How to Measure & Fit an English Bridle

A properly fitting bridle is one of the most important pieces of your riding equipment. Just like helmets for us riders, having the right fit matters because it will keep your horse comfortable, which is going to maximize their performance. A happy horse makes a top performer and is a joy to ride! You'll want to check your horse's bridle fit anytime you change bits or even just periodically, as leather stretches out over time.

In this guide, we'll take you through the steps on how to measure your horse for a bridle and how to make sure your bridle is fitting comfortably. Furthermore, we'll walk through fitting common bridle types, along with specialty nosebands.

Measuring for an English Bridle

A well-fitting bridle is essential for correct communication with your horse and their overall comfort. An ill-fitting bridle can cause tension and discomfort. As with any type of equipment or horse clothing, your horse's shape plays a part in exactly which bridle will work best for them. At the same time, manufacturers design their bridles based on different head shapes.

Standard Bridle Sizes

Like human sizing, bridle sizes are approximations and can differ from brand to brand. Manufacturers tend to design bridle sizing based on the common horse sizing in their region. For example, many European brands run larger based on Warmblood-like head sizes. While U.S. brands can run smaller based on Thoroughbred-like head sizes. Almost all bridles come with adjustable buckles and straps throughout to help achieve a perfect fit and allow for different bit types to be used. Something to note, especially in U.S.-made brands, occasionally you will see different sizing labels: this includes Small Horse (Cob), Horse (Full), or Warmblood (Oversize). Typically, pony-size labeling is consistent regardless of the brand's region of origin.

If you are uncertain which size might fit your horse, it may be helpful to try it on a buddy's bridle before you make a purchase. When trying a bridle, if you have to adjust to the very top holes, we recommend purchasing the next size down. Inversely, if you have to adjust to the bottom holes, we recommend purchasing the next size up. You want your adjustments to land in the middle holes so you have room for changes throughout training. If you don't have access to a bridle to try, you can take direct measurements so you can shop with confidence!

To take your horse's exact measurements, you'll need a soft measuring tape and something to record your findings. The soft measuring tape is more comfortable and less frightening to your horse. The sharp edges of metal measuring tape are not ideal as they could injure the eyes or the delicate parts of the face. If you don't have cross ties or your horse gets anxious in them, the RW Crew recommends having a friend hold your horse so you can focus on gathering accurate measurements.

Crownpiece - (LEFT) This measurement is for the crownpiece alone, both for monocrown (three leather ends attached, one for the cheekpiece, one for the throatlatch, and one for the noseband) or dual/traditional (two leather ends attached to the crownpiece, one for the cheekpiece and one for the throatlatch). The measurements are for the body of the crown piece and not any attached straps. Measure from just below the ear (where the browband would sit), over their poll, and to the base of the opposite ear.

Browband - (RIGHT) To measure the length of the browband, measure from the back edge of the horse's ear, around their forehead, to the back edge of the other ear. You can allow some relaxation in the tape taking these measurements, as you don't want an overly tight browband.

Noseband - (LEFT) To measure for most noseband styles, you will measure around your horse's muzzle at a point about one inch below their cheekbones (roughly two fingers width). Adjust the placement of your measuring tape up or down based on where you typically place the noseband on your horse and the style of noseband you would typically use. Anatomical nosebands that sit lower should be measured in that same fashion.

Bit to Bit - (RIGHT) To measure the length of your horse's head for the bit and overall bridle length (crownpiece plus cheek pieces), measure from the corner of your horse's mouth, up the side of the face, around the back of their ears down the opposite side mouth corner. Sometimes a horse may fall between sizes. Getting cheekpieces a size up or down can help make an otherwise ill-fitting bridle the perfect match!

