When looking at bridles, no doubt you have come across horse bridle measurements charts and wonder how it works. Asking yourself "how to measure a bridle for a horse?"
Look no further, we will show you how to understand these charts here and show you how to measure your horse.
While this task seems daunting at first, it is pretty easy, even for someone just starting out. Let's take a look!
READ MORE: Best Anatomical Bridle 2021
Standard Bridles Sizing Chart
All manufacturers will have a standard bridle sizing chart for their products. In most cases, they will display this on their website, but if they don’t, you can always ask them to show it to you.
This chart will include the bridles sizes available from that brand. The chart will list the different individual bridle parts and their measurements for each bridle size.
However, you will see different chart styles, some are quite simple. The most simple bridle sizing chart uses the height of the horse as a reference for the bridle size.
This is usually correct, but not as accurate as exact measurements. Other types of bridle size charts will put pictures of each piece with the measurement next to it.
We will stick to the first type we’ve mentioned here to get you started, a standard bridle chart for snaffle bridles.
|
Bridle Size |
Noseband |
Browband |
Crown and Cheeks (cheek to cheek) |
|
Cob |
24 - 27 |
16 |
34 - 41 |
|
Full |
25.5 - 29.5 |
17 |
36 - 44 |
|
Extra Full/Oversize |
27 - 31 |
18 |
40 - 48 |
The above chart is from Solo Equine and is an example of one type you will see. It is in inches.
How To Use The Chart
When you first look at a bridle size chart, it is a little confusing. However, once you understand what you’re looking at, it’s easy.
We will help explain how to use the chart here. Before you look at each chart, check to see if it is in inches or centimeters.
Next to each bridle part, you will see two numbers. The smaller number is the smallest size that that part adjusts to. The larger number is the largest size that that part adjusts to.
For example, you see on the chart, in inches, for the noseband that it is 20 - 25. This means that on the smallest hole the noseband is 20 inches and on the largest hole it is 25 inches.
You then compare those numbers to the noseband measurement you took. So if your horse’s noseband size is 22 inches, that noseband will fit him.
Look at the chart to see what that measurement falls under, such as a pony, cob, full, or extra full. Go on to compare each part with the measurements you have for your horse with the chart.
If they all fall within the range on the chart for one size, then that is what your horse needs. Sometimes, you might notice that one part of the bridle will not fit your horse.
This means you might have to go up or down a size, look for a different brand, or buy the pieces individually (if this is an option).
Check out this video to learn about the size of a cob bridle.
Measuring A Horse for a Bridle
There are two ways you can find out what size bridle you need.
One is to ask someone if you can borrow their bridle, that is if you think the size will fit your horse.
You can simply try it on your horse and get an idea if your horse will suit the same size.
Keep in mind, different brands size their bridle differently, just like clothes for people.
The most accurate way to for measuring a horse for a bridle is to take the exact measurements. This way, when you are shopping for a new bridle, you can compare your measurements to the manufacturer’s size chart.
To find the size of your bridle, you will need a soft measuring tape. The type that seamstresses use is perfect. You will also need a notebook and pen to jot down each measurement.
Make sure your flexible measuring tape has both inches and centimeters. Take note of both, as some manufacturers are European, and their size chart often uses metric system measurements.
How To Measure Your Horse For A Bridle
Start by measuring the main part of the bridle. This is the crown and the cheekpieces. To do this put one end of the tape at the corner of the horse’s mouth, where the bit goes.
Bring the tape up the side of the horse’s face, passing just below the cheekbones. Then put the tape over the poll, where the bridle’s crownpiece will sit and back down the other side of the face.
Take care to make sure you pass it down over the same area of the face as the other side. Bring it to the corner of the mouth and note the centimeter and inch number.
Next measure for the browband. Put the end of the tape at the back, outer edge of the ear, and bring the tape across the forehead to the opposite ear’s back, outer edge.
