How to Measure and Fit a Horse Bridle
Once you have chosen the correct bridle for your horse, you must measure your horse to get the correct size and ensure you fit it properly. This one-stop guide will help you measure and fit your bridle so you can get back out in the fields with your companion, knowing they are safe and comfortable.
Table of contents
How to measure a bridle for a horse
How to put a bridle on a horse
How to measure a bridle for a horse
You need to take a few measurements when finding the right size bridle for your horse. We recommend taking multiples of each measurement to ensure an accurate result. Try and measure from the same points each time.
Bridle headpiece
Measure from the base of the horse’s ear, over the poll to the base of the other ear, where the browband would normally sit. This is called a “split to split” measurement. If you are measuring for a double bridle, you also need to measure from the corner of your horse’s mouth, over the poll to the opposite side corner.
Cheek pieces
You’ll need two measurements for the cheek pieces. First, measure from the corner of your horse’s mouth to their eye level. Then, measure the bit ring size with cheekpieces and the bit being worn. Subtract the bit ring measurement from the first measurement to get the final number.
Browband
Measure from the back of the base of one ear to the base of the opposite ear across the horse’s head. Ensure you can fit two fingers under the measuring tape and that you are measuring far enough back so it doesn’t pinch or pull the headpiece forward.
Noseband
Similarly to the cheek pieces, a Cavesson noseband will need two measurements. First, measure the circumference of your horse’s nose, ensuring you measure two fingers below the bottom of the cheek bone. Next, measure from your horse’s eye level to the same point, two fingers below the cheekbone.
Throatlash
Measure from the base of your horse’s ear, under their throat to the opposite side, ensuring the tape measure is loose enough to fit four fingers between it and your horse’s throat.
Once you have your measurements, compare them to your chosen brand’s size guide to find the right size for your horse.
How to put a bridle on a horse
When it comes to putting the bridle onto your horse, safety is key. Start with your horse haltered and safely tied with a quick-release knot. Tying it up is important, especially in public stables where others may spook your horse. You should also brush your horse’s face to remove dirt or grit.
- Secure your horse.
Undo the halter, slide the noseband off the horse’s nose, and slip the headpiece over their ears to hold your horse in place while you fit the bridle. Then, slip the reins of the bridle over their neck.
- Place the bit into the horse’s mouth.
Using your right hand to hold the bridle over the horse’s nose, use your left hand to slide the bit into their mouth. You may need to wiggle your hand to encourage them to take it. Once the bit is in their mouth, lift the bridle higher so the horse can’t spit it back out.
- Pull the headpiece over your horse’s ears one by one.
Grasping the headpiece with one hand, use the other to gently bend your horse’s ear forward to slip it beneath the headpiece, then switch and repeat on the other side. Don’t pull the bridle too high, as this can be painful for the horse’s mouth. Also, be gentle with your horse’s ears.
- Secure any buckles, straps or snaps.
Ensure you have secured any fastenings and made the necessary adjustments to fit your horse. Fasten the throat latch, leaving around 4 inches of slack to ensure it’s comfortable for your horse. A noseband needs around two fingers’ width of slack unless it’s a specialist noseband like a flash or grackle. If you use a curb bit, you must ensure the chain or strap is fastened, leaving a two-finger width gap.
Finally, give the bridle a check, slip the halter off, and you should be ready to go!
Discover bridles at Oakfield
Our bridle collection has options for various disciplines. Explore dressage, Cavesson, grackle, flash, and anatomical bridles at Oakfield and find the perfect fit for your horse. For further guidance, read our comprehensive bridle guide.
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