Bridles

Horse Bridles & Bridle Components

The bridle is a foundational part of your horse tack. Riders use this piece of equipment to communicate with the horse while in the saddle - making it arguably the most important category of tack after well-fitted saddles and saddle accessories. Horse bridles are comprised of several parts that can be adjusted to your steed’s anatomy for a secure fit that allows you to effectively tell her what you want her to do. Components of a bridle include:

  • Crown piece - The main piece that fits over the head and around the ears
  • Cheek pieces - Straps that connect the crown piece to the bit
  • Bit - A rigid or semi-rigid piece that goes inside the horse’s mouth and transfers pressure from the reins to tell the horse how to move
  • Throatlatch - Runs from horse’s right ear and under the throat to attach at the left side of the jaw and prevents bridle slippage
  • Browband - Lies across the horse’s forehead, connecting crown pieces and preventing the bridle from sliding behind the poll
  • Noseband - Holds bit in place
  • Reins - Long, narrow straps attached to the bit that the rider uses to communicate with the horse

Bitless Bridles, Complete Bridle Sets & More

Find a wide variety of high-quality bridles at Carolina Tack Supply. We carry snaffle bridles - which are the most common, especially for English riders - as well as fox hunting, figure-eight, double and hackamore bridles, aka bitless bridles. Browse rugged leather bridles, colorful nylon bridles and easy-to-adjust rope bridles, all with durable metal hardware. Many selections include reins and bits in complete sets that are ready to ride. We’re proud to feature bridle brands you trust, like Showman, with many options crafted right here in the U.S.

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