Types of English Bridles

At its most basic level, a bridle is the piece of tack the rider uses to communicate direction and speed to their horse. A bridle allows the rider to effectively communicate with their equine by channeling pressure on the horse's mouth, nose, and poll. Bridles are as essential as a saddle when it comes to riding equipment; they help ensure the rider's safety by providing influence over the horse's movements. Your horse's bridle should provide support and comfort and also allow you to deliver rein cues as softly and gently as possible.

Today, bridles come in a wide variety of designs and technology. With so many options, selecting the best bridle for you and your horse can be daunting! Adding to this confusion are the written (and sometimes unwritten) rules of disciplines or competitions that may prohibit certain bridle types. The Riding Warehouse crew is here to help you sort out the details and find the bridle best suited for you and your horse, whether you're schooling at home or heading into the show ring!

Snaffle Bridle

The snaffle bridle is the most common bridle type in English riding. Although "snaffle" appears in the name, this bridle can be used with virtually any type of bit—not just a snaffle. Here the term snaffle refers to the use of a single bit. This bridle features a browband and noseband (with or without a flash), putting pressure on the horse's nose and poll. Cheek pieces attach the bit to the headpiece, placing pressure on the horse's mouth and poll when the reins are engaged.

There's a multitude of snaffle bridle variations, including the crank noseband bridle, grackle/figure-8 bridle, and drop noseband bridle. These different nosebands modify where and how much pressure is placed on the horse's nose. In recent years, anatomical versions of traditional snaffle bridles have come onto the market, exploring unique shaping to provide a higher degree of comfort and pressure relief than traditional designs.

Double Bridle

As the name implies, double bridles are used with two bits and two sets of reins. One of the bits is a thin, loose ring or eggbutt snaffle with a smaller diameter ring called a bradoon, while the other is a curb bit known as a Weymouth. The bradoon sits in the mouth like a typical snaffle, while the Weymouth bit lays slightly below, roughly a finger's width apart. They should only be used by experienced hands, as they can apply a lot of pressure. Their design allows the rider's hand cues to become even lighter and softer than in a snaffle for a more refined level of communication. Although technically permitted in some of the jumping disciplines, double bridles are most commonly seen in upper-level dressage and saddle seat riding. Double bridles are never to be used with a flash attachment.

Anatomical Bridle

The anatomical bridle concept is relatively new, and while it is not technically its own classification of bridle, the unique structure needs its own explanation. The anatomical bridle is designed to accommodate a horse's head shape using deep studies of equine anatomy in order to avoid putting pressure on sensitive areas. Unlike a traditional bridle with separate cheekpieces for both the noseband and bit, many anatomical bridles feature a single, wider cheekpiece that attaches to the noseband. This helps to avoid direct pressure and rubbing across delicate nasal bones. Other anatomical bridles continue to use independent cheekpieces, but with different shaping throughout the noseband structure to relieve pressure and maximize freedom of the airways. Anatomical bridles also typically feature different placements of the throat latch for gentler contact.

One thing to know about anatomical bridles is that there are a variety of different shapes and designs to choose from. As riders, we know not every horse has the same head shape. This is why brands have created many different designs in hopes that there will be an ideal anatomical bridle for each and every horse. If your horse did not like a certain bridle, give another design a try!

Bitless Bridle

Some riders and trainers seek out an entirely different approach to human-horse communication by riding without a bit. While English disciplines primarily rely on a bit in the horse's mouth as the foundation for communication, Western riders have taken a broader approach. Originating from the Western world, hackamore bridles and other bitless options use nose pressure instead of a bit for hand aides.

While hackamores and bitless bridles are continuing to gain popularity in English disciplines, they are often prohibited in competitions. When in doubt, check your discipline's rulebook to make sure your bitless bridle is allowed.

Bridles may differ in numerous ways, but the noseband is one of the main distinguishing features that can change the way a bridle functions.

Nosebands are designed to limit your horse's ability to open their mouth, which helps maintain consistent contact between the rider and bit. Although there are many different noseband types, not every one is accepted for every competition, or even appropriate for every horse. In this section, we will go through the most common types of nosebands as well as how they work and how they should fit.

The cavesson noseband is one of the most common in English riding. This noseband features a simple leather piece that wraps around the horse's nose and clasps under the chin. Because of their basic design, cavesson nosebands apply the least amount of 'force' and are often used on horses who accept the bit (ones that do not attempt evasive maneuvers).

A traditional cavesson can be seen in just about every type of English discipline, as well as Western and endurance riding.

