How to properly fit a bridle
How to fit the horse bridle correctly? Choosing the right bridle size is not enough. It is also important to fit it correctly so that it does not cause discomfort to the horse. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to properly adjust the bridle.
Size
First of all, you need to choose the correct size. It is important to consider here that different manufacturers have different sizes. Therefore, Full from one company will be different from Full from another. Therefore, arm yourself with a sewing meter and measure all the necessary parameters of your horse. It is possible that your horse needs a custom size. For example, the cheekpieces are Cob size, and the noseband and browband are Full. We’ll tell you why this is important a little further. In this case, you can either assemble a bridle from parts, or order a bridle to fit your horse from a saddlery shop. At the Lazypony saddlery workshop you can order a bridle of any size, incl totally custom and it will not change the price. We can make an ideal bridle for your horse if you give us correct measurements.
How to fit a bridle
So, you choose the correct size and bought your favorite model of Lazypony horse bridles. Now it’s time to properly fit it. It is important to check seven points. We’ll talk about them in more detail.
Headpiece
Headpiece can be straight or anatomical. The anatomical have cutouts for the ears, and can also have a special shape that removes pressure from the first vertebra. Anatomical headpieces are very popular now. They are really more comfortable for the horse than classic ones. However, every horse is different. So you may have to try several designs or have one custom made to get the best results. Make sure it leaves room for horses’ ears and doesn’t put pressure points on the back of horse’s head. The cutouts for the ears of the anatomical headpiece should end below the moving part of the auricle. Otherwise, the edge of the cutout will press when the horse turns her ear.
How to measure? Measure the distance from the corner of your horse’s eye, across the head, to the corner of the eye on the other side. This number should be LESS than the value in the table for the size you need. Typically, the distance between the first and last hole on a belt is about 14 cm, so your number should be less than the number in the table, but no more than 28 cm (11 inches). You can also tell us the distance between the middles of your horse’s ears (measured from behind, at head level). This distance is important for the anatomical headband.
Cheekpieces
You may find that the size of the cheekpieces you choose does not quite fit your horse. Usually they are needed to be smaller than the size of the bridle. The buckles should be positioned so that they are approximately level with the corner of the eye and away from the temporomandibular joint. Pay special attention to this! This is a completely normal and very common customization – order the cheekpieces one or even two size smaller than the bridle itself. If the buckles of the cheekpieces are placed higher than necessary, they put painful pressure on the joint and cause a lot of discomfort to the horse.
How to measure? Measure the distance between the corner of your horse’s eye and the bit (measurement 1). If measuring the length for cheekpieces for cavesson or noseband, then from the corner of the eye to a point two fingers below the facial ridge (measurement 2). If the bridle has two pairs of cheekpieces (one for the bit, the other for the noseband, such as the Hunter or Ecole bridle model), then you will need cheekpieces for the noseband a size smaller than for the bit. Be sure to indicate in the order comments exactly what length or size you require for each pair of cheekpieces.
Throatlash
It is a myth that the throatlash holds the bridle in place. To do this you would have to tighten it very tightly. Make sure you leave it loose enough to allow horse to bend and move her jaw. The horse cannot move the rest of his body freely or correctly if these areas are restricted. A vertically placed fist should fit freely under the throatlash. You would choose not to use it at all or choose a model where the throatlash is attached to the cheekpieces. Our model by default has quite long throatlash and it can be too long for your horse, so do not be shy to order a shorter throatlash.
How to measure? Measure the length of the throatlash from the corner of the bridle (two fingers below the ear) in the center of the cheek to the same place on the other side of the horse’s face (as shown in the picture, “C”). This number should be LESS than the value in the table for the size you need. Typically, the distance between the first and last hole on a belt is about 14 cm, so your number should be less than the number in the table, but no more than 14 cm (5.5 inches). It is possible that you will need the throatlash a size smaller than the other parts of the bridle.
Browband
If the browband is too short, it will pull the headband forward towards the bulb of the ear. A short browband can also push the cheekpieces too far forward and cause pressure. The browband is just a decoration. It may be completely loose, but should never be tight. Three fingers should fit under it freely. All browbands of unusual shapes, large decorations, etc. should be sufficiently loose.
Noseband
When we are talking about noseband there are two major things to discuss: position and tightness.
Do not place the noseband too high. There should be a space of two fingers between the bottom of the facial crest and the top of the noseband. Do not place the noseband too low as well. The nasal bone becomes more fragile closer to the nostrils. If you use the baroque cheeckpieces than the noseband will be place much lower, than with english cheekpieces and in this case the noseband must be VERY loose, at least 3 fingers places vertically must fit under it freely. A tight noseband causes breathing and dental difficulties and other problems. The noseband should easily accommodate at least two (adult) fingers placed vertically. It is important to remember that a noseband is not required at all. Many horses do much better without it at all. For example, our French bridle Lazypony is the option for that horses. Very popular model for classical dressage.
How to measure? Measure the circumference of your horse’s nose at the desired location. This number should be LESS than the value in the table for the size you need. Typically, the distance between the first and last hole on a belt is about 14 cm, so your number should be less than the number in the table, but no more than 14 cm (5.5 inches)
Choosing the right size may not be very easy. We will be happy to help you with this! If you have any difficulties, write to us!