subject: Choosing The Correct Bridle For Your Pony Or Horse [print this page] Choosing The Correct Bridle For Your Pony Or Horse
You might be excited and looking forward to your first horse riding adventure and have a lot to prepare. You need to be sure that the animal is ready, healthy and up to the task, that you have all the right tack and accessories, with your clothing all ready. Many newcomers to the sport are confused when it comes to fitting horse bridles. In fact, even many seasoned enthusiasts have some difficulty explaining how to prepare the bridle, but you should at least have a reasonable grasp of how they work and should be fitted. Remember that the animal can be uncomfortable if the horse bridle is badly fitted and any misunderstandings or confusion here could lead to anxiety and potential safety issues.Bridles come in different sizes according to the category of horse selected. Pony bridles are purposefully designed for animals that are less than 14.2 hands though. The cob bridle is designed for small to medium-size horses or large ponies. For average horses between 15 and 16.2 hands a horse bridle is your choice, while you might need to select an oversize version if you have a particularly large horse.Bridles are made up of five distinct parts. Specifically, these include the throat latch, the browband, the nose band, the crown piece and the cheek pieces. You need to ensure that the nose band is located fairly and squarely on the bridge of the nose. Do not cover the eyes in any way when you are fitting the cheek pieces. Put the browband in the centre of the forehead. Your crown piece fits onto the cheek pieces and it is here that you make adjustments, so that you can make sure that the bit is adequately placed within the horse's mouth.As far as the reins themselves are concerned, they should have a textured or braided appearance giving the rider a much better grip, especially when the sweating horse causes a lot of moisture and a potential lack of grip.Riders can configure a bridle according to the type of riding expected. For example, the bridles for dressage may be a lot simpler, but if you plan on hunting or jumping you have to pay more attention to the configuration. The bridle is very important when it comes to control, safety and comfort and you are best advised to get the best bridle that you can afford within your budget.The fitting of horse bridles can be a difficult exercise for those who are new to equestrianism and you may be best advised to get the help of a seasoned expert to help you fit and configure your bridle for your particular horse. He or she will soon be able to put you on the right track and ensure that your horse is happy with the final outcome. Ultimately though, your first few rides will give you an absolute indication of whether the bridle works for you and whether your horse is happy with your efforts.
