Types Of Bridles

The three main types of bridles are the snaffle, double bridle and bitless bridle. There are many others like the Pelham but I will not be talking about them for now.


The snaffle bridle is a 'basic' bridle. It contains a headpiece and throat lash, browband, cheekpieces, bit, reins and noseband.

^ Snaffle Bridle ^

The double bridle has two bits called the 'bridoon' (snaffle) and the curb. It has an extra headpiece and cheekpiece called a 'slip-head.' This secured the bridoon. These are buckled on the right side. All other buckles are buckled on the left. The curb bit has a curb chain attached. A lip strap should be threaded through the 'fly' (extra) link in the centre of the curb chain to secure it. Since there are two bits, there are usually two sets of reins.

^ Double Bridle ^

The bitless bridle is usually for a horse with a sore mouth in work while the damage heals. It is also used for a horse with a sensitive mouth. It uses nose pressure and leverage to control the horse. The most common form of a bitless bridle is a hackmore. It has a headpiece, throat lash, brow band, cheekpiece, noseband and metal shanks (instead of the bit).

^ Bitless Bridle ^

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