Bridles & Bits

Learn About the Parts of Bridles & Types of Bits

What is a Bridle?

The bridle is the main source of communication and control with the horse. It come in different sizes including pony, cob, horse and over sized.Two primary types of English bridles are single bridles and double bridles. A single bridle has one bit and one set of reins and is used with beginner riders. A double bridle has two bits and two sets of reins. A bridle without a bit is called a Hackamore.

Parts of the Bridle

Headpiece (Crownpiece): Holds the bridle onto the horse’s head.

Throatlatch: Keeps the bridle from slipping off over the horse’s head.

Cheek Piece: Connects the headpiece to the bit.

Noseband: Goes around the horse’s nose and is often used to keep the animal’s mouth closed, or to attach other pieces of equipment, such as martingales.

Reins: Connect the rider’s hands to the bit and the bridle.

Bit: The metal part of the bridle that goes in the horse’s mouth. Primary source of control through the horse’s mouth.

Browband: Extends over the horse’s forehead and prevents the bridle from sliding behind the poll onto the upper neck.

Name the Bridle Parts Free Download

Download and print the parts of the bridle worksheet (PDF).

Nosebands

The main difference in types of English bridles is the type of nosebands.

Some noseband types include:

Cavesson Noseband

The standard English noseband.

Dropped Noseband

Same as a Cavesson, but rests lower on the horses head, at the end of the nose bone, with the chin strap below the bit. Used to keep horse from opening mouth to evade the bit.

Flash Noseband

Contains two pieces, a cavesson noseband adjusted high, with a bottom chin-strap below the bit. It is used to keep the horse’s mouth closed and hold the bit in position.

Figure-Eight Noseband

Contains two pieces, a cavesson noseband adjusted high, with a bottom chin-strap below the bit. It is used to keep the horse’s mouth closed and hold the bit in position.

Examples of English Riding Bits

Full Cheek Snaffle

Loose Ring Snaffle With a French Link

Loose Ring Snaffle

D Ring Snaffle

Egg Butt Snaffle

Hackamore

A Hackamore is similar to a bit but does not go in the horse’s mouth. Hackamores are a special type of noseband that applies pressure to the horse’s face, nose, and chin to allow you to control the horse or pony.