Schockemoehle's Anatomic
Bridle Buying Guide

It's all too easy to get lost researching various tack and bridle brands, especially when brands are constantly releasing new features that are supposedly better or more comfortable for the horse. These days, "anatomic" bridles are all the rave, and while they're supposed to be more comfortable for the horse, many of us only have a surface-level understanding of why. If you're like us, you want to know exactly how these features work and why they translate to a happier horse. Schockemoehle Sports, renowned for its anatomic line of bridles, does this and much more. Read on as we dive into the functionality, purpose, and design behind Schockemoehle's anatomic bridles and discuss how that translates to a better ride.

Why Choose Schockemoehle?

A leader in the equestrian industry, Schockemoehle Sports has made a name for itself by creating innovative, anatomical leather bridles that ensure equine comfort. In the world of bridles, the term "anatomical" can be seen within a variety of brands and styles. It refers to the shape of the bridle, which follows the horse's natural head anatomy and is built to maximize comfort for a happy and relaxed horse. Schockemoehle conducts its own independent research and studies, implementing its findings to create these unique designs.

Schockemoehle has created multiple lines of anatomic bridles to suit a variety of horse head shapes and needs, with the Equitus line being its stand-out and best-selling line. Below we will break down the Equitus bridle line, including the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Theta bridles.

Schockemoehle's newest and most innovative design, Equitus uses unique shaping to avoid the most sensitive areas of the horse's head. This bridle avoids areas like the Nuchal Ligament, which attaches to the pole at the occipital bone, travels along the top of the neck, and turns into the Supraspinous Ligament over the back. The shaping also avoids delicate veins and nerve points, such as the Nervus Fascialis, and sensitive pressure points like the nasal bone and orbital bones.

Directing pressure properly and gently throughout the entire ride is pivotal to having a horse that is comfortable and relaxed in their work. Horses comfortable in their tack are going to have an easier time understanding their rider's aids and maintain better long-term health and happiness. While a bridle can seem simple compared to saddle designs, the facial region is the most sensitive area on the horse's body. Ensuring that equipment maintains the highest level of comfort allows for more clear communication and a happy, confident horse. Schockemoehle's Equitus designs give the horse's facial structure the same attention to detail that saddlers give to their saddle designs.

Equitus Bridle Features:

Every bridle in the Equitus line comes with the following remarkable standard features, regardless of the chosen styling:

• Headpiece: The butter-soft, minimalist headpiece is shaped to keep pressure away from the Nuchal Ligament and allow full freedom of the muscles and ligaments in the neck area.
• Browband: The curved browband is shaped to be both aesthetically pleasing and to avoid pinching the sensitive veins and nerves around the eyes and ears.
• Cavesson: The curved shape of the cavesson strategically bypasses the largest and most sensitive facial nerve, the Nervus Fascialis, and minimizes pressure on the nasal bone.
• Fixed Button Rivets: The multiple fixed rivets along the cheekpiece allow for quick and easy adjustment to fit multiple horses.
• Cheekpieces: Equitus bridles use integrated cheekpieces that provide more bit stability in the horse's mouth than traditional designs, facilitating a more steady contact.
• Flash: A wide-set flash that rests off the nasal bones allows for fully unrestricted breathing without applying pressure onto the nasal cavity.
• Noseband Closures: The straps of the noseband are angled in such a way that they do not close underneath the throat latch as they do in traditional bridles. This means they strategically avoid pinching on the main veins and arteries on the face and as a result do not disturb circulation to the horse's head.

The Equitus Alpha bridle is the most popular design in the line. Featuring a slightly wider than traditional noseband with flash for an elevated and flattering look that isn't too dramatic. The plain, curved browband offers elegance in a simple, refined style. This is a beautiful option for riders who prefer a clean, classic presentation. The integrated flash is fixed into the noseband, which ensures proper placement and keeps buckles from pinching at the bit. The Alpha styling is perfect for jumpers, eventers, and dressage riders alike. Offering the most versatile styling of the Equitus line, the Alpha bridle is ready to ride in multiple disciplines or out on the trail!