Now measure for the noseband size. Place the tape about one inch below the end of the cheekbone. Then wrap it around the nose, following the same area that a noseband goes.
Finally, you need to get the throatlatch size. Put one end of the measuring tape at the back of the horse’s ear. Then bring the tape under the horse’s face, following the throat area and up to the back of the opposite ear.
If you like to see things visually take a look at this video that shows you how to measure your horse for a bridle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKjPlnKgUPQ
Also check: How to Fit a PS of Sweden Bridle
Bridle Sizes
Most bridles come in three sizes, pony, cob, and full. However, some brands make other sizes such as small pony (shetland), and extra full or oversize.
Bridle Size For Different Breeds
Some horse breeds have specific facial characteristics that make finding a standard bridle to fit a bit tricky. A shetland pony or miniature horse will need a mini size bridle, while a large draft horse will need an extra, extra-large.
Some breeds such as the Arabian and Warmblood will often have a wide forehead and a small nose. This means that they don’t fit into a standard bridle size.
You might have to choose a brand that allows you to put the bridle together piece by piece base on your measurements.
Different Types Of Bridles
There are different types of bridles. Standard English snaffle bridles are not the only type of bridle. Equestrians in the various disciplines use a bridle that suits their activity.
A dressage horse competing at a high level will use a double bridle. These bridles will use a crank noseband and have extra cheekpieces to accommodate both bits.
However, the same rules apply when measuring. You will always measure the same areas of the horse’s face, regardless of the bridle type.
Measure Your Horse For a Bit
If you are getting a bridle, you will also need a bit, unless you are buying a bitless bridle.
Correct bit fit is an art, but there are some basics you can and need to get right.
The main thing to know is the bit size your horse needs.
A bit that is too large will move around too much in the horse’s mouth. It can place the bit joint in the wrong place and also damage the teeth.
If the bit is too small, it will pinch the horse’s mouth. Both of these scenarios are uncomfortable for the horse and can even lead to behavioral problems.
There are two ways you can measure for your horse bit. The first one is to use a bit that you know fits your horse. To do this, you will need a soft measuring tape, the same type you use for measuring a bridle.
Lay the bit out on a flat surface. Then place the end of the tape at the inside edge of the bit ring. Bring the tape across the bit to the opposite side, ending at the inside of the other ring.
Most bits, unless particularly small or large will fall within the 4 to 6-inch range. If you don’t have a bit to use as a guide, you can use string.
Baling twine is a good option. Use a fairly long piece, about 12 inches long. Tie a large knot on one side. Then pull the string through the horse’s mouth, making sure the knot stops it from going into the mouth.
With a piece of tape or a marker, mark the spot where the string comes out on the other side, just outside the lips. Remove the string and lay it out straight on a flat surface.
Take your soft measuring tape and measure from the knot to the mark. This will give you the size for the bit.
Check the video below for demonstration.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcVUmosFD14
Conclusion
Finding the right size bridle is pretty simple unless you have a horse that needs a mix and match type of fit.
Even though bridle measurement charts look a little confusing at first glance, they are actually easy to read, once you know how.
If you are still unsure on how to know if the bridle is the right size, don’t be afraid to ask a more experienced person for some help.
This helper can also make sure all the adjustments are correct and the bit sits in the right place.
Resources
- GiddiupDeb. “Measuring a Horse for a Bridle.” Horse Lover’s Math, 21 Aug. 2014, www.horseloversmath.com/measureahorseforbridle/. Accessed 1 July 2021.
- “How to Measure for a Horse Bit.” The Spruce Pets, www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-measure-the-mouthpiece-of-a-bit-1886062. Accessed 1 July 2021.
- “How to Measure Your Horse for a New Solo Bridle.” Solo Equine, www.soloequine.com/blogs/news/how-to-measure-your-horse-for-a-new-solo-bridle. Accessed 1 July 2021.
- Kieffer Snaffle Bridle Size Chart.
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