Bridle Fitting for Horses: A Practical Guide

Susan Rousak
Sep 6
4 min read

Ensuring Comfort and Safety with Both Bitted and Bitless Bridles

Whether you’re heading out for a relaxed arvo hack or preparing for a competition, a well-fitting bridle is essential for your horse’s comfort and communication. Poorly fitted bridles, whether traditional or bitless, can cause discomfort, behaviour issues, and even injury. In this blog post, we’ll cover how to fit both bitted and bitless (including sidepull) bridles, the dos and don’ts of bridle fitting, red flags to watch for, and what a properly fitted bridle should look like.

Understanding Different Types of Bridles

Bitted Bridles: These use a bit in the horse’s mouth to aid communication. Common styles include snaffle, double, and curb bridles.

Bitless Bridles: Bitless bridles, including sidepulls, work by applying pressure to the horse’s nose, chin, or poll instead of the mouth. They’re gaining popularity for horses with mouth sensitivities or for riders seeking a gentler approach.

A sidepull bitless bridle is the simplest and generally considered kindest type of bitless bridle. The reins connect to a ring on either side of the noseband of the bridle and pulling on a rein creates pressure on the corresponding side of the horse's face.

Other styles of bitless, such as hackamore, flower or bosals, also work on a pressure principle but apply pressure to different areas of the horse's face.

Dos and Don’ts of Bridle Fitting

Do: Check all straps for correct adjustment. Each part should be snug but not tight.
Do: Allow for four fingers’ space under the throatlash – too tight restricts breathing, too loose risks slippage.
Do: Ensure browband sits flat and doesn’t pinch the base of the ears.
Do: For bitted bridles, the bit should sit comfortably at the corners of the mouth without creating deep wrinkles or hanging too low.
Do: For bitted, and bitless bridles, ensure the noseband sits about 1-2 fingers below the cheekbone and is snug but not restrictive.
Don’t: Use bridles with worn or damaged leather, rusted hardware, or missing pieces.
Don’t: Overtighten the noseband – it should not restrict chewing or breathing.
Don’t: Ignore signs of discomfort: tossing the head, resisting the bridle, or refusing to be bridled.

Red Flags: Signs of Poor Bridle Fit

Head shaking, tossing, or rubbing after bridling, during riding or after riding
Sores, bald patches, or swelling on the poll, cheeks, or corners of the mouth
Chewing on the bit excessively or refusing contact
Resisting rein pressure, evading, or “gaping” the mouth
Difficulty swallowing, coughing, or breathing heavily
Unusual behaviour under saddle, such as bucking, rearing, or stopping
For bitless: noseband slipping near nostrils or pressing into sensitive areas

What Does a Good Fitting Bridle Look Like?

All straps lie flat without twisting or pinching.
The browband sits comfortably under the ears and across the forehead of the horse, not too tight or loose.
The headpiece fits nicely around the ears and over the poll, without pushing into the ears.
Cheekpieces hold the bit (or noseband) at the correct height: bit just touching the corners of the mouth.
No buckles are sitting on the tempo mandibular joint - TMJ.
Throatlash allows comfortable movement and doesn’t restrict breathing.
Horse shows relaxed behaviour: willing to accept the bridle, moves freely, no signs of discomfort.
The noseband sits 1-2 fingers below the cheekbone and 2 fingers can fit underneath it, measured on the top of the nose

Tips for Checking and Adjusting Bridle Fit

Start with clean tack and a calm horse. Inspect for any signs of wear or damage.
Place the bridle gently, adjusting each strap in turn.
Observe your horse after fitting: look for signs of comfort or distress.
Make small adjustments as needed, and check fit regularly – horses’ heads can change shape over time.
Seek advice from a knowledgeable saddler, instructor, or equine professional if you’re unsure.

Anatomical bridles are very popular now, but it's important to remember that your horse's head shape is unique. Therefore, just because it's an anatomical bridle, don't assume it will fit your horse. Additionally, bridle sizing is not universal, what is a Cob from one manufacturer might not be the same size Cob from another.

Many horses don't fit one size bridle and require you to get a little creative with sizing, so brands that sell bridles in parts are very handy so you can customise the bridle for your horse. The bit you use may also impact the bridle sizing - particularly the cheek pieces. So if you change your bit, you need to re-check the bridle still fits. Check out the bit fitting guide here.

Seek Professional Advice

Still not 100% sure? Get a professional to check the fit.

If you are in the Canberra region, Free Flow Equine is your go-to for bridle and bit fittings.

Conclusion

A properly fitted bridle is crucial for your horse’s welfare and your riding experience. Whether you ride with a bit or prefer a bitless option like a sidepull, taking the time to check and adjust your tack pays off in happy, healthy rides. Always keep an eye out for the warning signs, and remember – when in doubt, ask for help from a professional.