Selecting an English Bridle
The large selection of english horse bridles we offer here at Schneiders can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect english bridle for your horse.
Consider Your Discipline
When selecting from our English bridles make sure you consider the discipline or disciplines you will competing in. For example, if you mostly do dressage it may be appropriate for you to buy a dressage bridle. It is also important to remember that, depending on the horse, all bridles can be suitable for trail riding so mainly consider what you work on in the ring when you pick your bridle. Here are some common types of English Bridles and what they are used for:
- Snaffle Bridle - This is one of the most common bridles. It can be used for any english discipline at the basic level.
- Dressage Bridle - This is an horse bridle specially designed for use in dressage. These are also usually black and outfitted with flash nosebands.
- Figure 8 Bridle - This is an horse bridle commonly used for eventing. It usually has a figure 8 for its noseband which eases the horses ability to breath.
- Hunter Bridle - This horse bridle is a traditional english bridle used mainly for hunter or jumper shows.
- Double Bridle - This horse bridle is used by upper level dressage riders as there are two sets of reins that can be attached to create a more precise connection with the horse.
- Bitless Bridle - This horse bridle does not have a bit and it is great for horses who have a sensitive mouth.
- Drop Noseband Bridle - This horse bridle is used for dressage and eventing as it holds the horses mouth closed as they work.
Personalization
After you have chosen the kind of English bridle you want to buy, you can also begin to look at the different style options. If you do not compete choose whatever bridle matches your personal style! But if you are actively showing make sure you buy a bridle that is appropriate for the show ring. Most shows have certain style requirements that must be met to be competitive.
Sizing
Make sure you follow the instructions on the English bridles product page to correctly measure your horse. If your horse is in between sizes make sure to size up. For horses who are extremely large or extremely small there are special english bridles specificly designed to fit horses of all sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Horse Bridles
What is an English bridle?
An English bridle is headgear that horses wear to receive direction from their rider in the english discipline. There are many kinds of English horse bridles and they come in many colors and styles.
How to choose an English bridle?
Follow the directions outlined above to choose your bridle. But in a nutshell, make sure to consider your discipline, whether or not you are showing, and sizing when you pick your bridle.
How to fit an English bridle?
First, put the new english bridle on your horse with no bit. The browband should sit about one finger below the horses ear and two fingers should fit comfortably between the horses brow and the brow band. You should be able to adjust the throatlatch so there are 4 fingers between the horses throat and the throatlatch. The noseband shold also be adjusted so one finger can fit between the band and the horses horse and it should sit about 2 fingers below the cheekbone. Next, put a bit on your english bridle and make sure the cheekpieces are adjusted so the bit creates 1-2 wrinkles on the corner of the horses mouth. Want some more specific bridle fitting details? Learn more by reading How to Measure and Fit and English Bridle.
Are English and Western bridles the same?
No, though most horses can be ridden in either type of bridle, Western bridles and English bridles are very different.