Last Updated on February 22, 2022 by Allison Price
You need to be familiar with the parts of the Bridle, including the browband and cheekpieces.
THE BROWBAND
The browband can’t be adjusted so make sure it is the right size. It should be large enough that the headpiece fits comfortably behind your ears. You should place the browband just below your ears without cutting into them.
THE CHEEKPIECES
Your horse and you will communicate better through your cheekpieces. The cheekpiece should be fitted properly so that the bit can only wrinkle the corners of the horse’s mouth. You should also make sure your horse has the correct size bit. It should be about 1/4 inch on each side. Too loose cheekpieces will cause the bit to be positioned too low in the horse’s mouth. This can cause the bit to touch his front teeth and place pressure on his tongue. Tight cheekpieces place the bit too high, digging into his cheeks and causing pinching.
THE THROATLASH
After it is done, you should be capable of fitting four fingers between your horse’s jawbone and the throatlash. It can cause pressure to his windpipe when the horse flexes at the bit if the throatlash is too tight.
THE NOSEBAND
The cavesson noseband should be two fingers wide below your horse’s cheekbone. This is the hard bone that protrudes from the side of his head. Two fingers should be possible to fit between your horse’s noseband and the buckle. Cavesson nosebands serve cosmetic purposes only. Flash nosebands are also very popular. The flash strap attaches below the bit and stops your horse opening his mouth to escape the bit. Flash straps shouldn’t be too tight and should not be used if your horse opens their mouth.
