How to Put Together a Horse Bridle

Learn how to assemble a bridle and the necessary components for a horse bridle. You will learn the simple steps required in order to assemble this piece of horse tack in order to ride your horse with the proper amount of control.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A leather or nylon headstall.
• Hardware including buckles and a bit.
• Reins

1. You initially will need to purchase all the components that will make up your bridle. The first component with be the headstall. The headstall should be made of leather or nylon depending on your intended use. A leather headstall will require some extra attention as far as oiling it on a regular basis. Initially costing more the leather will last longer in the long run. After use you can just wipe off the leather with a cloth to keep it in good condition. While as a nylon headstall may stretch with time and you may not be able to keep it looking as new as the leather variety. Both choices will come equipped with hardware to include buckles for adjusting to size to the horse. The headstall will also come equipped with either one or two places for the horses ears.

2. Next you will need to attach your headstall to a bit. In the matter of bit selection it is best to make that decision specifically to the horse. A horse with a soft mouth you may want to use a hackamore as where a horse with a tough mouth you may want to use some sort of high port. The bit will attach to the lower buckles located either long strap. You want to be sure that the longer portion of the shanks (portions of the bit that do not go into the horses mouth) are pointed down towards the ground. The holes located in those will be used in the next step for attaching your reins.

3. Once the bit is attached you will need to then attach your reins. There are many styles of reins available but most will come with a simple clip that will attach directly to metal loops at the bottom of your bit. Be sure when riding that both sides of your reins are even, so there is an even force being used across the horses mouth rather than concentrated pulling on one side.

4. Lastly you will put the newly assembled bridle on your horse. Be sure that when inserting the bit into the horses mouth that it is done in a gentle manner and that the bit is over the horses tongue. You can also do research on the type of bit that would work best for your horse and you.

Tips & Warnings

• While inserting the bit into the horses mouth a trick is to stick your finger in the corner of his mouth and that will make him slightly open his mouth.
• You also need to be sure that your horse is not completely uncomfortable with the tightness of the bridle. The bit should not be gagging the horse, it should not be uncomfortable. It should just so the horse is making a slight smile.
• Riding horses is a dangerous sport and should only be tried with the assistance of a trained professional.

[JuliesWorld]

on 12/4/2008 I always thought this was impossible to know for some reason but you obviously do. Thanks for the info.

[ibooks]

on 12/4/2008 Very useful information and nice picture.

[veryirie]

on 12/4/2008 Good, helpful info on how to put together a horse bridle. Thanks!