A Western horse bridle is a bit different than an English or Australian-style bridle. It has a bit of extra flair with its design and buckles. So when shopping for a new bridle, it’s important to consider both its functionality and aesthetics. If you’ve ever tried to put a too-big bridle on your horse, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge. A Western bridle should fit snugly and comfortably without any room for error. There are a few ways you can tell if the bridle you’re eyeing isn’t going to be the right size for your horse - let’s take a look at each type and see how you can tell if it’s the right fit for you!
Headstall Buckles
The first thing to look for when trying on a bridle is the size of the headstall buckles. You want to make sure that they’re not too big or too small, as these buckles can make or break the overall look of the bridle. If the buckles are too big, they can get in the way when you’re trying to adjust the bridle. If the buckles are too small, they can be difficult to adjust. A good rule of thumb when trying on a bridle is to make sure that the headstall buckles are about the same size as your belt buckle. If they’re too small, they’ll be difficult to adjust and they’ll also be more difficult to clean.
Leather Straps
You might notice that some bridles have leather straps instead of metal ones. While this is completely up to personal preference, metal-strapped bridles are much more common. If you’re shopping for a leather bridle, however, you need to make sure that it fits snugly. If the leather straps are too loose, they can get in the way and make it difficult to adjust the bridle. A bridle that is too tight can cause sores and irritation on your horse’s skin. The best way to tell if a leather bridle is the right size is by measuring the distance between the bit and the crown of the bridle.
Crown Bar
The crown of the bridle is the wide piece of metal that goes across the top of the headstall. It’s usually made of either nickel or brass. If the bridle you’re eyeing has a crown bar that is too thick, it can be difficult to put on and off and can cause sores on your horse’s skin. If the crown bar is too thin, it won’t offer much support, so you might want to look for something with a thicker crown.
Bridle Bar
The bridle bar is the part of the bridle that goes around the horse’s neck. It’s usually made of either metal or leather, and it connects the bridle to the headstall. If the bridle bar is too thin, it can be too tight around the horse’s neck and can cause sores or irritation. If the bridle bar is too thick, it can be difficult to adjust the bridle and it can make it difficult to clean.
Conclusion
A Western horse bridle is a bit different than an English or Australian-style bridle. It has a bit of extra flair with its design and buckles. So when shopping for a new bridle, it’s important to consider both its functionality and aesthetics. If you’ve ever tried to put a too-big bridle on your horse, you know that it can be a bit of a challenge. A Western bridle should fit snugly and comfortably without any room for error. There are a few ways you can tell if the bridle you’re eyeing isn’t going to be the right size for your horse - let’s take a look at each type and see how you can tell if it’s the right fit for you!