The science behind bridle fitting: what every horse owner should know

When it comes to bridle fitting, most agree that a lot of attention is paid to the saddle. But what about the bridle? Dr. Rachel Murray, an experienced veterinarian and scientific advisor to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF), sheds light on this often overlooked aspect.

In her insightful December 2021 lecture hosted by World Horse Welfare Education, Dr. Murray emphasizes the importance of proper bridle fitting, an area that does not receive as much attention as saddle fitting (World Horse Welfare Education, 2022).

Understanding the head of the horse

There are countless nerves and muscles in a horse's head, all of which are interconnected and affect various structures in the body. One example is the hyoid apparatus, which is connected to the tongue and the scapula. Actions or pressure on the horse's head therefore have a cascading effect on other parts of its body.

In addition, there are many important structures in the head area that are subject to pressure from the bridle, such as the back of the ear, the wing of the atlas (the first vertebra), the jaw joints, and the hyoid apparatus. It is important to remember that what happens in the horse's head affects his entire body.

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The study: Important pressure zones under the bridle

Dr. Murray's study identified six primary high-pressure zones under the bridle:

1. Rear edge of the headpiece
2. Front of the headpiece
3. Fastening under the headband
4. Front of the noseband
5. Back of the noseband
6. Crown of the head

These zones are not always subjected to constant pressure. The pressure is dynamic and varies with each step due to ground reaction forces or natural reflexes such as swallowing (Murray et al., 2015).

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Nosebands and their effects

Different nosebands have different print patterns:

• Conventional cavesson: Uneven pressure, especially where leather and buckles meet.
• Crank cross bridle: Provides a more even pressure and is movable at the side joints so that the head can be moved along.
• Flash noseband: Exerts the most pressure in most places, mainly because the strap presses on the upper noseband.

Dr. Murray emphasizes that nosebands, which are often a concern, play a positive role in stabilizing the bridle. However, it is critical that they fit properly in relation to the facial crest. A higher noseband can restrict movement, while a lower noseband can reduce pressure, as observed in the study where the latter improved hind leg movement.

The implications

Improper bridle fit can lead to a variety of problems, from mouth injuries - which can be caused by noseband pressure, bridle fit, or lack of dental care - to damage to the inside of the lips from unstable bits. Dr. Murray points out that the role of the noseband is critical to bridle stability (World Horse Welfare Education, 2022).

It is important to adapt the bridle to the anatomy and needs of each horse. Some have thickened jaw areas, lumps at the base of the teeth, or even arthritis in the jaw joint. All these factors must be taken into account when fitting the bridle.

Summary

Dr. Murray succinctly summarizes her findings:

• Dental care is the be-all and end-all.
• The tight fit of the noseband and the type of bit are just pieces of a larger puzzle.
• Correct fitting of the entire bridle is essential for the horse's well-being and performance.
• Use current knowledge to make recommendations on bridle fitting.

The r3vobanD is the answer to the pressing concern that bridles cause discomfort and pressure points in horses. Designed to optimize the connection between horse and rider, it reduces pressure points, especially in the key areas identified by Dr. Murray in her study. The r3vobanD provides a balanced and harmonious experience, making it an important tool for riders seeking optimal fit, comfort and performance. Because pressure and discomfort can affect a horse's behavior and performance, incorporating solutions like r3vobanD provides a safer and more effective riding experience.

For horse owners and riders, understanding the science behind bridle fitting is not just about improving performance, but also about ensuring the well-being and comfort of our equine companions. And as the innovative r3vobanD has shown, even small improvements, like those under the noseband, can make a significant difference to a horse's well-being.

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References:

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Murray, R. C., Guire, R., Fisher, M., & Fairfax, V. (2015). A bridle designed to avoid peak pressure locations under the headpiece and noseband is associated with more uniform pressure and increased carpal and tarsal flexion, compared with the horse's usual bridle. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 35(11-12), 947-955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2015.08.023

Bridles: how to choose and fit them correctly - World Horse Welfare. (2022, November 30). World Horse Welfare. https://eu.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/management/how-to-choose-and-fit-a-bridle

World Horse Welfare Education. (2022, June 6). Webinar: Bridle fit - why getting it right is so important [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

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