How to Bridle a Horse

The bridle consists of a series of straps that go around the horses head. It may include a metal or rubber mouthpiece, called a "bit," that you place in the horse's mouth. Put on a bridle while preparing your horse to ride.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the halter, if one is on the horse. Using a halter with a bridle may prevent proper functioning of the bridle.

2. Stand facing the front of the horse at the left side. You may place your shoulder at the horse jowls. The bridle should be in your left hand. Place your right hand under the horse's neck and on the right side of the horse.

3. Hold the horse's head with the right hand. Slide the top of the bridle up the horse's muzzle and toward the ears with the left hand. This serves as the horse's signal that the bit is coming.

4. When the bit is about level with the horse's mouth, place it gently against its lips or front teeth. You may need to coax reluctant horses to take the bit by placing your fingers in the soft corners of the horses mouth. Once the horse accepts, the bit moves back into the soft area where there are no teeth.

5. Finish fitting the bridle by placing the horse's ears and forelock into the proper area at the top of the bridle. Place the chin strap under the horses chin and buckle the strap by their jugular area.

Tips & Warnings

• There should be 1 to 2 fingers spaces between the horse's face and all the straps, with the exception of the jugular strap, which can be a little looser.
• Be careful with reluctant bridlers. If the horse has trouble accepting the bit, there's a chance that its tongue may end in the wrong place within the bit, causing pain and spooking the animal.