Follow this bridle tip to ensure horse comfort and health.

Always make sure your bridle fits your horse well. The bit must be the correct length. Always check your bridle for any stitches that may be coming loose and clean and oil it regularly. Wash your bit every time you have finished riding.

A poorly fitted bridle can have a disastrous effect on the health and specifically the comfort of your horse. Great quality equipment will help to encourage top performance and obedience when it comes to training and riding your horse. Making sure that your bridle fits your horse well, is the correct length and is cleaned regularly are vital first steps in becoming an equestrian expert.

The most important rule concerning bridle fitting is that in most areas there should be a two finger distance between the horse’s head and the straps. The headpiece should not pinch or dig into your horse’s ears and should not prevent any movement of the ears. The brow band should sit comfortably and allow a two finger width distance. Cheek pieces should be buckled equally on both sides of the face and hold the bit steady in the horse’s mouth. Check that there is minimal gaping at the cheeks when you pull back and engage the bit. Lastly, you should be able to fit a hand’s width between the cheek and the strap when it comes to your throat lash.

Measuring your horse’s mouth is a key part in knowing what size bit to buy. Remember, even if you know the size of your horse’s mouth it may still take some time to figure out the exact shape of the mouth. Every horse is different which means that even the texture of your horse’s tongue and the height of the palate can influence what bit will be the most comfortable. Trying out different bits and not being afraid of trial and error is a sure way to finding the right fit for your horse.

Buying quality bridles and bits goes a long way in ensuring optimal results when riding for sport or simply as a hobby. A comfortable horse is indeed a happy one and lowers the chance for equine-related injuries. Make sure you invest in quality equestrian equipment. Your horse will thank you for it.