Tips for Correct Bridle Fitting and Comfort
1. The Browband
Make sure the browband is not too tight and is not pulling the headpiece onto the back of the ears. The current trend is for the browband to be slightly loose.
2. The Throatlash
The throatlash must not be tight, as it will interfere with breathing and collection. To ensure comfort there should be enough room to place a clenched fist between the side of the horse's cheek and throatlash.
3. The Cheeks
The buckles of the cheek pieces and noseband should be parallel and slightly below the corner of the eye (to avoid damage in the event of the bridle pulling across the face), and the arms of the cheeks and noseband must lie behind the horse’s cheek bones.
4. The Noseband
The noseband must lie at least one finger or 1cm below the cheekbones, as this is another pressure point area. If the noseband is placed too high on the face it can cause great pain.
The buckle of the cavesson noseband must sit comfortably at the back of the jaw, in between the jaw bones, to avoid creating a pressure point.
The pad on the back of the crank noseband fastening should not connect to the front of the noseband, as this can cause pinching and subsequent sores.
