Bridles & Bits: Bridle, Mouthpiece and Reins for Your Horse

Bridles & Bits: everything for your horse's head

Under Bridles & Bits you will find everything that works together on your horse's head: snaffle bridles, double bridles and lunge cavessons, individual nosebands and browbands, bits with matching accessories, plus reins and auxiliary reins. On top of that there are spare parts and padding such as sheepskin noseband and headpiece covers, bridle pads, headpieces, cheekpieces, flash straps and rein stops.

Bridle and bit as a unit

A bridle only fits well if the bit fits, and the other way round. You choose the bit according to the size of your horse's mouth, the shape of its palate and its level of training, not according to fashion. The bridle holds the bit at the right height and the noseband keeps it steady. An experienced trainer or an equine dentist can help if your horse is unsettled in the mouth. Often the cause is a small detail, such as a bit that is too wide or a noseband that is too tight.

Padding, spare parts and auxiliary reins

Soft sheepskin covers on the noseband or headpiece protect sensitive areas from rubbing, especially on horses with a fine coat. If a cheekpiece or flash strap breaks, you can replace just that part instead of buying a whole new bridle. Auxiliary reins also belong in this section. They are useful when you use them with know-how, adjust them correctly and only for a limited time. Rein stops prevent the rings of a martingale from sliding all the way down to the bit.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my bridle and bit?
Ideally rinse the bit with lukewarm water briefly after every ride, so no food dries on. Depending on use, clean the leather every one to two weeks and then apply a thin layer of leather balm. That keeps it supple and stops it from cracking.

How can I tell if my horse is unhappy with its bridle?
Typical signs are head tossing, putting the tongue out, grinding the teeth or a stiff poll. Rubbed patches at the ears or on the nose are also a clue. Check the fit, the bit size and the teeth before you buy anything new.

Can I combine parts from different brands?
Often you can, as long as strap widths and buckle types match. With nosebands and browbands, pay attention to the width of the loops. With anatomic systems from one range, parts from other brands sometimes do not fit exactly.