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     A bridle is one of the basic pieces of equipment for riding a horse.  A bridle is a means of controlling the horse. 

      The bridle has a headpiece and adjustable cheek pieces to which the bit is attached.  A throatlatch so that the headpiece does not slip forward over the ears and a brow band to help it from slipping down the neck.  There could also be a noseband.  Most bridles are made of leather.  Some are made of synthetic fiber such as nylon.  The more expensive ones can be of horsehair.  They can be braided, have lots of decorations, such as silver inlaid.    Bridles can be plain or fancy depending on the rider or the event.  A bridle will usually have a bit attached and reins.

     The simplest means of controlling a horse is by means of a snaffle bit.  There are many different kinds of snaffle bits.  One is the  un-jointed type which acts on the bars of the mouth, that is the portion of the lower gums where there are no teeth.  Another one is the jointed snaffle.  It is more severe because it exerts pressure on the corners of the mouth as well.  The choice of a bit depends very much on the horse and it may be necessary to try a number of different bits until you find the one that fits the horse best.  

     There are three pieces to a bit.  The purchase is the part of the bit above the mouthpiece.  This affects both the timing and the leverage of the bit.   The shank is the part of the bit below the mouthpiece.  It will give you leverage on the mouthpiece.  The shorter the shank, the less control, the longer the shank the more control.  The cheeks are the sides of the bit, that includes both purchase and shank.   There are different metals used in the mouthpieces.  Copper causes a horse's mouth to salivate.  This allows the horse's mouth  to stay soft and useable to the rider.  Sweet iron is intended to rust  It has a sweet taste to enhance the salivation.  Stainless steel has very little taste and creates the least salivation.  It has a clean, neat look.

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