The Equitus Beta bridle takes all the features of the Alpha bridle and adds a bit more glamor. A wider noseband with dense padding creates an elegant look on horses with refined or bigger head shapes. The curved, crystal-studded browband adds a touch of bling for a flashier look. The Beta is perfect for riders who like a bold yet classy style. The integrated flash that is fixed into the noseband ensures proper placement and keeps buckles from pinching at the bit. The Beta's styling is ideal for dressage riders, but it offers a great look for jumpers and eventers too.

The Equitus Delta offers the popular Alpha bridle styling without the added flash. It features a slightly wider noseband than a traditional bridle for an elevated and flattering look. The plain, curved browband creates a refined look, but it can be swapped out for some bling for riders who want to get a little more flashy! The Delta provides comfort for horses that prefer going without a flash, unlike many anatomical bridles on the market. This is the perfect bridle for jumpers, eventers, dressage, and pleasure riders alike.

The Theta Equitus 3-in-1 bridle is Schockemoehle's newest addition to the line, and it brings some impressive features with it. This unique bridle offers the capability to be used as a bitless bridle, a snaffle bridle, and a combination bridle. Side-pull rings allow pressure to be properly distributed across the wide, comfortable noseband, eliminating the rubbing and sliding that can occur with many side-pull bitless options. The rings are neatly hidden when used as a regular snaffle. The lack of flash and extra padded Beta bridle-style noseband provide maximum comfort with any bit of choice. Add a second set of reins that attach to the side-pull rings while using a bit for a combination effect. The separate rein design allows the rider to engage either the side-pull or bitted portion independently or combined, depending on the question the horse and rider are facing. With Equitus' integrated cheekpiece design, the reins attached to the bitless portion avoid interfering with the bit. The Theta is a great option for jumpers, eventers, or any rider looking to explore bitless riding.

Q: There have been some questionable reviews on the Equitus bridles noting problems with attachments breaking or becoming stretched out. Is this still an issue?

A: Schockemoehle is receptive to feedback they receive from their customers, and in turn are constantly revising their bridles to offer the best experience for both horse and rider. Many of the issues that customers have experienced with the Equitus bridles, such as the flash breaking from the noseband or the rivets becoming loose from the leather punched holes being stretched out, have been taken care of in the most recent updates. If you experience any issues with your Schockemoehle bridle, we encourage you to reach out to our helpful customer service teams so that we can resolve it with the manufacturer.

Q: Can I lunge in the Equitus bridles?

A: The Equitus bridles are not designed to be used for lunging due to the pin-and-loop structure of the cheekpiece. Especially if the lunge line is attached directly to the inside bit ring, it could cause the cheekpiece to become detached under extreme pressure. While this is not common, it is recommended to use a halter over the bridle or a lunging cavesson.

Q. Are these compatible with leverage bits?

A: Yes! The anatomical design does not interfere with bits that use leverage or curb chains.

Q. How does the sizing run?

A: Schockemoehle sizing runs slightly on the larger side due to them being designed in Europe. If you have previously owned a different Schockemoehle or European-branded bridle, purchase the same size for any of the Equitus bridles. However, if it does not fit, Riding Warehouse's return policy makes it easy to exchange for the size you need!

Q. How well does Schockemoehle's soft leather hold up?

A: The buttery soft leather used on the Schockemohle bridles can stand the test of time with proper upkeep. The outer layer includes a firm, polished finish that can handle bumps and sweat along the way. Wiping sweat from the bridle post-ride and regularly cleaning and conditioning the leather will keep it working hard for you for years to come.

Closing Thoughts

Schockemoehle continues to stand at the forefront of equestrian innovation and technology. Whether it's anatomical bridles or rider apparel, you can expect quality and performance from Schockemohle. Anatomical bridles are an incredible creation that give riders a better opportunity to make their horse more comfortable when under saddle. It can be challenging to find a design that truly works for your horse's unique head shape and may take a little exploration before finding the perfect one. With Schockemoehle's top-notch quality and high level of adjustability, the Equitus bridles are a superior option for a wide variety of horses. At the end of the day, let your horse tell you if they like it, and if it turns out anatomic bridles aren't the right choice for them, check out the rest of Schockemohle's fantastic bridle selection!