English Bridle Fit too Tight?

The head has more nerve sensitivity than any other part of the body.

The nose/mouth/smell system of the horse is critical for obtaining and processing sensory information and hence has more nerves-to-pro-preceptor ratio than any other place in the body. In other words, as discomfort and pain increase, the horse is less likely to be able to think, breathe, and perform.

Horses were never designed to wear bridles, but they do seem to adapt to our human creations. Head discomfort often goes unnoticed until a behavioral or physical problem shows up. Luckily though, head stress due to bridles is easy to fix.

In more than 30 years of assisting with performance horses and riders, I find it interesting to see how many horses have improved performance by simple bridle adjustments relieving stress on their heads. One of the most common behavioral problems due to head discomfort is a horse refusing to go forward. Simply loosening the nosebands on many of these athletes has instantly solved the problem. I have witnessed Grand Pix Jumpers on both coasts performing in improper headgear, start refusing to jump or start pulling rails down behind due to improperly fitting bits, nosebands, or other bridle gear. With a few minor adjustments, they have gone on to win. All we did was remove the painful bit/noseband/head pulley system and substitute it for a loose, well-fitted headpiece that allowed communication and freedom from discomfort. The same is true for the dressage horses; by loosening their nosebands, not only could they breathe better, but their strides lengthened and their scores improved.

Pressure Point Checkup (#2)

Facial nerves and circulation can be damaged by bridles that fit too tightly, rub or pinch the horse's head. The caudal auricular nerve and the Auriculo-palpbral branch of the facial nerve can be pinched or irritated by the browband and headstall of a bridle that is too tight or bad fitting. Sensitive circulatory veins and arteries as well as the nasal bone can be damaged by nosebands that are too tight.

All parts of the horse's head should easily move when wearing a bridle so that muscles of the ears, jaw, lips, and nose are not restricted. Tension or restriction in the head can lead to teeth grinding, biting the tongue, tension in the poll and neck, restricted movement, headaches, restricted breathing, and smell, as well as general discomfort and distraction. Horses occupied by pain do not think or perform well.

Nosebands

Nosebands were designed to hold the horse's jaw closed while galloping across a battlefield so it would not bite its tongue off with the extra weight of a rider pounding down on it. The noseband serves little use today other than to cause discomfort for horses and look nice.

a. Nosebands should not rub, press or irritate sensitive protruding skull bones. 

b. Nosebands should be worn loose enough to allow a hand width between the noseband and the horse. 

c. Nosebands should not pinch sensitive skin or press on the circulatory system or nerves. Check the head chart to see if you cannot observe your horse's head adequately. 

Browbands

Browbands

Browbands should not rub or press on sensitive protruding skull bones or on muscles. Ears should be able to move easily and not have pressure on muscles. 

Cheek pieces

Cheek pieces should not rub or press on protruding skull bones.

 Headstalls

Headstalls that are too narrow, too wide or too tight can all cause discomfort.

Bits

Not all horses fit all bits. Those with very sensitive thin lips often have difficulty wearing any bit. Thick, short-lipped horses also have difficulty with fitting bits. If a horse opens its mouth with a bit, it is usually not comfortable. Putting a tight noseband on the horse to keep its mouth closed? is not the answer. Finding a comfortable bit or using a Bitless Bridle is the right answer.

If you care about horses, petition your own discipline's regulatory organization to not allow damaging headgear.

Mary Ann Simonds is an equine ecologist, horse behaviorist and natural health consultant. She is the originator of Enlightened Horsemanship(tm) and Enchanted Riding(tm). She can be reached at Enchantedkinship@yahoo.com, maryann@maryannsimonds.com 

Holistic Horse Your guide to natural horse health.