Bridle

A bridle is a piece of tack consisting of leather or nylon straps or cords that are stitched together. Bridles, which are most frequently used in conjunction with a bit, are secured around the head of the horse, and they are designed to aid the rider in controlling the horse.

English and Western-style bridles are the most commonly used types. Bridles without bits are known as hackamores or bosals.

Although bridle parts may be sold separately, the typical bridle includes cheek pieces, brow piece, crownpiece, throat latch, bit, and reins. English bridles also include a cavesson or noseband.

A bridle should fit the horse comfortably and be free of cracks, dryness, loosened or rotted stitching, and other damage that could make it fall apart during use.

Although a certain degree of adjustability is built into bridles, it may be useful before buying one to measure the distance from one corner of the horse's mouth over the top of the head to the opposite corner of the mouth. This measurement can be compared to the head strap of the bridle to ensure proper fit.