Different Varieties of Horse Bridles
A horse bridle is the piece of horse tack that is used to direct a horse. It is comprised of a headstall which holds the bit and the reins which are attached to the bit. Horse Saddles The reins allow the rider to steer the horse, for they attach to the bit which is the piece that rests in the horse’s mouth. A bitless bridle, also called a hackamore, uses a noseband rather than a bit to control the animal. For all the different kinds of horseback riding there is a specific bridle.
The various straps of leather on a headstall are known as the crownpiece, cheekpiece, throatlatch, browband and noseband. Using two bits and two sets of reins the double bridle is a more involved type. The bits are known as the curb and small snaffle or bit and bradoon. Equestrian bridles The headstall of a double bridle is likewise more complicated, requiring a second, smaller set of headgear known as the bradoon hanger. Blinders, a cavesson, bit hobble and curb strap, among others are several of the other components that may be found on a bridle.
In the English riding style there are three basic types of bridle. Known as English-type bridles, they are the snaffle bridle, Pelham bridle and double bridle. Using one set of reins and one bit is the snaffle bridle, the most common. A Pelham bridle features the Pelham bit, a single bit but with two sets of reins. Using two bits and two sets of reins, the double bridle requires a snaffle and curb, also called the bradoon and Weymouth bit. Stirrups Double bridles are only used in highly competitive events such as dressage and saddle seat riding which require the horses be exquisitely trained.
Bridles used in the western riding style are less complicated than those used in the English style. Many do not have a noseband, nor do they have a browband. A halter bridle is an alternative that is more comfortable for the horse. More often than not it is for leading or tying the horse. Another bridle type is the bitless bridle, also called a hackamore. The bitless bridle uses a noseband to apply pressure to a horse’s snout to direct it rather than use a bit.
Quick Change Leather Headstalls and Reins from Buckaroo Leather