The best anatomical bridles are designed – as the name suggests – with the horse’s anatomy in mind, similar to an anatomical girth. They should promote wellbeing, allow the horse to be more comfortable and move freely. Following on logically, a happier horse can and will perform better, so it’s wins all round.
Anatomical changes to traditional bridle design can include wider, padded and cutaway headpieces, padded, shaped nosebands and browbands and cheekpieces that sit slightly away from the face. Some designs also don’t have a throatlash, so when choosing a new bridle it’s worth browsing your governing body’s rulebook to check that your first choice complies.
How do anatomical bridles work?
The design seeks to avoid pressure in particular areas, such as on particular facial nerves, which is why anatomical bridles are shaped differently and sit in a different position on the head compared to a traditional bridle. Most anatomical bridles will have a wider, more padded and headpiece that is cut away to avoid pressure on the poll and ears.
This design aims to lead to a happier horse who is able to move more freely, which results in improved performance. Many horses respond really well to an anatomical bridle.
What’s the best anatomical bridle for my horse?
As with all tack, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best anatomical bridle for your horse. Where possible, it’s worth trialling a bridle before you buy either by hiring one or borrowing from a friend. If that’s not possible, do your research, read some reviews and use this guide to find out what’s on offer.
Best anatomical bridles
PS of Sweden Pioneer Bridle
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full
RRP: £213
Suitable for all affiliated competition, this PS of Sweden bridle is designed to increase pressure distribution across the head and avoid the sensitive pressure points of the face. It avoids the facial nerves, upper jaw and cheek bones, while the cheek pieces are kept away from the eyes and the jaw strap has extra padding for increased stability and comfort. This bridle is particularly recommended for young or inexperienced horses, or those who need extra support and stabilisation.
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk
Horseware Rambo Micklem Original Competition Bridle
Colours: Dark Havana or black
Sizes: Pony, small horse, standard horse or large horse
RRP: £179.95
Designed to comfortably fit the shape of the skull and avoid pressure on sensitive areas, this show quality Horseware bridle is made from hand finished leather with soft padding on the headpiece, browband, noseband and cheekpieces. It comes with tongue protection bit clips and two sets of bit straps. Reins not included. Check out other Micklem bridle options.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Collegiate ComFiTec Vogue Anatomical Bridle
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full
RRP: £99.99
Made from high quality European leather, this bridle has an anatomical and padded headpiece that is shaped around the ears to distribute pressure evenly and comfortably. The curved noseband is designed to bypass the sensitive facial nerves.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, equus.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Rhinegold Softee Padded Leather Pro-Anatomical Bridle
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full
RRP: £98.50
This super-soft leather bridle has a fully padded leather crown that is shaped around the ears for comfort. The noseband and browband are also padded, and it’s shaped around the cheekbones to eliminate pressure points. Reins included.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
PresTeq FaySport Bridle
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra-full
RRP: £179.95
This PresTeq bridle takes twelve anatomical points into account to remove unnecessary pressure or blockages, and offer optimum comfort to deliver maximum performance. It is made of vegetable tanned leather, which is gentle on the skin, durable and eco-friendly. The snap-fastener browband provided with the bridle is made of plain leather, but PresTeq Swarovski browbands are also available separately.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
Shires Velociti Ergonomic Curved Flash Bridle
Colours: Black or Havana
Sizes: Cob, full or extra-full
RRP: £114.99
This Shires bridle has a curved noseband that removes compression from the cheekbones, jaw and sensitive nerve endings, while the padded integrated noseband and flash strap give a greater spread of pressure to create a less restricted feeling.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Mackey Legend Athena Bridle
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Cob or full
RRP: £125
This bridle has a wide padded headpiece that has been cut away around the ears. The padded noseband has been designed to reduce pressure with a removable, wide-set flash strap. Reins are included and the headpiece is also available separately.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
QHP Sedna Bridle
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £97.95
Designed to avoid facial nerves and distribute pressure evenly, this QHP bridle has a gel-padded headpiece and noseband. The shape of the noseband ensures that the facial crest and facial nerve attachment are avoided, while the anatomical extra-wide headpiece avoids pressure on the ear muscles and distributes the remaining pressure. Reins are included.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk
Whitaker Chicago Anatomic Breathable Bridle
Colours: Black or light Havana
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP: £125
This Whitaker bridle features a wide, shaped headpiece and adjustable noseband with perforated leather padding that is specially engineered to be moisture wicking and breathable. The keepers are also lined with a special grip rubber to help them stay in place, while the buckles are backed with a small leather disc to avoid discomfort on the sensitive face area.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
You might also like:
The Micklem bridle: what you need to know
8 bitless bridles to consider if you’re thinking of making the switch
8 anatomical girths for freedom of movement and saddle stability
8 bridles with flash nosebands that you might like in your tack room
Tack cleaners and conditioners that will bring shine to any tack room
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