Bridle fitting: how to fit a bridle, noseband and bit correctly

A well-fitted bridle is comfortable, stays in place and lets your aids reach the horse clearly. A poorly fitted one can pinch, rub, restrict breathing or cause pain in the mouth. The British Horse Society recommends checking bridle fit every time you put it on – especially if the horse isn't yours, because the bridle may have been taken apart for cleaning and put back together differently (BHS – tack fit).

This guide works through each part of a snaffle bridle from the top down, then covers bits, nosebands, martingales and breastplates.

Before you start

• Clean, supple leather fits and adjusts better. Check stitching and buckles – see tack safety checks.
• Make sure the bridle is the right size (pony, cob or full) for the horse's head. You should be able to fit it with buckles roughly in the middle holes, leaving room to adjust.
• Put the bridle on in a safe place, with the horse tied or held. Our how to tack up guide covers putting on a bridle step by step.

Headpiece and cheekpieces

The headpiece sits behind the ears over the poll. It shouldn't press into the base of the ears. Cheekpieces should be adjusted evenly on both sides, so the bit sits level – check by standing in front of the horse.

Browband

The browband stops the headpiece slipping back. The BHS says it shouldn't pinch the ears, and it should be long enough to fit two fingers between its centre and the horse's forehead (BHS – tack fit). A browband that's too short pulls the headpiece forward into the back of the ears – a common cause of head shaking and reluctance to be bridled.

Throatlash

Bit

The BHS says the bit should sit level in the mouth and high enough to make a wrinkle at the corners of the lips (BHS – tack fit).

• Too low: the bit can bang against the teeth, and the horse may put its tongue over it.
• Too high: it pulls the corners of the mouth into a constant grimace.
• Width: the mouthpiece should fit the width of the mouth without pinching the lips or sliding too far through. A bit fitter can measure your horse.

The BHS explains that all bits work by putting pressure on parts of the mouth and head – the tongue, the bars (the gap between front and back teeth), the roof of the mouth, lips, chin groove, nose and poll – and that even a mild bit can be uncomfortable with rough hands. It recommends starting with the mildest bit and getting advice from a qualified bit fitter and your coach (BHS – tack fit). Read more in our horse bits guide.

In Victoria, the Code of Practice bans twisted-wire mouthpieces (Code of Practice).

Teeth matter

A sharp tooth or ulcer can make even a perfectly fitted bit painful. The BHS recommends teeth be checked at least once a year to prevent sharp points and mouth injuries (BHS – tack fit). Victoria's Code also recommends a yearly dental check by someone skilled in equine dentistry (Code of Practice). See horse dental care. Find an equine dentist near you on horse.work.

Noseband

Nosebands are where fitting most often goes wrong. The BHS says a noseband shouldn't be used to keep the horse's mouth shut, and that over-tight nosebands are common. Whatever style you use, you should be able to fit at least two adult fingers – or an ISES taper gauge – under the noseband on the front of the nasal bone (BHS – tack fit).

The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) says the scientific evidence shows nosebands must not be tighter than the equivalent of two fingers, measured between the noseband and the front of the nasal bone, and supports objective measurement with its taper gauge (ISES). The BHS explains that a tight noseband pushes the gums and cheeks against the teeth, which is painful (BHS – tack fit).

Fitting common nosebands

The BHS gives the following guidance (BHS – tack fit):

• Cavesson or crank: sits about two fingers' width below the projecting cheekbone, under the cheekpieces, and fastens under the jaw.
• Drop: sits on the bony part of the nose, with the lower strap in front of the bit in the chin groove. It must be high enough not to interfere with breathing – horses breathe only through their nose.
• Flash: a cavesson fitted slightly higher than usual, with the thinner flash strap fastening in front of the bit.
• Grackle (figure-eight): the crossover should sit in the centre of the nose, and any rings shouldn't touch the cheekbones.

For more types, see our nosebands guide.

Reins

Reins should be long enough for the horse to stretch its neck, but not so long that a loop could catch a foot. If you use a running martingale, rein stops are needed (see below).

Martingales and breastplates

Before buying extra tack, the BHS suggests talking to your coach about whether it's needed (BHS – tack fit).

Running martingale

The BHS recommends (BHS – tack fit):

• About four fingers between the neck strap and the top of the neck.
• The rings should reach from the centre of the chest to just under the throat.
• Fit rein stops so the rings can't slide up and catch on the bit rings.

Breastplate

• About four fingers between the top of the neck and the neck strap.
• About a fist between the centre of the breastplate and the chest (BHS – tack fit).

See martingales and breastplates for more detail.

Signs the bridle doesn't fit

• Rubs or hair loss behind the ears, on the cheeks or under the noseband
• Head tossing, shaking or resistance to being bridled
• Opening the mouth, crossing the jaw or tongue over the bit
• Ridges or marks left by the noseband after riding
• Bridle slipping, or the bit being pulled through the mouth

A quick checklist

1. Bit level, with a slight wrinkle at the corners of the lips.
2. Browband: two fingers between its centre and the forehead; not pinching the ears.
3. Throatlash: loose enough for the horse to flex comfortably.
4. Noseband: at least two adult fingers (or ISES gauge) under the front, on the nasal bone.
5. Cavesson: about two fingers below the cheekbone.
6. Buckles even on both sides; keepers holding all strap ends.
7. Martingale or breastplate: four fingers at the neck.

Bridle fit is examined in both the BHS Stage 1 syllabus and Pony Club Australia's certificates, where riders demonstrate a correctly fitted saddle and bridle (BHS Stage 1 Care; PCA Syllabus).

Need a new bridle or a bit fitting? Find saddleries near you on horse.work.

FAQ

How tight should a noseband be?

You should be able to fit at least two adult fingers, or an ISES taper gauge, under the noseband on the front of the nasal bone, whatever style you use (BHS).

How do I know if the bit is at the right height?

It should sit level and high enough to make a wrinkle at the corners of the lips (BHS).

Why does my horse shake its head when bridled?

A browband that is too short, a headpiece pressing on the ears, a poorly fitting bit or dental pain are common causes. Check fit, and book a dental check (see horse dental care). Head shaking can also have medical causes, so talk to your vet if it continues.

How should a running martingale fit?

About four fingers between the neck strap and the neck, with the rings reaching just under the throat, and rein stops on the reins (BHS).

Where should a cavesson noseband sit?

About two fingers' width below the projecting cheekbone (BHS).