Selecting The Best Dressage Bridle
All dressage riders know the importance of precise communication between horse and rider, due to the dressage discipline being a very exact and intricate form of riding. Selecting the right dressage bridle is critical to maintaining a consistent connection with your horse. If you ride in a bridle that does not fit, it can irritate your horse and limit how much he can focus on your aids. The best dressage bridles help the rider skillfully connect their hands to the horse's mouth. Read on to learn about the different kinds of dressage bridles and what they can do for your horse.
There are two main types of dressage bridles that every dressage riders should know about:
Snaffle Dressage Bridles
Many riders choose snaffle dressage bridles because their horse responds well to the simple communication style a snaffle bit offers. These dressage bridles are perfect for beginners who have not mastered the rein precision required to use double bridles.
Dressage Double Bridles
More advanced dressage riders often ride in weymouth or double bridles. These dressage bridles have two sets of reins and allow for more intricate and specific communication between horse and rider. These are typically the best dressage bridles for higher level competition and advanced training.
Many riders also choose to have both types of dressage bridle so they can switch depending on what type of riding they are doing. Many upper level riders school in snaffle bridles and show in double bridles to increase their performance.
Another factor to consider is the noseband of your dressage bridle. For dressage there are 4 common types of nosebands:
Dressage Bridles with Crank Nosebands
The crank noseband uses a leverage buckle so the rider can make the noseband tighter than a standard cavesson noseband. Most dressage bridles use crank nosebands to prevent the horse from evading the bit and they are often thicker with extra padding to ensure the horse is comfortable. This noseband can also be paired with a flash to further prevent the horse from opening their mouth to evade the bit.
Dressage Bridles with Flash Nosebands
This noseband is a cavesson or crank noseband with a flash attachment. The flash attachment is a thin strap that attaches to the middle of the noseband. It then goes in front of the bit and under the chin. This noseband is designed to keep the horse from evading the bit, while also allowing the rider to use a standing martingale.
Dressage Bridles with Anatomical Nosebands
Anatomical nosebands are the main feature of the new anatomical dressage bridles that are specifically engineered to enhance the comfort of your horse. Anatomical nosebands are positioned on the base of your horse's nose, but unlike other nosebands they are often wider, and they curve to fit the shape of your horse's head.
Dressage Bridle with Standard Cavesson
This noseband is the simplest noseband as it fits snugly about two fingers below the horse's cheek bone. This noseband is best suited to horses that do not try to evade the bit.
The last thing to consider when purchasing your dressage bridle is your personal style or what you will be using the bridle for. Many dressage bridles come with intricate stitching, browbands with rhinestones, or metal detailing. Some riders prefer some bling on their bridles for the show ring, while others prefer the plainer more classic look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dressage Bridles
What types of bridles are used for dressage?
Snaffle Dressage Bridles with flash components are the most common kind of bridle used for dressage. Dressage Bridles are traditionally black and have a flash to keep the horse from opening their mouth to ignore hand aids. Though flash bridles are the most commonly used, many upper level dressage riders also use double bridles to further enhance their hand to mouth communication.
Are bitless bridles allowed in dressage? Can you do dressage bitless?
Currently bitless bridles are not allowed in dressage competitions. If you are doing dressage at home there is nothing wrong with using a bitless bridle as they can work very well for the right horse.
Why do dressage bridles have a flash?
Dressage Bridles have a flash component to keep the horse from evading the bit by opening their mouth. A flash stabilizes the bit in the horse's mouth. This is helpful for dressage because the horse can understand your hand aids more clearly since they are not able to move the bit and resist directs.
Why do dressage riders use double bridles?
Upper level dressage riders often use double bridles because the two sets of reins allow for more specific instructions to be given to the horse. As dressage tests get more refined riders tend to be more specific when giving their horses directions.