Not just Bits...

There's no doubt there is an art to choosing the right Bit for your horse, but the Bridle itself is not be overlooked. There are HEAP of options out there, all ranging in quality, design and all important cost.

There is certain Anatomy to keep in mind when finding a good fitting Bridle, the TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) joint is at the top of the head where a lot of buckles bunch around, pressure on this joint is uncomfortable for the horse. Buckles should sit in line with the eye area.

Foreman is the passages for vessels and nerves, there is one just below the end of the facial crest and another at the bottom of the lower jaw by the interdental space. Facial nerves effect salvation, nostril movement, tear ducts, tongue movement and so much more, they are essential to the horses natural functions. Nosebands can sit very close to these causing pain if they are compressed. The Nasal bone is along the ridge of the horses face where is turns into the soft flesh towards the nostrils. This is a VERY soft bone, in fact, on the horse head than I use for teaching purposes (pictured) I have it wrapped as they break off so easily.

With all of this in mind, a good fitting bridle has a well fitted browband (not too tight) that doesn't press on the temporal muscles, often browbands with some shaping fit better.

For nosebands, think of a 2 and 2 rule- the noseband sits 2 fingers below the facial crest and you can fit 2 fingers between the noseband and the nasal bone.

Theres lots of different shapes headpeices now days, the best ones are the 'intergrated' ones, as the pressure is more evenly distributed. Some horses aren't suited to the really wide anatomical shaped ones as they dont have a big enough flat surface area over the poll for the headpiece to distribute even pressure over so they actually end up doing the opposite. A headpiece with some form of shaping to give the ear cartilage enough room will be much appreciated by your horse.

Often buidling your own bridle is your best bet at ensuring you get the correct size and fit, Flexible Fit are a good option for this. I carry a range of bridles with me for fittings, my standard Hinterland cavesson bridle with clips (for easy changing of bits!), Rambo Micklem, Shockemohle Equitus Omega, and Waldhausen X-Line Hackamore.

I was going to include nosebands on here but I feel that topic really does deserve it's own blog, especially in light of todays rules and social license. Watch this space!