Bridles, Can They Affect Your Horse’s Performance

Getting the best performance out of your horse is understood better than ever by modern horse owners, as well as fed and watered he needs to be comfortable in his work which means his tack must also not irritate, rub or cause undue pressure. The market today has many products available that are designed with the comfort of your horse in mind and to minimise the restrictive effects of horse tack. Saddles are focused on particularly when there is a drop in an equines performance but it is worth taking into account other items such as the bridle. This essential piece of equipment is frequently overlooked when problems start to develop.

Both the bridle and bit are two  items that can effect the horse and his way of going. When a problem is encountered it is common to check the horse’s teeth for sharp points which may be causing discomfort, it is less common to find out if the bridle or bit are the problem. A primary tool for connecting with your horse is his bridle and it works by taking advantage of the sensitive areas around the mouth, nose and poll. If there is any pain or discomfort from the bridle or bit, or even if it is just restricting the movement of the jaw, head and consequently the neck then it would be reasonable to assume that this will probably have an impact on the horse and his way of going.

The horse must he flexible through the poll, neck and back if he is to perform the activities asked of him when ridden.  This is regardless of the discipline, whether it be cross-country, jumping or dressage. Some manufacturers have investigated the possibility that the bridle could restrict the horse in this area due to the design that has been used for hundreds of years. Standard bridles can be pulled forward onto the base of the ears, causing rubbing and becoming uncomfortable and even perhaps preventing flexion at the poll. Also the style or positioning of the bit can be the cause tension in the jaw resulting in the horse resisting the rider or not settling into his work. Neither of these traits will enhance the ability to improve the horse’s performance. Elevator bridles are a relatively new concept that has been designed with the horse’s comfort in mind.  The Elevator Bridle has a special padded design and actually prevents the bridle from pulling forward onto the horse’s ears. It is also designed to reduce the bulk underneath the headpiece by passing the noseband slip head over the top of the headpiece.  Effectively on the Elevator Bridle there is a broad piece of leather with the narrower slip head on top going over the poll rather than the traditional design where the narrow leather sits underneath the broader head piece band. With the Elevator Bridle giving greater comfort to your horse this will enable the horse to be more  relaxed and allow him to work in a more natural outline.

Many other factors affect the a horses way of going but as every horse owner is aware eliminating any discomfort can only be of benefit to performance and attitude to work. The Elevator Bridle is certainly work consideration to provide your equine with every opportunity of improvement without pain.

The Equine Store has loads of great quality products for horse and rider, including quality English leather bridles in standard sizes or made to measure. Please visit the shop at www.equine-store.com