Choosing the Best Hunter Bridle or Jumping Bridle
Choosing a Hunter Bridle
Elegance is an important part of competing in any hunter-jumper competition. Entering the show ring in style can increase your confidence and your odds of getting noticed by the judge. This greatly increases the importance of selecting a hunter bridle that is elegant and looks great on your horse. Here are some tips to help you pick the best hunter bridle for you and your horse.
- Color: First, make sure the color you select for your hunter bridle matches the color of your saddle. If you haven’t bought a saddle yet try to buy your hunter bridle and hunter saddle at the same time to make sure they match. This will make you look more put together in the ring.
- Stitching and Padding: Most hunter bridles have some form of stitching on them. Try to look for a bridle with traditional stitching. Padding is another factor that looks good in the show ring. Though buying a bridle with stitching and padding might be more expensive than buying a planer bridle it will make you more competitive at the higher-level hunter shows.
- Material: The traditional material for hunter bridles is leather. Try to buy a leather bridle if possible as it will make you more competitive in the hunter shows. Always check the quality of the leather once you have received it. Make sure there are no cracks on the bridle.
- Fit: After you receive your new bridle always check to make sure it fits your horse. Here is a page all about How to Fit Your English Bridle.
Choosing a Show Jumping Bridle
Elegance is not as important as functionality in the jumper ring. Looking put together is never a bad thing, but practicality is the main concern in show jumping and eventing. Here are the main things to think about when choosing the best jumping bridle for your horse.
- Design: There are many jumping bridles that have been designed to help the horse's ability to work and breathe. Though many riders stick to a traditional snaffle bridle for jumping there are also many other designs to choose from. One popular jumping bridle is the figure 8 bridle. This is one of the many jumping bridles that shape the horse's head and allows for more airflow than traditional bridles. This is a great bridle for eventing as it can be beneficial for cross country. Make sure to look at all your design options before selecting a bridle.
- Personal Style: Showjumping and eventing competitions allow much more stylistic freedom than hunter shows. Jumping bridles should match your personal style as long as they are allowed.
- Fit: It is very important that your jumping bridle properly fits your horse so they can be comfortable while you ride them.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunter Bridles
What is a hunter bridle?
A hunter bridle is a traditional English snaffle bridle used by hunter riders in lessons and competitions. Hunter bridles usually have fancy stitching and padding, and almost always come in a shade of brown or chestnut.
What are the best hunter-jumper bridles?
The best hunter bridles will be made of quality leather, have fancy stitching, and padding, and match the color of your saddle. Though there isn’t one brand or kind of hunter bridle that is known as the best, one of our best sellers is the Pinnacle Comfort Plus® Hunter Bridle.
What bridles are allowed in the hunter ring?
An English bridle with a cavesson noseband and laced reins. Bridles can be brown or black, but brown is more common and highly recommended. Even though Figure 8 nosebands are allowed in certain classes, they might put you at a disadvantage.
What bridles are allowed in show jumping?
There are no restrictions on bits or nosebands for jumping bridles according to the FEI rulebook. They simply must be an ‘English type’ bridle. This means no western bridles, but every kind of English bridle is allowed.