Bridle Sizing Considerations

It should be noted that the measurements above are for general sizing and refer to a traditional style bridle. Your horse may require adjustments because of their conformation and the bridle manufacturer's sizing. Below are some considerations to keep in mind as you shop for the perfect bridle:

• Manufacturer Sizing - As noted above, European manufacturers' bridles tend to run on the large side. A European full-sized bridle may fit your horse well when they wear an oversized one from an American company.
• Bit Considerations - Some bits have rather large side pieces, (such as hunter-style D-ring snaffles, three-ring jumper bits, Baucher), while others are small (such as full-cheek snaffles, loose rings, or eggbutts). Consider the bits you are likely to use with your bridle when selecting a size. In some cases, it may be necessary to purchase additional shorter or longer cheekpieces to accommodate a specific bit.
• Adjustability - Bridles have multiple places where adjustments can be made. For example, the bit may be raised or lowered using the buckles on the cheek pieces and the placement of the noseband can be adjusted using the buckle under the jaw and on the cheek. Buckles should be in the middle range of the strap holes, allowing you to lengthen or shorten as horses grow or if other equipment needs change over time.
• Fixed Bridle Elements - Some parts of the bridle are fixed in place, such as the length of the browband and noseband. For your horse's comfort, these pieces should fit well as they cannot be adjusted. These parts can be bought separately from complete bridles and can provide some fun styling as well as a more appropriate fit.
• Conformation - Each horse is unique. Bridle manufacturers provide opportunities to customize bridle fit with buckles and straps in many places. Still, some horses are sufficiently unique that a standard-sized bridle simply doesn't fit them well. For example, you may have a horse with a large, wide forehead but a small, narrow muzzle. If you have similar fit challenges, consider purchasing a bridle that fits in most places and then replace specific pieces. Cheekpieces and browbands are the easiest pieces to replace for adjusting the fit. Riding Warehouse sells individual bridle pieces so you can achieve the perfect fit.

Fitting a Traditional Snaffle Bridle

Five major points should be checked when fitting an English bridle: the crownpiece, the browband, the cheekpieces, the throatlatch, and the noseband. We'll go over how each of these five main points should be fitted and why.

Crownpiece - (LEFT) A traditional dual crownpiece should fit so that the throatlatch and cheekpiece straps begin between the base of the ear and the temporal bone. The goal is that when the cheekpieces attach, their buckle will land on one of the middle holes in the flat area above the eye. For a mono-crownpiece, the above fit still applies, however, those that feature ergonomic shaping need to follow the curve of the ears and land properly behind them. The wider crownpiece with more attachments should not impede the ears when they are swiveling or moving.

Browbands - (RIGHT) Browbands can sometimes be tricky to fit. While you don't want it so tight that it puts pressure on the forehead and pulls the bridle forward into the ear, if it's too loose it can bounce on your horse's face. It should rest comfortably against the forehead, and you should easily fit one to two fingers behind it. A loose browband will gape forward with visible space between the horse's face.

Cheekpieces and Bit - (LEFT) The cheekpieces offer a lot of adjustability to ensure a comfortable bit fit for your horse. You will want the buckle of the cheekpieces to land on one of the middle holes in the flat area above the eye. When attached to a bit, the bit should sit so the corner of the horse's mouth has two visible wrinkles. Too low and the bit can hit teeth or the sensitive parts of the mouth and press on the tongue; buckles that are too low can also hurt the eyes. A bit that's too high can apply constant pressure to the horse's mouth, which is as confusing as it is uncomfortable; buckles that are too high can also press into delicate nerve points near the forehead.

If you change the bit on the bridle, the fit will need to be reassessed. Different side pieces require different cheekpiece settings to keep the bit in the proper place without placing the buckle in an uncomfortable spot.

Throatlatch - (RIGHT) The throatlatch is very simple to fit. When adjusted properly, you should be able to fit your fist between it and the underside of your horse's jaw. The throatlatch is not designed to hold the bridle onto the head; if fastened too tight, it can impede their airways and ability to swallow. A throatlatch that is too loose can get stuck on noseband buckles and apply unwanted poll pressure. The throatlatch keeps the headstall portion away from the horse's eyes throughout your ride. When in doubt, a slightly looser fit is better.

