Horse glossary
Bridle
Headgear used to guide the horse.
In Spanish: Brida
What it means
A bridle is the headgear a horse wears for riding, which holds the bit in the mouth and connects it to the reins in the rider's hands. It usually includes a crownpiece behind the ears, a browband, cheekpieces, a noseband, and a throatlatch. Bitless bridles and hackamores control the horse with pressure on the nose instead of a bit.
Why it matters
The bridle carries the rider's rein signals to the horse, so it must fit comfortably. Straps that pinch the ears or a bit that hangs too low or too high can make a horse fussy with its head.
Example
Ask for help putting on the bridle.
Try this
You should be able to fit about a fist's width between the throatlatch and the horse's jaw, and a finger or two under the noseband. Ask an experienced person to help you put the bridle on until you have practiced it.
Common mistake
Never tie a horse up by its bridle reins. If the horse pulls back, it can hurt its mouth and break the bridle, so change to a halter and lead rope for tying.
Topics
Where this word comes up
- Tack Up (English Basics)A beginner-friendly, step-by-step tack-up routine with instructor help.
- Tack Safety CheckA quick, simple tack check you can do with an instructor before riding.
- Untack + Care for GearStep-by-step untacking with help, plus simple gear care habits.
- BridleHeadgear used to guide the horse; often holds the bit.