Best English Bridles

The bridle is arguably the most important piece of tack in an English rider's tack room. Not only because it provides a direct line of communication, but the bridle connects us to the delicate areas of our horse's head and mouth. It is critical to have a bridle that suits your desired discipline, but also your horse's individual needs for support and comfort. The right bridle should improve your horse's performance and allow you to deliver the softest rein cues possible.

If you know what type of bridle you need but are having a hard time deciding which one to choose, you're in the right place! We understand that selecting the right bridle can be overwhelming with so many options and styles to choose from. In this guide, the RW Crew hand-picked some of our favorite bridles for the different English disciplines and riding styles. Whether you're shopping for your first bridle or need something new before your next debut in the show ring, Riding Warehouse has got you covered!

Our Top Bridle Picks by Type:

LeMieux Leather Stitched Hunter Bridle

Classic hunter style is on full display in the LeMieux Leather Stitched Hunter Bridle. LeMieux leather is known for its buttery soft feel, and this bridle is no exception. The luxurious pre-oiled leather and matte finish feel ready to go as soon as you take it out of the bag for the very first time. Plus, equally soft and supple leather reins are included!

Our favorite feature of this bridle is that it's designed with your horse's comfort in mind. With an ergonomically shaped and padded headpiece, pressure is relieved around the ears and poll. Along with double-sided buckles on the cheekpieces and noseband to allow for a custom fit and beautiful, classic stitching, this bridle is sure to be stunning in the ring!

LeMieux Kudos Competition Bridle

The LeMieux Kudos Competition Bridle brings style and function together to make a trendy jump bridle. A traditional cavesson with a flash noseband is ideal for the jumper ring, but it can also transition to hunters just by removing the flash.

Contoured crownpieces have become a new staple in modern bridles, and this competition bridle by LeMieux is no different. The anatomical shaping allows for the horse's ears to move freely, while evenly distributing pressure across the poll. We appreciate how the incredibly soft European leather molds along your horse's face for additional comfort!

Kavalkade Mia Crank Dressage Bridle

Dressage is a classical sport by nature, originating from military maneuvers. The favored style in the Dressage arena is both classic and elegant, and Kavalkade achieves this with the Mia Crank Dressage Bridle. Made from high-quality German leather that is soft and supple against delicate faces, this bridle features a padded crown and crank noseband to ensure comfort for your equine partner.

A shaped browband featuring beautiful white gems adds a bit of flair to your tack and is sure to complement any horse or pony. The removable flash noseband provides bit stability as you advance through the levels, while the crank-style closure enables the noseband to follow along the unique shaping of your horse's face.

Kavalkade Sonya Weymouth Crank Noseband Bridle

Kavalkade designed the Sonya Weymouth Crank Noseband Bridle with your horse's comfort at the forefront of their minds. With full adjustability on both sides, this bridle can easily be fitted to suit your horse's unique needs. The anatomical crownpiece and crank-style noseband offer additional comfort on your horse's sensitive facial nerves.

Crafted from a high-quality vegetable tanned leather, this bridle will have a soft feel from the first ride while still maintaining optimal durability. Finished with a curved rhinestone browband, this double bridle is sure to have your horse feeling comfortable while looking classy!

Nunn Finer Stefania Figure 8 Bridle

The Stefania Figure 8 Bridle from Nunn Finer is designed so you can outfit your horse in a bridle that is first and foremost built for comfort. The Stefania is crafted from supple Italian leather that doesn't require a break-in period; the resulting refined look is perfect for both the show jumping ring and cross-country course.

Bulk is reduced at your horse's poll with an inlaid crownpiece, which allows the cavesson strap to lay directly inside of it. A soft, sheepskin lining is featured on the figure 8 noseband to provide your horse further comfort, along with the padded crownpiece and browband. Classic fancy stitching completes a look that will allow you to tackle your next three day event head-on and with confidence!

Schockemoehle Equitus Delta Anatomic Special Bridle

Schockemoehle Sports continues to make bridles that are both beautiful and long-lasting. Their high-quality leather is buttery-soft and highly padded, with a well-researched design. The anatomical shaping of this Equitus Delta Anatomical Special Bridle works to reduce pressure on sensitive points and nerve centers throughout the horse's face and poll; this helps to increase comfort, encourage healthy blood flow, and allow for maximum air intake during your ride.

If you're looking for a bridle similar to the Delta but with different features, consider the other Equitus models. The Beta is designed with a wider noseband that suits the Dressage arena, while the Theta is a multi-functional bridle with the option for bitted, bitless, and combined use. For more information on the Equitus line, check out our Schockemoehle bridle buying guide!

Equitare Cadence Ergonomic English Bridle

Equitare is devoted to creating simple, traditional, yet affordable tack, and they have certainly met their mark with the Cadence Ergonomic English Bridle! This economical bridle is constructed of a super soft leather that will be comfortable against your horse's skin. Extra padding on the monocrown, browband, and noseband adds extra comfort, while contrast stitching offers a simple, elegant look.

The ergonomic shaping of the bridle aids in even pressure distribution and directs pressure away from sensitive facial nerve points. While this bridle may be considered a starter, its high quality construction and shape make it a versatile choice for equestrians looking for a bridle that is both comfortable for their horse and doesn't break the bank!

Horseware Micklem 2 Multi Bridle USA & Reins

The Micklem 2 Multi Bridle by Horseware brings a design that is truly multi-functional. The highlight of this bridle is the ability to properly ride bitless with the easy-swap padded bitless attachment. You can provide your horse the anatomical features and benefits Micklem is known for when bitted or bitless. Additionally, this bridle can even be used as a lunging cavesson!

The anatomical shaping helps to eliminate pressure points around the poll and jaw areas; it also allows for greater air intake, which offers more comfort for your horse. This bridle is a great option for riders that are already riding bitless, or for those curious about whether riding bitless could benefit their horse!

We hope this guide has provided you with some direction in your hunt for the perfect bridle! With so many great brands and styles, we're certain you'll find something both you and your horse love. If you saw a bridle you liked that is not exactly suited to your riding needs, our wide selection of bridles, reins, parts, and accessories is sure to have what you're looking for. Check out our full selection below! Should you have any lingering questions, please reach out to our friendly customer service team at 1 (800) 620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com. Happy riding!

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