Parts of the bridle and vocabulary
A bridle consists of a headpiece, which runs behind the ears, and a browband. The cheekpieces run down each side and carry the bit. The noseband circles the nose; the throatlash buckles under the jaw. Measure headpiece and noseband, refer to the table above, then to the horse size guide.
Table: which bridle for which use
The collection has eight snaffle bridles with a single bit and one double bridle, Cadence. All are cowhide leather, with throatlash and noseband adjustable on both sides. Our bridles run slightly small: when in doubt, take the size above. An exchange is possible subject to stock, at the buyer's cost.
| Model | Headpiece and noseband | Recommended use | Sizes and engraving |
|---|---|---|---|
 Basel bridle | Wave-shaped anatomical headpiece, wide padded noseband, removable flash strap. | All-round: dressage, show jumping, leisure. | Pony, Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 New Soul bridle | Anatomical headpiece, padded noseband, fully removable flash strap, cream stitching. | Everyday all-round use. | Cob, Full per product page. Engraved nameplate. |
 Shambord bridle | Anatomical headpiece, wide padded noseband, press-stud browband. | Everyday use, sensitive ears. | Pony, Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 Clinsher bridle | Anatomical headpiece, padded noseband, stapled silver clinchers. | Everyday use with a clincher finish. | Pony, Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 Zurich bridle | Padded anatomical headpiece, patent pull-back noseband, removable flash strap. | Competition and presentation. | Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 Astra bridle | Wave-shaped anatomical headpiece, hybrid noseband, removable flash strap, mini crystals. | Competition and presentation; may run small. | Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 Mont Blanc bridle | Wave-shaped bridge headpiece, offset U-shaped noseband. | Flatwork, dressage, particular head shapes. | Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 Cadence double bridle | Double bridle with two bits, anatomical headpiece, patent pull-back noseband, press-stud browband. | Dressage in a double bridle, experienced rider. | Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
 Exclusif bridle | Padded headpiece and noseband, classic construction, cream stitching. | Classic references; final stock. | Pony, Cob, Full. Engraved nameplate. |
Flat snaffle bridle vs western bridle: what difference when choosing
A flat snaffle bridle, the classic English bridle, pairs a headpiece running behind both ears with a noseband. A western bridle is usually recognised by the absence of a noseband and by its one-ear headstall. Smart Wag does not sell one; the article on the western bridle details that construction.
Compare the headpiece first, then the noseband and the sizes. The guide to choosing a bridle explains where to measure each part before ordering.
Anatomical bridle: when to prefer it over a classic model
An anatomical headpiece curves around the base of the ears to spread pressure over the poll. Mont Blanc goes further with a bridge headpiece. The bearing area moves onto the brachiocephalic muscles, with no pressure on the top of the poll. This anatomical horse bridle suits certain head shapes or conditions that call for clearance of the first cervical vertebrae.
The Exclusif bridle keeps a classic construction, padded headpiece and noseband, and is now final stock. The article on whether an anatomical headpiece is better helps you decide from your horse's head.
Engraved nameplate: one line with your name
Every bridle takes a personalisable engraved nameplate of 60 × 8 mm. It holds one line of 30 characters, in serif or script font. Engraving is free when the product page says so. The engraving guide lists characters, fonts and lead times.
Trade orders and non-standard sizes
Non-standard size or a yard order from 10 items: see the Smart Wag trade offer or contact the workshop.
Frequently asked questions about horse bridles
What is the difference between a snaffle bridle and a double bridle?
A snaffle bridle carries a single bit and one pair of reins. It covers most uses, from daily schooling to competition. A double bridle combines two bits and two pairs of reins for finer contact. At Smart Wag, only Cadence is a double bridle, reserved for dressage with an experienced rider.
What are the main parts of a bridle?
A bridle includes the headpiece, the browband, the cheekpieces that carry the bit, the noseband and the throatlash. Our bridles pair with Slip reins.