The use of a properly fitting bridle affects a horse’s movement, according to various scientific studies. This influence extends all the way to the horse’s hindquarters.
Details increasingly make the difference in equestrian performance. To make a difference, they are conducting more thorough research into what influences horse performance. This means that external influences are being examined more frequently. The bridle is actually a crucial component in horseback riding, but has received relatively little attention until now. Especially compared to the development of saddles, for example.
Bridle fit is more important than previously thought
Recent research shows that the fit and design of the bridle has a much greater effect on the horse’s biomechanics than previously thought.
Researchers have placed pressure sensors under different parts of a bridle. This has led to interesting discoveries. Until recently, it was assumed that the headpiece mainly put pressure on the horse’s head near the Atlas (C1) vertebra. The Atlas is the first cervical vertebra of a horse and connects the spine to the skull; it “carries” the horse’s head, so to speak. It is therefore an important attachment point for joints, muscles, and nerves. An anatomically shaped headpiece is therefore not a luxury.
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Pressure on the horse's head affects movement in multiple areas
But the surprise comes from the high peak in pressure sensor readings at the base of the ears, in the region where the browband attaches to the bridle. This is where the temporomandibular joint, the TMJ, is located.
The TMJ includes the joint between the upper and lower jaw. These joints are used to open and close the mouth (jaw joints), they are important for the swallowing reflex, and they are connected to the hyoid bone.
The hyoid bone, tongue, and jaw joint have a significant influence on the movement of the foreleg because these muscles are interconnected. The pressure from a bridle can thus influence movement in this way.
They verified this by placing markers on specific joints on the outside of the horse so that differences in movement could be measured. Indeed, an increased range of motion was observed when pressure was removed from those specific zones on the horse’s head.
The influence of a noseband on movement
Another study has shown that nosebands, like headpieces, can exert significant pressure and thereby influence the horse’s movement. The maximum pressure from a noseband is located on the sides of the nasal bone.
The high noseband, which is most commonly used, exerts considerable pressure at its lower edge, which is associated with reduced movement when it’s too tight or incorrectly positioned.
Interesting detail: the much-maligned Mexican noseband, when not overtightened of course, actually creates the least pressure. This is because the pressure point is on top of the nasal bone and not on the side, where it is thicker. It also sits above the main artery and other veins that run there, thus less likely to constrict tissue.
Riding without a noseband then?
You might think that riding without a noseband would be the solution, but the opposite is true. A noseband actually provides stability to the bridle and bit. The same research has shown that horses move more stably with a noseband than without one.
According to researchers, if a horse moves unstably, it will constantly seek stability, which can cause symmetry and performance loss. Therefore, using a noseband to improve the stability of the bit and bridle position would have a positive influence on movement.
Like the headpiece, the noseband thus affects a horse’s movement. Horses restricted by a poorly fitting bridle may compensate in their movement or bend at the C2-C3 vertebrae, creating a false bend that can cause incorrect wear on the cervical vertebrae. Just as it was already clear that overtight girths and poorly fitting saddles affect movement, poorly fitting bridles do too.
Anatomically fitting bridle is more important than thought
In short, a properly fitting bridle is more important for your horse’s welfare and performance than you might think, because several muscles that are crucial for whole-body movement are attached to the head.
An anatomically shaped, well-fitted bridle can positively influence your horse’s performance. A properly fitting saddle is important, but a properly fitting bridle and, not to forget, a properly fitting bit are equally important.
