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: Keep 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 or equipment, such as martingales.

Reins: Connects the rider to the bit and the bridle.

Bit: Primary source of control through the horse’s mouth.

Brow band: It 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.