{"id":87953,"date":"2022-04-26T16:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-26T14:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/preprod.antares-sellier.com\/?p=87953"},"modified":"2023-05-24T12:10:53","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T10:10:53","slug":"how-to-adjust-your-bridle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antares-sellier.com\/en\/2022\/04\/26\/how-to-adjust-your-bridle\/","title":{"rendered":"How to adjust your horse bridle ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a rider, you have probably already been confronted with the need to adjust your bridle<\/strong><\/a>. You may even have been doing this for years. But are you sure you\u2019re doing it right? We share with you what, in our opinion, are the first criteria to consider for your bridle to be adapted to your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it so important to have a properly adjusted horse bridle ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A poorly adjusted bridle<\/strong> can generate significant pressure<\/strong> and a great deal of stress<\/strong> if it is too tight<\/strong> or too loose<\/strong>. The trick is to find the right balance<\/strong> between the most comfortable<\/strong> solution for the horse and that which will deliver the best result<\/strong> for horse and rider. In horseriding<\/strong>, the absolute truth doesn\u2019t exist. It\u2019s all about finding a balance. But don\u2019t forget, horses are prone to take flight and escape. It\u2019s first instinct when faced with pressure or stress is always defy it, which is risky for it and the rider. It is vital to make sure the horse is at ease<\/strong> in all circumstances. This can reduce stress and, crucially, prevent this reaction take flight and run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properly adjusting your bridle<\/strong> also improves the rider\u2019s contact<\/strong> with the horse\u2019s mouth. Better contact results in greater accuracy and subsequently, better performance. The better adjusted the bridle<\/strong> is to the horse, the more stable<\/strong> the bit, resulting in a softer, constant, smoother contact with the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Remember: the sensitive areas for a horse<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Some parts of the horse\u2019s head are especially sensitive and must be unobstructed as much as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, the cartilage and the respiratory area in the nose (2)<\/strong> can be a major cause of stress for the horse if they are restricted. This area must always be kept free so that the horse can oxygenate itself properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, the bridge of the nose (3)<\/strong> and zygomatic arch (1)<\/strong>are bony parts where the skin can easily become irritated. The skin here is extremely thin and any rubbing will cause the horse harm or injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The intermandibular region (4)<\/strong> and throat (5)<\/strong>, under the horse\u2019s head, must have sufficient room to allow jaw movement and swallowing which is vital to keep the horse calm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there are the cervical vertebrae (6)<\/strong> under the nape of the neck. In fact, the horse is not used to feeling pressure here and can quickly panic and take flight. Some horses can also have bad reactions if the cartilage and muscle tissue below the ears (7)<\/strong> is constrained. The muscle must be able to rotate in all circumstances as it is a key means of communication for the horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bridle components to be adjusted<\/strong> to your horse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A conventional bridle has several parts that can be independently adjusted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Bit straps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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These are adjustable on both sides of the bridle<\/strong> and must be perfectly symmetrical<\/strong>. The bit straps ensure the bit is properly positioned in the horse\u2019s<\/strong> mouth and the right pressure is exerted. The horse must be able to move its tongue, chew and salivate. This combination relaxes<\/strong> the jaw and nape of the neck. The tongue is connected to the horse\u2019s shoulders<\/strong> and nape of the neck<\/strong> by the bridle and hyoid muscles. If the horse\u2019s tongue is hasn\u2019t enough room to move, this can cause strong muscle contractions<\/strong> throughout its body and completely prevent it moving forwards<\/strong>. Be careful to not place the bit<\/strong> too low in the mouth. This would result in the bit touching the horse\u2019s teeth<\/strong> and it would be very painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Properly adjusted bit straps to your horse bridle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two folds at the corners of the mouth are commonly used as a guide to properly<\/strong> fit a bit. You can see straight away when a bit has been properly positioned as the horse can chew, swallow and move its tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, be careful when choosing your bit! Even if your bridle is well adjusted, an overly large or too tightly-fitting bit will be particularly uncomfortable<\/strong> for the horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. The throat-lash<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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A throat-lash<\/strong> is a safety feature that holds the bridle<\/strong> in place and stops it from accidentally detaching. Broadly speaking, the throat-lash has to be loose enough to get your fist through. As such, the horse<\/strong> is free to swallow and chew without any pressure on its throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, for the throat-lash to work, it must not move any further than the horse\u2019s cheek. In some riding disciplines, especially carriage driving, throat-lashes are tighter because if a bridle<\/strong> comes loose, it can be particularly dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In contrast to conventional bridles, Antar\u00e8s<\/strong> bridle throat-lashes are \u201coffset\u201d. They attach to the rear of the headpiece, giving the horse a real sense of freedom<\/strong>. It is also easier to adjust and fit to the bridle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. The noseband<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Nose bands<\/strong> have two main functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Firstly, they stabilise<\/strong> the bridle and ensure it sits symmetrically<\/strong> on both sides of the horse\u2019s head. Secondly, they guide lateral jaw<\/strong> movements to stop the jaw moving to the left and right. They also prevent the horse bolting from contact when opening<\/strong> the mouth. The nose band must however not stop the horse from moving its tongue, as explained above, to adjust the bit and bit straps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to adjust the noseband to your horse bridle ?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some nosebands<\/strong> have straps that attach directly to the headpiece. They are preferable to \u201cmobile nose bands\u201d made from a single strap that encircle the horse\u2019s<\/strong> head. These nose bands can irritate the nape of the neck<\/strong> and fail to keep the bridle stable. Well fitted, a noseband must be loose enough for you to insert two fingers perpendicular to the bridge of the nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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