Bridle Reins
Horse Tack – Taking Apart the Bridle
Understanding what all those Straps are for
While most horse people are familiar with what parts make up a bridle, it is remarkable how few truly understand what goes into it. With so many parts, it is no wonder that people don’t consider the reasons for them. In fact, it is not unusual to see someone throw together a simple bridle that does little more than hold the bit in the horse’s mouth, and ride off without a care.
So what are all those straps, and what are they for?
Probably the most often misunderstood part of the bridle is the noseband. Many people believe that the noseband is there to hold the horse’s mouth closed. Of course, if you look at the positioning of the noseband, it is quickly evident that no matter how tight you fasten it, the noseband could never hold the mouth shut.
Interestingly enough, the noseband is the least necessary part of the bridle. In fact, many western bridles skip it altogether. With very little actual functionality, the cavasson noseband is purely there for looks! With varieties ranging from broad to narrow, and from raised to flat, riders choose a look that best suits their horse. While there are specialty nosebands that are more than just decoration, the average bridle’s noseband isn’t really necessary at all.
So if the noseband is useless, what about the browband? While it often makes a fashion statement, much like the noseband, the browband is an essential part of the bridle. Without the browband, the crown piece would slip back down the horse’s neck, pulling on the bit, and making the bridle uncomfortable for the horse. While some western bridles only use a half browband, circling around one ear, the purpose is the same.
Another strap that sometimes seems useless is the throatlatch. While it seems obvious that it is there to hold the bridle on, generally the bridle will stay in place without the throatlatch at all. Basically it acts as a safety net, to hold the bridle in place should something happen that threatens to pull the bridle over the horse’s ears.
The cheek pieces have another obvious use. They act as the connection between the crown piece and the bit. But why do they need to be separate from the crown piece? Without separate check pieces it would be difficult to adjust the length of the bridle for different horses. With two adjustable cheek pieces, it is possible to fine tune the tightness of the bit in the horse’s mouth. A single buckle on the side would not allow for this fine tuning.
Of course the reins require no explanation. But, do most reins have a braided appearance? Is this more fashion? No. The laced part of the reins is there to offer the rider a better grip. When a horse becomes sweaty, the reins can become quite slippery. Some reins have alternate forms of grips such as rubber coating, small crosspieces or actual braiding of the leather. It is possible to find smooth reins, but they are uncommon.
So now you know the basics of what makes up a bridle. Each strap has its unique purpose, even if it is a frivolous one.
About the Author
Lydia K Kelly is a writer for HorseClicks, classifieds of
miniature horses for sale
,
trailers for sale
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saddles for sale
, and she is a featured author at
www.ArticleKing.com
No bridle – no reins – no saddle
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Mustang Nylon Bitless Bridle w/Reins Brown $14.99 Bitless Bridle with 9 ft Flat Braided Reins Soft 3/4" braided brushed poly headstall with a 1/2" x 9' flat braided reins. The bridle applies pressure across the nose to painlessly control your horse. |
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Mustang Nylon Bitless Bridle w/Reins Black $14.99 Bitless Bridle with 9 ft Flat Braided Reins Soft 3/4" braided brushed poly headstall with a 1/2" x 9' flat braided reins. The bridle applies pressure across the nose to painlessly control your horse. |
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Australian Outrider Deluxe Halter Bridle w/Reins B $39.99 Australian Outrider Deluxe Halter Bridle w/Reins B |
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Economy Raised Snaffle Bridle with Reins $24.99 Made by master craftsmen, this bridle features 7/8" browband and caveson, 1/2" cheek pieces, hook and stud bit loops, and comes complete with 5/8" x 54" laced leather reins with hook and stud bit loops. Bit not included. Color: Havana Brown Size: Horse |
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Australian Outrider Barco Bridle with Reins Black $29.99 Australian Outrider Barco Bridle with Reins Traditional Aussie styling and premium leather lend the Barco Bridle & Rein set its rugged yet refined Down Under appeal. From the Australian Outrider™ Collection of fine quality tack. Features: . Authentic outback styling . Rich, handsomely finished leather . Bridle is fully adjustable for a custom fit . Reinforced at stress points . Contrast stitching . Rounded, warm brass hardware . 5 ft. Reins included. Item Specifications: Size: Horse Colors: Black, Brown |
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Australian Outrider Barco Bridle with Reins Brown $29.99 Australian Outrider Barco Bridle with Reins Traditional Aussie styling and premium leather lend the Barco Bridle & Rein set its rugged yet refined Down Under appeal. From the Australian Outrider™ Collection of fine quality tack. Features: . Authentic outback styling . Rich, handsomely finished leather . Bridle is fully adjustable for a custom fit . Reinforced at stress points . Contrast stitching . Rounded, warm brass hardware . 5 ft. Reins included. Item Specifications: Size: Horse Colors: Black, Brown |
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Wintec Flash Bridle Without Reins Cob Black $44.99 Full buckle bridle with padded flash noseband. |
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Wintec Flash Bridle Without Reins Cob Brown $44.99 Full buckle bridle with padded flash noseband. |
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Wintec Flash Bridle Without Reins Horse Black $44.99 Full buckle bridle with padded flash noseband. |
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Wintec Flash Bridle Without Reins Horse Brown $44.99 Full buckle bridle with padded flash noseband. |
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Australian Outrider Halter Bridle with Reins Black $39.99 Australian Outrider Western Trail Leather Halter Bridle In rich, premium leather with handsome details, this bridle/halter combo transforms easily for use on the trail. Fully adjustable, complete with reins and ready to ride. Features: . Sturdy leather construction, made to last . Attractive braiding on crown and nose piece . Adjusts for a perfect fit . Matches Australian Outrider™ Saddle Collection . 5 ft. Reins included Item Specifications: Size: Horse Colors: Black (comes with Stainless Steel hardware), Brown (comes with Brass hardware) |
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Australian Outrider Halter Bridle with Reins Brown $39.99 Australian Outrider Western Trail Leather Halter Bridle In rich, premium leather with handsome details, this bridle/halter combo transforms easily for use on the trail. Fully adjustable, complete with reins and ready to ride. Features: . Sturdy leather construction, made to last . Attractive braiding on crown and nose piece . Adjusts for a perfect fit . Matches Australian Outrider™ Saddle Collection . 5 ft. Reins included Item Specifications: Size: Horse Colors: Black (comes with Stainless Steel hardware), Brown (comes with Brass hardware) |
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In The Reins $8.49 In The Reins |
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The Bridle $12.5 The Bridle |
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Royal King Bitless Training Bridle w/Reins Lt Oil $69.99 Royal King Bitless Training Bridle w/Reins This training bosal was designed to to fit snuggly on the horse's nose and cup the jaw for quick engagement and release. Great for teaching collection, bending and stopping. The rawhide nose applies pressure to help when bending and turning, while the metal chin helps with collection and stopping. Cord split reins are comfortable in your hands when training and working your horse. Designed to work with light contact, not for heavy hands. |
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Crosby Wide Noseband Bridle $219.99 Crosby(R) 1 1/8" Wide Noseband Bridle Made of English leather with hand finished edges, this bridle features white contrast fancy stitching, stainless steel buckles with hook and stud bit loops, and comes complete with 5/8" x 54" raised fancy stitched reins. Color: Sherry |
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Tekna Dressage Bridle - Black Cob $59.99 his Tekna Padded Dressage Bridle features a softly padded brow and noseband, with a removable flash and buckle cheekpieces. Made of QUIK-CLEAN material. Less reins. |
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Tekna Dressage Bridle - Black Horse $59.99 his Tekna Padded Dressage Bridle features a softly padded brow and noseband, with a removable flash and buckle cheekpieces. Made of QUIK-CLEAN material. Less reins. |
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Tory Touch of Silver Split Reins Chestnut $54.99 Tory Touch of Silver Split Reins Oklahoma silver plate hand engraved three piece buckle reins set. Single ply bridle leather. Measures 5/8" x 7'. |
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Tory Touch of Silver Split Reins London $54.99 Tory Touch of Silver Split Reins Oklahoma silver plate hand engraved three piece buckle reins set. Single ply bridle leather. Measures 5/8" x 7'. |
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Tory Touch of Silver Split Reins Dark Oil $54.99 Tory Touch of Silver Split Reins Oklahoma silver plate hand engraved three piece buckle reins set. Single ply bridle leather. Measures 5/8" x 7'. |
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Royal King Weighted Training Reins Dark Oil $46.99 Royal King Weighted Training Reins These reins weight 56 ounces per pair. Made of premium bridle leather. 3/4" wide with 30" of flexible weights sewn in under leather in front. 81" long. |
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Royal King Weighted Training Reins Light Oil $46.99 Royal King Weighted Training Reins These reins weight 56 ounces per pair. Made of premium bridle leather. 3/4" wide with 30" of flexible weights sewn in under leather in front. 81" long. |
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Crosby Crown Relief Bridle $219.99 Crosby(R) Crown Relief Bridle Made of English leather with hand finished edges, this bridle features white contrast fancy stitching, stainless steel buckles with hook and stud bit loops, and comes complete with 5/8" x 54" raised fancy stitched reins. Bridle also has recessed beveled edge adjustment piece that lays flat across the crown giving the horse the most comfort. Color: Sherry |
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Tory Basic Curb Headstall with Reins Black $44.99 Tory Basic Curb Headstall with Reins English bridle leather full bridle with rein and curb bit. Single ply browband headstall, Double and stitched brow with silver conchos, tie bit ends on headstall and reins. Nickel plated curb bit. Size: Horse |
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Tory Basic Curb Headstall with Reins Chestnut $44.99 Tory Basic Curb Headstall with Reins English bridle leather full bridle with rein and curb bit. Single ply browband headstall, Double and stitched brow with silver conchos, tie bit ends on headstall and reins. Nickel plated curb bit. Size: Horse |