Noseband Height - (LEFT) For a traditional Cavesson noseband, it should hang two fingers' width below the point of the cheekbone. This keeps the noseband from applying pressure on sensitive nerve areas. Some horses' heads may require an adjustment slightly outside of the two-finger rule. You do want to ensure that the noseband doesn't lay against the point of the cheekbone or down against the bit.

Noseband Tightness - (RIGHT) When checking noseband tightness, you should be able to fit two fingers and turn them around between the noseband and the horse's face. This ensures that the horse's jaw can still move properly, while also supporting them. A snug, but not too tight, noseband helps prevent them crossing the jaw or flipping their tongue over the bit during your ride. This adjustment applies to most noseband styles, beyond Cavesson and crank designs.

Crank Noseband

The crank noseband is not remarkably different from a traditional Cavesson when it comes to fit. The adjustable chin strap should follow the horse's natural shape and jaw area. It should follow the same tightness rule as a cavesson; however, you will need to check both the chin strap area and nose section to ensure neither piece has been over-tightened. This noseband style allows for more natural jaw movement than a standard Cavesson.

Flash Attachment

The flash attachment is a strap paired with a Cavesson or crank noseband and is placed in front of the bit, with the buckle resting either under the chin or on the side of the muzzle. The placement of the buckle is important, as you do not want it to pinch the skin against the bit. The flash should fit similarly to a noseband; however, certain horses will prefer it to be slightly looser. You should be able to fit a minimum of two fingers (and be able to move them around) between it and the horse's nose. If the flash is too tight, it can restrict a horse's airway and pull the noseband down too low on the nose cartilage, causing pressure.

Figure 8/Grackle Noseband

The side rings of a figure 8 noseband should rest behind the point of the cheek; otherwise, it may put pressure on sensitive bones and nerves. Furthermore, a disc that's too low can cause the lower straps to impede the horse's airways and injure the nasal cartilage. The jaw strap and flash strap follow the same standard noseband and flash rules. You'll want a snug fit with two moveable fingers' worth of room between the straps and the horse. This ensures the noseband can be effective without causing discomfort.

Drop Noseband

The drop noseband can be the trickiest to fit. Just as it sounds, this standard-looking noseband sits much lower than normal and will land in front of the bit where a flash would go. The upper nose strap must be a minimum of four fingers' width above to nostrils to ensure airways are not blocked and cartilage won't be damaged. As with other nosebands, you want to prevent the side rings from interfering with the bit or cheekpieces. It should follow the same two moveable fingers' width tightness rule. This allows the noseband to be effective without creating discomfort or issues.

Double Bridle

The majority of the double bridle will follow all of the fitting rules above. The biggest challenge riders have with the double is the addition of the second bit, the Weymouth bit. Adding this bit does not change the fit of the bradoon snaffle bit. The Weymouth curb will simply rest one finger's width below the bradoon. The curb chain should lay smoothly against the chin, ideally with two fingers' width of space. A looser curb chain will allow the bit to exert a higher degree of leverage, while a more snug curb chain restricts the amount of leverage the bit can apply. Make note that any double bridle should only use a standard Cavesson noseband!

Closing Thoughts

A properly fitting bridle is essential to a happy and healthy horse. If you feel like your bridle fits but your horse still seems unhappy with it, consider a different bridle style or bit. If that does not help, consider consulting your veterinarian or local trainer. Dental issues are common and can easily cause discomfort when triggered by a bridle, even with the perfect fit. We hope these tips and tricks have been helpful, so you and your horse can have the best possible ride with the best possible tack. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact our friendly customer service at info@ridingwarehouse.com or by calling 1-800-620-9145. Ride on!

Further Reading:

• Types of English Bridles
• Best of English Bridles a Buying Guide
• Types of English Reins and How to Measure
• Measuring Your Horse for a Bit
• Types of Bit Cheekpieces
• Types of Bit Mouthpieces
• Types of Bit Materials
• Show Legal English Bits