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Step 1
Figure out what category of bridle fit your horse is in. Most English bridles come in pony, cob, horse and/or oversize. In general, pony size will fit a pony or small horse under 14.2 hands; cob will fit a small to medium sized horse or large pony (14.2 hands to 15 hands), horse will fit an average size horse (15 hands to 16.2 hands) and oversize will fit a larger horse or a draft horse (16.2 hands and up). If you have an especially large horse, like a draft breed, you may need to custom order a bridle large enough.
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Step 2
Decide what kind of bridle you need. Your bridle will mostly depend on the discipline you ride: dressage bridles are almost always simple black leather with padded nosebands, and many have a flash attachment that goes around the horses muzzle. Hunter bridles are various shades of brown leather and very minimal. A bridle for a horse that jumps can be similar to a hunter bridle, or it may have what's known as a "figure 8" noseband to keep the horse from sticking his tongue out. You also need to decide if you want a real leather bridle or something more care-friendly. There are plenty of synthetic bridles on the market that a long for the wear and easy to care for. Some even are made to look like real leather.
Price is also important. There's a large price range for English bridles, anywhere from 40-50 dollars to several hundred. Decide how much you're willing to spend and stick to it, but NEVER sacrifice quality for price. Your horse will pay for it in the end. -
Step 3
Find a well-known and reputable supplier of horse tack and equipment. If you are unsure of where to look, or don't know of a tack shop near you, check out popular companies online like Dover Saddlery, Smartpak or Country Supply. You want to make sure that you not only know what you're buying, but who you're doing business with. A reputable tack dealer is more likely to sell products made from quality materials.
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Step 4
Start browsing. Look at several bridles before making a decision. You may even end up trying a few before you find one that you like and that fits your horse. Many tack dealers will let you bring a bridle back if it doesn't fit right so long as it shows absolutely no wear.
When you're fitting a bridle, focus on four areas: the noseband (or caveson), the brow band, cheekpieces and the crown piece, as well the overall fit of the bridle.
The noseband should fit snugly and should sit on the bridge of the horse's nose. It should not impede the horse's ability to open his mouth/chew (unless it has a flash attachment or is a drop noseband, but even horse, the horse should be able to chew comfortably), nor should it pinch.
The cheekpieces should like flat against the horse's face and should not poke or pinch anywhere, especially around the eye.
The browband should lie evenly and softly over the horse's forehand. Check carefully that it does not pinch in at the base of the ear; this is a very common place to find poorly fitted tack.
The crownpiece should not cut into the horse's poll. It should rest comfortably and not focus pressure on any one point. There should be plenty of room around the base of the ear.
Also check the overall fit. Does the bridle look too small/too big? Is there excess leather anywhere? Do you have to adjust the bridle so much that it's on the last hole/first hole? Does the bridle compliment the shape of the horse's head? -
Step 5
When you've selected a bridle the you like and that seems to fit well, ride in it and watch your horse's reaction over the course of about a week. Your horse will be the best indicator of it's fit: if (s)he seems irritated or suddenly becomes fussy when you bridle, something about the fit may not be right.
