrian riding styles utilize different types of bridles, just as they use different saddles. Used to control a horse, a bridle is an elemental piece of equine equipment. Three parts, the headstall, bit and reins comprise the bridle. stable rug Double bridles use both two sets of reins and two bits, making them the most complicated of bridles. There are bitless bridles known as hackamores that use no bit, using instead a noseband to steer the horse.
Slipping into the horse’s mouth, the bit, when pulled in a direction, compels the horse to move that way. The reins are the dual leather straps that attach to each end of the bit. The headstall is the assortment of connected leather straps and buckles that secure it to the horse’s head and keep the bit in its mouth.
English and western are the two basic types of horseback riding styles. In the English style, there are three customary bridle types. With one bit and one set of reins, the snaffle bridle is the simplest. equine nutrition It is the most common bridle type in the English riding style. The Pelham bridle is a bit more complicated. Using a singular bit called the Pelham bit, it employs two sets of reins - one to control the snaffle end and one for the curb end of the bit. The double bridle is the most complicated of bridles. This type uses two bits. The two bits are known variously as the small snaffle and curb or the bradoon and Weymouth bit. turnout rug The double bridle has a set of reins for each bit.
Western bridles are typically less complex, for most lack both a browband and a noseband. Instead, a small strap of leather wraps around one or both ears of the horse in order to secure the headstall. Western bridles have one set of reins for control. Some do use a noseband such as the bitless bridle or hackamore. To give the rider control of the horse, each rein attaches to an end of the noseband which puts pressure on the horse’s face to steer it.
