The benefits of a well-fitted bridle is generally overlooked for the cheapest bridle.
At Equi Boutique, we believe that the holistic fitting of a horse's tack is of utmost importance. We focus on bit fitting, bridle fitting, and girth fitting. While we do not offer saddle fittings, we collaborate with trusted professionals to assist in that area.
Today’s topic will be focussing on bridles. We generally see that the benefits of a well-fitted bridle are often dismissed in favour of the cheapest bridle.
There are at least 12 nerves in a horse’s face that can be affected by a poorly fitted bridle. Each horse’s head anatomy is unique, with differences in nerve pathways and bone structure. While many riders today understand the importance of choosing the correct bit and addressing discomfort/pain with the use of a vet- there is still not enough public awareness around the importance of a well-fitted bridle and how an ill-fitting bridle can lead to pain and damage
Is your horse presenting any of the following symptoms?
• Head shaking
• Excessive sweating behind the ears
• Tension when being bridled
• Tightness in the poll and neck
• Sore TMJ
• Obvious resistance to the bit
• Reluctance to move into the bridle or stretch over a fence
• Heavier in one rein compared to the other
These are all signs of discomfort caused by pressure points.
The following symptoms may indicate nerve irritation, which can lead to long-term nerve damage:
• Rubbing their face against their legs while riding
• Rubbing against objects immediately after dismounting
Should these issues not be addressed you can land up with a horse being dangerous to ride, develop avoidance behaviour, becomes negative towards riding or even develops skeletal spurs.
At Equi Boutique we have curated our bridle collection in such a way that we have a solution for every horse. We stock Utzon Equestrian, Dy’on, Finesse Bridles and our own bridles that we have developed.
Utzon Equestrian bridles Clinically proven to reduce pressure and tension in the neck area
90 % experienced a less tense horse
82 % said their horse appeared happier
78 % felt that their horse was more willing to work
* Independent user trials 2024. Results based on a 100 equipage study, over 8 weeks
FinesseBridles®
A study conducted by Stud.med.vet Katja Gabara, Emilie Gertz, and Dr. Adrian Harrison on 12 Icelandic horses demonstrated that all horses exhibited significantly more free movement throughout their bodies when wearing FinesseBridles® compared to standard bridles.
This is significant because, when working with a FinesseBridle®, horses do not suffer the same number of ‘pain-strikes’—defined as muscle overloads during work. The study examined not only the muscles associated with the neckpiece but also the myofascial lines that affect the horse’s overall movement from the base of the skull to the hindlimbs, specifically m. Splenius and m. Brachiocephalicus.
An article detailing the benefits of FinesseBridles® was published in the OJVM in 2020, a well-regarded scientific journal that features advanced and innovative research from scientists and veterinarians globally.
Finesse bridles will be launched in January 2026!!
