Anatomical headpiece: how do they benefit your horse ?

At Antarès Sellier, every bridle part is designed for the good of your horse. Despite often being an afterthought, bridles play a crucial role in the horse’s comfort and mobility. The anatomical design makes it an essential tool for improving locomotion and reducing physical limitations. Before we delve into anatomical bridles, let’s take a look at how regular headpieces affect the horse’s anatomy.

Why redesign the classic headpiece?

Pressure points

There are lots of pressure points right where the headpiece fits. It covers the area connecting the poll with the first vertebrae or atlas as it’s more commonly known. This sensitive area is full of nerves and muscles that affect balance, head/neck movement and proper locomotion. Excessive or poorly-distributed pressure in this spot can result in tension, restricted neck movement or persistent pain, especially in sensitive horses.

Classic headpiece: limitations

Most regular bridles are just simple strips of straight-cut and relatively narrow leather with no real definition. This sort of design doesn’t take the shape of the horse’s head into account or the flexibility required for good joint movement. Horses can present signs of discomfort, tension or resistance, especially during flatwork, when using a classic headpiece. In the long-term, this can result in chronic pain and require frequent visits from the osteopath.

Anatomical headpiece : for the good of the horse

An anatomical headpiece overcomes these limitations. It relieves the most sensitive pressure points so horses can move more naturally and smoothly. They can move their necks and it frees up their locomotion. Physically, it reduces muscle tension. Mentally, it improves concentration and wellbeing. They feel less restricted, making them more responsive and efficient. You also won’t need to see equine health professionals as often since this type of tack reduces any issues arising as a result of inappropriate equipment.

The Origin headpiece

Antarès designed the Origin headpiece as part of the Origin collection to fulfil the needs of moderately sensitive horses. The soft padding gently distributes pressure whilst the anatomical fit frees up the poll. Regular horse bridles tend to put pressure on the poll, but an anatomical bridle alleviates it.

Another point of difference is that the noseband is part of the bridle, so the neck is less restricted. Since it all forms one piece, it makes contact more natural and the bridle more secure. The Origin bridle by Antarès is ideal for a wide variety of horses and significantly improves their comfort during training.

The Origin anatomical bridle comes in a range of options to suit any discipline and body shape. Take your pick from our drop bridle, flash bridle, figure 8 bridle, hunter bridle and dressage double bridle.
It’s the best solution for horses who are beginning to show signs of sensitivity or riders who want a more technical bridle without sacrificing design.

The Précision bridle

Antarès has pushed the boundaries of comfort and innovation with the Précision bridle. We’ve worked long and hard on research and development with vets and osteopaths to bring it to you.

Technically, the Précision headpiece stands out for its two padded sides positioned specifically to free up the dorsal line and spinous processes. Its innovative design distributes pressure evenly across a larger surface. The ergonomic fit frees up the ears and is true to their natural positioning. Last but not least, the throat lash has two side fasteners to give you symmetry and the perfect bridle fit.

You’ll see the difference immediately. The usual discomfort behind the ears is gone, neck movement improves and horses return to their relaxed selves during training. The FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) has approved the bridle for use in every Olympic discipline.

The Précision anatomical headpiece comes in a range of options:

• Précision large crank noseband anatomic bridle
• Précision Y noseband anatomic bridle
• Précision anatomic comfort bridle

An anatomical headpiece is more than just a sound purchase. It champions a modern and mindful vision of riding that puts the horse’s welfare first and is a springboard for success. At Antarès, we believe that well-designed tack can transform the relationship between horse and rider by making the pair more relaxed, more connected and less restricted.
Read our advice about how to fit your bridle : How to adjust your horse bridle?