How it should fit: A cavesson noseband should sit about one to two fingers below the horse's cheekbone. It should be level across the nose and you should be able to fit one or two fingers in between the noseband and underneath the jaw. It should be snug but not overly tight.

The addition of a flash strap alters the action of the noseband. A flash attaches the center of the noseband and wraps around the horse's nose below the bit. This helps prevent the horse from slipping their tongue over the bit, or from crossing their jaw and therefore avoiding the bit. These are typically used on horses that are learning new skills to provide added support. Some flash straps are permanently integrated into the noseband while others are removable.

Flash nosebands are popular among most English disciplines, but they are not permitted in all English disciplines such as hunter classes.

How it should fit: The cavesson portion should be positioned level and about one or two fingers below the cheekbone. The flash portion should sit on the nasal bone but not press into the soft tissue of the horse's nose. It should be placed in front of the bit, and the flash buckle should be positioned near the flash loop or under the chin to prevent pinching against the bit. As with the cavesson, a good rule of thumb is to have one to two fingers of room between the flash and the jaw.

A crank noseband looks similar to a traditional cavesson noseband, but with one key difference. A noseband with a 'crank' mechanism allows for a more adjustable and flexible fit. This gives the rider greater control over the tightness of the noseband than a typical cavesson. Therefore, a crank noseband prevents the horse from opening its mouth wide or crossing its jaw. It also allows the noseband to follow the horse's natural shape for a more comfortable placement.

Care should be taken when using a crank noseband, so as not to place too much pressure on the horse's sensitive nose. A crank noseband bridle can be seen with and without flash attachments and may be used in virtually any competition.

How it should fit: Like a plain cavesson, the crank noseband should fit level and one to two fingers below the cheekbone. The crank design has a buckle system that allows the rider to adjust the placement for a natural fit.

A grackle (or figure-8) noseband has a similar purpose to a flash noseband: to encourage the horse's mouth to stay closed so contact can be better maintained. However, a figure-8 noseband shifts the pressure upward on the nose where the cross straps of the noseband meet. Moving this pressure point up the horse's nose allows the nostrils to fully expand, making it a popular choice for disciplines where maximum airflow is needed, like eventing or jumpers.

Figure-8 nosebands are prohibited in hunter classes. While they are legal in dressage, they are not commonly used.

How it should fit: The padded disk on the figure-8 should be positioned on the nasal bone so that the upper straps cross over this bone and the lower straps sit under the jaw in front of the bit, like a flash strap. The upper straps run along the cheekbone, and depending on the style of noseband, can sit on or right below the cheekbone. Typically, figure-8 nosebands with metal rings are positioned on top of the cheekbone while those without rings sit right under the cheekbone.

A drop noseband shifts the placement of the noseband entirely. Compared to a cavesson noseband, which buckles above the bit, a drop noseband puts the buckle below the bit. Because this noseband is lower on the horse's jaw, it is more difficult for them to open their mouth wide and avoid contact. This is a popular choice for young or "green" horses to help educate them on how to follow rein aids from the bit as gently as possible.

Drop nosebands may be used in jumpers, dressage, and eventing, but not in hunter classes.

How it should fit: A drop noseband should be positioned on the bony part of the nose, about four fingers above the horse's nostrils. The metal rings that attach to the chin strap should sit above the bit to prevent pinching, while the chin strap should be buckled in front of the bit and under the jaw. Like the other nosebands, you should be able to fit one to two fingers between the chin strap and the jaw. Riders should be aware that an improperly fitted drop noseband could constrain the horse's nostrils, impacting their ability to breathe deeply.

Many disciplines impose restrictions or limitations on the types of bridles that may be used in competitions or events. Hunter classes and derbies hark back to an earlier era of traditional English (and American) fox hunting. As a result, options are limited to the same bridles that were in use during older times: traditional snaffle bridles and double bridles.

At the other extreme are show jumping and the jumping phases of eventing. Here, jumping faults and time determine the winner. In the jumper ring, you may see any number of different bridles on competitors, as virtually any bridle type is permitted.

Somewhat similar to hunters, dressage has limitations on what bridles can be used in competition. Lower-level dressage allows the use of snaffle bridles and most nosebands, while upper-level dressage allows the use of a snaffle or double bridle. Dressage follows strict rules for bridle fit, and the bridles are checked after every test prior to dismounting. When in doubt, it is best to check the USEF attire and equipment rules to make sure that the bridle you use is permitted!

