Bridles from various manufacturers will fit your horse differently, and your horse's own conformation may make one bridle more comfortable than another. Here are some considerations to bear in mind as you measure for and choose a bridle.
- Snaffle bridles are available in four main sizes: pony, cob, full, and oversize. If you’re unsure of your horse’s size, you can estimate based on your horse’s halter size. For example, if he fits perfectly into a full or regular-sized halter, he will probably fit a full-sized bridle. To shop our entire selection of English bridles online, click here.
Another alternative is to borrow a bridle to try on your horse and choose your new bridle depending on how the borrowed one fits. For example, if you borrow a full-sized bridle and it is too big when adjusted, choose a cob-sized bridle. For help adjusting the bridle, refer to How to Adjust a Snaffle Bridle.
If neither method is an option, you can measure your horse for a bridle using a soft fabric measuring tape with inch increments, and compare your measurements to the bridle specifications.
Refer to the illustration for help identifying the bridle parts to measure.
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Crownpiece
Measure the length of crownpiece (with cheek pieces) you require. Measure from one corner of your horse’s mouth, over the poll, to the other corner of his mouth. -
Browband
Measure the length of browband you require. Measure from the back edge of the horse’s ear, around his forehead, to the back edge of the other ear. -
Noseband
Measure the length of noseband you require. Measure around your horse’s muzzle about one inch below his cheekbones. -
Throat Latch
Measure the length of throatlatch you require. Measure from the back of your horse’s ear, under his throat, to the back of his other ear.
Tip: Leather bridle parts may stretch slightly over time with use and conditioning. Factor possible slight stretching into your sizing decision so it won't become too big for your horse.
Note: Most bridles come with reins styled to match. Additional reins in brown, black, and different widths are sold separately. Consider these types:
- Traditional Laced Reins
- Plain Reins
- Web Reins
- Rubber Reins
Helpful Tips:
Bear in mind that some bridle manufacturers, particularly German and French makers, produce roomier bridles than others. The difference in size may mean that if your horse fits on the smaller end of full size, you may move down to a cob size. Conversely, if your horse is wavering between full and oversized, you can usually stick with a full size in a German or French made bridle.
Also, horses present challenges due to breed-specific conformation. Additional bridle pieces are available. For example, many Morgans have short faces that lead one to select a cob size bridle, but their wide foreheads require a full-sized browband. Likewise, Quarter Horses typically have foundation-type heads — wide at the top but narrow at the nose. This can make fitting a standard full or cob bridle challenging. Shop browbands and bridle parts individually to find what works best.
