Head start

Research is proving that bridle pressure can inhibit a horse’s performance, but what’s key to a perfect fit? Dr Rachel Murray MRCVS explains

- Dr Rachel Murray MRCVS

RECENT developments in technology are enabling us to understand more about the effects of the bridle. Investigations using under-bridle pressure mats are revealing that bridle design and fit can significantly affect a horse’s movement pattern – and therefore his ability to perform.

The nature of equine anatomy means that certain areas of the head are vulnerable to pressure. The better the design and fit of the bridle, the lower the pressure in these areas and the fewer the locations where pressure points can be seen.

At the sites where pressure does occur, this is unlikely to be continuous and will vary depending on the point in the stride. Additionally, depending on the position of the horse’s head, the location of maximal pressure can vary.

When a horse’s head is more vertical, for example, greater pressure tends to occur at the top edge of the noseband (nearest the eyes). Pressure is more likely to occur under the bottom edge when the head is more horizontal.

Pressures are usually higher during faster paces, or when movement is more extravagant, meaning that good bridle fit and design are especially important for the performance horse. However, pressure points can occur with any horse, whatever his job, so the bridle must be fitted and checked as carefully as the saddle.

VITAL ADJUSTMENTS

THE more stable a bridle is on a horse’s head, the less likely he is to experience pressure points at the front and back of the headpiece, or rubs at the corners of his mouth as the bit moves.