Three-day eventing is similar to a triathlon, as it includes three phases: dressage, cross-country, and show-jumping. Permitted dressage bridles typically follow USEF dressage rules, while the cross-country and jumping phases allow just about any bride to be used.

Field hunting allows traditional snaffle bridles or double bridles to be used, although each hunt may establish its own requirements and restrictions. Like the hunter and dressage rings, field hunting tends to be tradition-based.

In addition to the broader types of bridles discussed above, each manufacturer may make subtle changes to better accommodate different horses. Below, we discuss some of these finer bridle details.

Bridles may have a monocrown or dual crownpiece. Dual crownpieces are traditional and use two straps of leather that go up and over the horse's poll. The main, or larger crownpiece, attaches to the cheek pieces that secure the bit. A separate strap threads through the browband to connect the noseband. Sometimes referred to as a cavesson, this strap runs underneath or atop the main crownpiece holding the bit. With dual crownpiece bridles, the secondary crownpiece (cavesson) attached to the noseband is kept in place by the side pieces that run through the openings on each side of the browband.

Monocrown bridles seek to better distribute pressure on the horse's poll by eliminating the secondary crownpiece (cavesson). A monocrown bridle has a single piece of leather that extends over the horse's poll. With a monocrown bridle, the noseband is attached to straps that extend from the crownpiece, similar to the way the side pieces that hold the bit are attached to the crownpiece. Monocrowns tend to feature anatomical shaping to distribute pressure more evenly and reduce interference with ear mobility.

Many bridles use leather or synthetic padding to improve the horse's comfort and relieve pressure points. Padded crownpieces are common, as are padded nosebands. If your horse appears uncomfortable or shows signs of rubbing (such as hair loss or skin irritation), consider a padded bridle or a fleece bridle covering if your discipline permits fleece covers.

Some manufacturers have redesigned their bridles with ergonomics and anatomy in mind. That is to say, a bridle that better accommodates the physical shape of the horse's head and avoids putting pressure on sensitive areas. Pressure on sensitive areas leads to tension in the head and mouth, which translates throughout the horse's body and your ride. Many riders use traditional snaffle bridles with ergonomic crownpieces that are wide at the center and have cut-outs to accommodate the horse's ears. More elaborate designs also reconfigure the entire nosebands down to how the bit attaches to the bridle. More and more bridles with ergonomic designs are appearing on the market. If you believe your horse is uncomfortable in their current equipment, consider a bridle with an ergonomic design! Always double-check the bridle rules with your discipline's organization, as some anatomical or ergonomic designs may not be permitted.

Bridle hardware includes the elements that hold the bridle together, as well as the pieces that allow for changes and adjustments. Buckles and straps are used to shorten or lengthen various parts of a bridle. For example, the bit may be raised or lowered by using the buckles on the side pieces. Similarly, the place where the noseband sits on your horse's nose can be lowered or raised by using the side piece buckles (monocrown bridle) or cavesson buckles (dual crown bridle).

Bridle parts that are less frequently adjusted or changed, such as the bit, may use different hardware. Many bridles use hook-and-stud closures to attach the bit, providing a clean look with no visible hardware. Hook-and-stud closures are typical in the hunter and dressage ring.

Some bridles use buckles rather than hook-and-stud closures for bit attachment, as a bit change is easier with buckles. Some bridles go one step further and use metal snaps for an even faster bit change. These alternatives to hook-and-stud closures are generally limited to schooling; metal snaps are typically not allowed in competitions in any discipline.

English bridles come in two colors: black and brown. Typically, equestrians choose to match the color of their bridle to their saddle. Since most dressage saddles are black, black bridles are most popular for the discipline. Some can be seen with white padding for a contrasted look. Likewise, as most jump saddles are a shade of brown, most riders will prefer a matching brown bridle. These can also feature fancy stitching to add elegance to the bridle. Colored padding bridles are typically limited to schooling at home. Some disciplines have rules on colors or rhinestones allowed on bridles in competitions, so always refer to your rulebook when considering a non-traditional color style.

Given the variety of bridles available, consider your horse's anatomical and performance needs when making your selection. A horse's face is a delicate area that contains a lot of nerves and pressure points, so finding the right bridle can have a dramatic effect on their comfort and performance. You may wish to have multiple bridles for different circumstances, such as intensive flat work, jumping, or work outside of the arena. For competitions, start with your discipline's restrictions or prohibitions, then select a bridle that suits your style and your horse's physical needs so you can ensure a beautiful and happy ride!

For more bridle content, watch our helpful how-to video on the different types of English bridles: