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If you’re in the market for a new bridle for your horse, you’ve come to the right place. Your Horse’s testing panel has used and reviewed a selection of bridles to help you decide which will be the most suitable for your horse.
A bridle is an essential part of your horse’s tack, because it is a critical line of communication between you and your horse. So ensuring it fits well is crucial — a poor-fitting bridle will put pressure on sensitive facial areas and can affect the way a horse moves and behaves.
Bridle design has evolved over time, with the core focus now firmly on ensuring comfort for the horse and a correct fit. Optional bridle features include anatomical headpieces and nosebands that are designed to complement the anatomy of a horse’s head, avoiding delicate facial nerves and structures.
Buying an off-the-peg bridle is the option for most of us and this brings some potential limitations on fit, as all horses are unique in their head shape — and many aren’t symmetrical. These factors all add to the potential issues of getting a good and comfortable fit.
How we test
Your Horse’s testers used a selection of off-the-peg bridles over at least three months and assessed them for fit, performance and value for money. Each tester has considered these three areas when writing their review, to help you work out whether it might suit you and your horse before you buy. We aren’t paid to test these products, so you can be sure the reviews you’re reading are honest and without bias.
EquineTree Bridle Mela with T-Strap
‘An exceptional eco-friendly product’
Tester Julie Harding, Your Horse’s print editor who has four veterans, says: “I first discovered this company and its bridle two years ago at the BETA trade show. It caught my attention because it isn’t made of leather but of Uppeal, or apple skin, which, as a lifelong vegetarian, found favour with me.
“First impressions were good as the packaging was plastic-free and the bridle and reins (sold separately) came wrapped in cotton bags and felt like excellent quality. I particularly like the white stitching on the brown apple ‘leather’, which gives it a touch of pizzazz without it being ‘blingy’. For those who prefer less embellishment, there is a classic black version.
“During the test, I got the bridle very wet, and the water simply ran off, while I was surprised by how supple it became when cleaned with LindGrow vegan Joveg saddle soap that the lady from Equinetree provided.
“I requested a cob size, but for owners of cobs with seriously big heads, a full would offer more adjustment. Ultimately, this is an exceptional eco-friendly product and my mare goes well in it, so it gets a huge ‘green’ thumbs up from me.”
Colours: Black or brown with decor stitching. Sizes: Cob or full
RRP £198
Premier Equine Verdura Anatomic Snaffle Bridle
‘A lot of thought has gone into the design’
Tester Antonia Brown BHSI, who produces and sells horses for dressage and eventing, says: “This is a very smart looking, albeit plain bridle which fits our usual full-sized horses very well. You can tell that a lot of thought has gone into the design, all with the horse’s comfort in mind.
“I really like the shape and additional padding on the headpiece, which sits neatly around the horse’s ears. The browband is shaped and complements the horse’s face, while the noseband fits neatly and is anatomically shaped and padded, too. The Italian leather softened up well with use and cleaning and the rubber reins offer a good feel in the hand.
“Overall, I’m impressed with the quality of the Verdura Anatomic Snaffle Bridle. It has good billets and keepers, and the fit is extremely good. My horses who have worn it appear to be comfortable and work well in it.
“I would certainly recommend this bridle to my friends and clients who are looking for a smart but plain bridle. It offers good value for money, but bear in mind that the reins need to be bought separately.”
Colours: Black or brown. Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
Collegiate Comfitec Vogue Anatomical Bridle
‘I’ve noticed a big difference in my horse’s way of going’
Tester Emily Hanlon, a chartered surveyor who competes in showjumping and dressage, says: “This is a lovely bridle that looks smart when on. It fits well and the leather felt soft and good quality right from the start.
“The anatomical headpiece has soft padding and is wider between the horse’s ears and over the poll. It also sits neatly around my horse’s ears. The noseband is shaped differently to other bridles I have used. It sits nicely on the face and the flash strap fits neatly, bypassing sensitive facial nerves and offering ultimate comfort and protection.
“I have noticed a big difference in my horse’s way of going since using this bridle. She appears to be more comfortable and is much more consistent in the contact.
“This bridle cleans up well with minimal effort. It is smart enough for competition wear, as well as everyday use. I would recommend it — it is good quality, fits nicely and my horse goes well in it, too.”
Colours: Black or brown. Sizes: Cob, warmblood or full
Shires Velociti Rapida Ergonomic Curved Flash Bridle
‘This bridle has been a game changer’
Tester Melanie Tate, who owns two home-bred horses and competes in dressage up to medium level, says: “This leather bridle has been a real game changer for me and my horse. I have a sensitive, stroppy ex-hunter who has never really been still and settled in the contact.
“I have tried many different bits and bridles, but they have made no real difference. However, in this bridle my horse seems a lot more settled in the contact. I noticed this change from the first time I used it. He was light and relaxed, and has continued to be.
“I love the fit of this bridle. I also really like the headpiece, which is wide and cushioned, and features a poll gap and is cut away around the ears. The curved noseband also enhances the look and ensures that it sits neatly.
“This bridle is made from lovely soft leather with anti-shock padding on the headpiece, browband and noseband to give a smart look. It has many design features to ensure that the horse remains comfortable. Another bonus is that this bridle comes with a pair of Signature Velociti RAPIDA rubber grip reins, which I have found offer good grip and give a nice feel.
“This bridle looks a lot more expensive than it actually is and it is super eco-friendly — the leather is vegetable tanned. I like it so much and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.”
Colours: Black or havana. Sizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full
LeMieux Arika Drop Bridle
‘I’m now a convert to a drop noseband rather than a flash’
Tester Allison Lowther, a freelance writer who owns two veteran horses, says: “This is a smart bridle made from lovely leather that had already been oiled when I received it. It fits nicely, with plenty of room for adjustment.
“The headpiece is padded, but it doesn’t have much shaping to it. I found that it was a little narrower compared to other bridles I have used in the past. The browband is shaped and complements my horse’s face well. It sits neatly without pulling the headpiece forwards onto the back of her ears.
“The modern-style drop noseband on this bridle has a nice amount of padding to it, and the shape and fit of it ensures that it doesn’t sit on any of the sensitive structures of my horse’s head. D-rings on the noseband allowed for greater adjustment and ensured that it sat in place neatly and smoothly against my horse’s skin.
“I can’t say that I noticed a huge difference in my horse’s way of going, but I’m now a convert to a drop noseband rather than a flash. I feel that I can get a much better fit with this style, which I believe makes it more effective and more comfortable for the horse.
“This bridle is easy to clean and takes very little conditioner to restore it to like new. Overall, this is a lovely, quality bridle for a very good price — and it is definitely worth considering for anyone looking for a new bridle.”
Colours: Black/silver or brown/silver. Sizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full. Also available with flash, grackle and cavesson nosebands
Felix Bühler Bridle Anatomical Vision Space
‘All areas in contact with the face are well padded’
Your Horse’s tester says: “This bridle fits nicely with plenty of adjustment. It’s a little different from other bridles, as the height of the noseband is adjusted at the top of the headpiece.
“The bit is fitted on to straps that hang off the noseband and cut-back cheekpiece, and there’s no throatlash, which took a bit of getting used to. It took time for the noseband to mould to the shape of the horse. The wide, shaped and padded headpiece fits well around the ears.
“All three of my horses that wore this bridle went well in it. Two seemed happier and accepted the contact better in this bridle than in their usual one. All the adjustment options, including buckles, are set away from the horse’s face and sensitive areas, especially the headpiece buckles. All areas in contact with the horse’s face are well padded. The leather is good quality and cleans up nicely.
“I think this is a lovely bridle which is sold at an excellent price.”
Colours: Black or brown Sizes: Cob or full
RRP £99.90
Cathedral Ludford Snaffle Bridle with Flash Noseband & Crystal Browband
‘An eye-catching bridle’
Your Horse’s tester says: “This is a great-fitting bridle with plenty of adjustment and it fitted my three test horses nicely. The headpiece is nicely shaped so that it fits neatly around the back of your horse’s ears. It’s also padded for additional comfort. The browband is a good size and slightly shaped too.
“This bridle is definitely eye-catching, with a clear crystal browband and a crocodile and patent noseband. It looks really nice on the horse. It did take a few wears for the noseband to mould.
“I’m not the biggest fan of webbing reins, but I think I’m converted. I really like these; they are easy to hold and give good grip too. The bridle cleans up well apart from the leather on the back of the browband, which is a little rough and grease is tricky to remove.
“If you like bling you won’t go wrong with this bridle. I was pleasantly surprised by the price tag too, as I thought it would be more expensive.”
Colour: Black Sizes: Pony, cob, full, x-full
RRP £108.99 (including webbed reins)
The Centre Line Badminton Anatomical Flat Double Bridle
‘A quality bridle designed to comfort’
Your Horse’s tester says: “This bridle fits beautifully — there’s plenty of adjustment so you can get the best possible fit for each individual horse. The headpiece and noseband are reinforced with a Luxesorb gel that moulds to your horse’s head shape.
“The leather is so soft — no breaking in or moulding required. It sits nicely on all the horses that wore it during my test. The crystal browband and patent noseband are a smart combination.
“Two of my horses work in a double bridle, and both seemed comfortable and worked well in this bridle. It takes little cleaning — a quick wipe over and the grease is gone and it looks great. It also arrives in a lovely presentation box.
“There’s no doubt that this is a quality bridle with features that are designed to add comfort. All this comes at a price. It’s expensive, but if you’re looking for a quality double bridle, you won’t go wrong with this one.”
Colours: Black or London tan. Sizes: Pony, cob, full, x-full
RRP £395 (US$690)
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Collegiate Comfort Crown Padded Raised Flash Bridle
‘Good value for a smart bridle’
Your Horse’s tester says: “This is a good fit and true to size. There’s enough adjustment lengthwise, although the height of the noseband is adjustable on only one side. Also, the noseband fastening was a little short for my horse — I could only get it onto the second hole.
“The browband is a good size and doesn’t pull the headpiece forward onto the horse’s ears. The throatlash is a generous length and is only adjustable on one side, and it proved long on the two Thoroughbreds I have been using this bridle on.
“Overall this is a smart looking bridle that didn’t take long to soften and mould to the horse’s head shape. It cleans up well. My horses went well in it with no signs of discomfort or resistance whether hacking out or schooling. It’s nicely padded on the headpiece and the rubber reins are good quality and are comfortable to use.
“I think this is good value for a smart, quality bridle.”
Colours: Black or brown Sizes: Pony, cob, full, Warmblood
Equipe Emporio Flash Bridle
‘It still looks like new’
Your Horse’s tester says: “This bridle is true to size and fitted all three of my horses well. The leather is soft and supple, so it moulds instantly to the horse. There’s plenty of adjustment, so a full-size bridle like the one I tested fits a variety of different horses.
“There are no standout special features on this bridle — it’s a classic style. The noseband and browband are well padded but not too bulky, which looked good especially on my lighter framed horse.
“There is no padding to the headpiece and the noseband strap passes under the headpiece — again a more traditional style — but the headpiece sits neatly over the top of the horse’s head.
“I used this bridle on three horses and they all appeared to be happy wearing it and showed no signs of resistance. The leather is excellent quality and easy to keep clean. It still looks like new after plenty of use.
“This is a good value, classic, quality bridle, but it doesn’t come with reins.”
Colours: Black, brown, Newmarket, red brown. Sizes: Pony, cob, full
What to look for when buying a bridle
- Material
Do you want a leather horse bridle, or might you prefer one that is synthetic? - Colour
Leather typically comes in brown or black. Synthetic colour choices are vast. - Price
Know what your budget is and search according. The bridles for less than £100, and many that go way above this. - Changeability
When buying a horse bridle off the peg, you might find your horse needs to wear a mix of two sizes. So make sure the straps can be swapped — the noseband and cheekpieces, for example. Or maybe you want to change a plain leather browband for one with a bit more bling. - Size
Measure your horse’s head so that you know how long the cheekpieces, noseband and brownband needs to be for a comfortable fit.
