While many people choose to ride bareback, there are many fewer who ride without a bridle. And those who do, generally use an alternative device, in order to provide some measure of control over their mount. Pony bridles are an important part of having a good relationship with your pony-- if you choose one that fits poorly or is wrong for the horse, you can wind up with problems.
In general, a bridle is the piece of leather headgear, made up of various straps and buckles, that a horse or pony wears while being driven or ridden. Driving bridles are a little different than riding bridles, but not terribly. A bridle, besides having multiple straps and buckles, also has a bit, a piece of metal in a specific shape that fits into the horse's mouth and give the rider control. A hackamore is a bitless bridle that provides control with pressure on the nose.
Various areas of the world have developed different headgear for horses and ponies. The American stock bridle is referred to as a Western bridle, while the Australian stock bridle is called a Barcoo. These are simplistic pieces of gear that have the bare minimum of straps required to keep the bit in place. English bridles often have many more straps, which are used to maintain a constant fit, and attach more bits and reins at times.
While the Barcoo bridle and the Western bridle use only one bit and set of reins, the English bridle can use either one bit and one set of reins, two bits and two sets of reins, or one bit and two sets of reins. A snaffle bridle has one bit and one set of reins, though the bit isn't necessarily a snaffle bit. A Pelham bridle has one bit, but two sets of reins, and uses a Pelham bit. A double bridle uses two bits with two sets of reins-- one bit is a snaffle, and the other a curb or Weymouth bit.
Two other, less common options are the gag bridle and the halter bridle. The first option uses a nosepiece that goes through the rings of the bit, and the reins then both rotate and pull on the bit. It is considered quite harsh. The second is a halter that is specially made to have a place to attach a bit. These are popular in endurance events, where to rest the horse, only the bit and reins have to be removed.
Getting the proper size of bridle and bit, obtained by measuring your horse and consulting with a knowledgeable professional, is very important. Putting the wrong size of bridle on can be uncomfortable, cause rubbing or chafing, and interfere with your control, while using the wrong bit can even damage the horse's mouth. Picking the right bit for your horse is essential, too, since the right bit for one is not the right bit for another.
Tying your horse must always be accomplished by using a halter, either over, under, or in place of a bridle. Tying by the reins puts your horse in danger of damaging his or her mouth and teeth, should he startle or pull hard on the reins for any reason. A bridle is also typically not strong enough to withstand a horse yanking on it, so as well as hurting himself, the horse might break the bridle and run away.
It is equally important never to drop the reins over the front of the horse's body. Though this is the position you lead from, if you are not holding the reins, make sure that they are back over the horse's head. Reins that drop down under the horse can easily be stepped on, leading to the same mouth and teeth damage as if tied by the bridle.
In general, a bridle is the piece of leather headgear, made up of various straps and buckles, that a horse or pony wears while being driven or ridden. Driving bridles are a little different than riding bridles, but not terribly. A bridle, besides having multiple straps and buckles, also has a bit, a piece of metal in a specific shape that fits into the horse's mouth and give the rider control. A hackamore is a bitless bridle that provides control with pressure on the nose.
Various areas of the world have developed different headgear for horses and ponies. The American stock bridle is referred to as a Western bridle, while the Australian stock bridle is called a Barcoo. These are simplistic pieces of gear that have the bare minimum of straps required to keep the bit in place. English bridles often have many more straps, which are used to maintain a constant fit, and attach more bits and reins at times.
While the Barcoo bridle and the Western bridle use only one bit and set of reins, the English bridle can use either one bit and one set of reins, two bits and two sets of reins, or one bit and two sets of reins. A snaffle bridle has one bit and one set of reins, though the bit isn't necessarily a snaffle bit. A Pelham bridle has one bit, but two sets of reins, and uses a Pelham bit. A double bridle uses two bits with two sets of reins-- one bit is a snaffle, and the other a curb or Weymouth bit.
Two other, less common options are the gag bridle and the halter bridle. The first option uses a nosepiece that goes through the rings of the bit, and the reins then both rotate and pull on the bit. It is considered quite harsh. The second is a halter that is specially made to have a place to attach a bit. These are popular in endurance events, where to rest the horse, only the bit and reins have to be removed.
Getting the proper size of bridle and bit, obtained by measuring your horse and consulting with a knowledgeable professional, is very important. Putting the wrong size of bridle on can be uncomfortable, cause rubbing or chafing, and interfere with your control, while using the wrong bit can even damage the horse's mouth. Picking the right bit for your horse is essential, too, since the right bit for one is not the right bit for another.
Tying your horse must always be accomplished by using a halter, either over, under, or in place of a bridle. Tying by the reins puts your horse in danger of damaging his or her mouth and teeth, should he startle or pull hard on the reins for any reason. A bridle is also typically not strong enough to withstand a horse yanking on it, so as well as hurting himself, the horse might break the bridle and run away.
It is equally important never to drop the reins over the front of the horse's body. Though this is the position you lead from, if you are not holding the reins, make sure that they are back over the horse's head. Reins that drop down under the horse can easily be stepped on, leading to the same mouth and teeth damage as if tied by the bridle.
About the Author:
Get inside info on how to choose appropriate pony bridles for your mount now in our comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about bridle options.
No comments:
Post a Comment