9-23-16 Snafflebridle

How to Adjust a Snaffle Bridle

9-23-16 Snafflebridle

For safety, proper function and your horses comfort you want to make sure your bridle is adjusted properly regardless of the type bit you’re using.

Because we often start our colts in a snaffle it’s important that their first experiences with training be safe, straight-forward and easy for them to understand. Since each part of the bridle http://bit.ly/2d4vmCw works in conjunction with every other part it needs to be the right size and adjusted well. If it’s not it will throw your cues off and cause confusion, discomfort and possibly fear in your horse. Make it easy on your colts and horses: follow along with the video to make sure you’re adjusting your snaffle bridle correctly!

Guidelines for correctly adjusting your bridle:

1. A snaffle http://bit.ly/2cpgfAI should be snug against the corners of the horse’s mouth. It shouldn’t be so tight that it causes wrinkles or so loose that it hangs below the corners of the mouth where it can bump the teeth. When fitting a bridle begin by adjusting the cheek piece buckle(s) so the bit rests loosely in the mouth. Tighten the buckle one hole at a time (if you have buckles on each side tighten them evenly) until the snaffle is positioned correctly and is level in the mouth.

2. The browband must be the right length to comfortably hold the cheek pieces in position. If it’s too tight it will pull the cheek pieces forward into the base of the ears. If it’s too loose the cheek pieces and crown piece will slide backward causing the snaffle to be pulled higher in the mouth. Both situations are uncomfortable for the horse and may be unsafe. Most browbands are not adjustable so you’ll want to purchase a headstall that is built to fit correctly.

3. The throatlatch holds the cheek pieces on the face if a horse tries to rub the bridle off. It should be adjusted so you can easily slip your hand between it and the horse’s cheeks. If it’s too tight it may constrict breathing. If it’s too loose the bridle can be rubbed off even if the throat latch is buckled.

4. The curb http://bit.ly/2dkWTPp or chin strap on a snaffle bit is attached to each snaffle ring between the mouthpiece and rein. The curb on a snaffle will not touch the chin. On a snaffle the curb helps to keep the snaffle rings from being pulled through the horse’s mouth when turning or doubling but it does not function to stop the horse. It should hang loosely.

5. If you use a martingale http://bit.ly/2cPagLY with your snaffle bridle it’s a good idea to put rein stops on your reins. Rein stops http://bit.ly/2d0uyN0 are attached by sliding them on. Position them just behind the rein ends or water loops. These will prevent the rings on the martingale from accidentally getting caught on the rein ends. When this happens the horse can’t escape from the extra pressure on the bit and may panic and rear.

Dennis Moreland handmade headstalls http://bit.ly/2cx4883 and bridles http://bit.ly/2d4vmCw are designed with closely spaced adjustment holes to allow very minor adjustments. The buckles are secured in place by extra stitches hand sewn just below the buckle. All are made with the finest quality leather and stainless steel hardware. They are built to fit a variety of breeds and sizes of horses. For more information please call 817-312-5305 or email [email protected].

We’re a full line manufacturer of handmade tack and we’re here to help you!

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