What is a horse bridle
From the outside, it seems that riding a horse is not so difficult, but the stage of harnessing the horses becomes an insurmountable barrier for many novice riders. The most important part of the harness is the horse's bridle, it is put on directly on the horse's head.
Horse bridle
Let us analyze what a bridle is in horses, which bridle is considered the most suitable, whether a rope halter can be used. You also need to figure out what are the main differences between the subspecies of bridles and what the concept of "halter for a horse" means.
What is a horse bridle
The horse bridle is the means by which the mare is controlled. Outwardly, the bridle can be compared to the muzzle that we are used to seeing on dogs. However, with horses, not everything is so simple: it is important to know which version of the bridle is best for which case and what is the difference between their structure.
The first thing to look out for is the bit. This is an iron piece that must be in the horse's mouth. It is the bit that allows you to turn in time, stop the horse, and also, if necessary, increase the speed of movement. Of course, the animal experiences some discomfort, because a foreign object gets in the way in the mouth. However, for a person, the process of controlling a horse is much easier.
In addition to the bit, the mandatory standard elements of the bridle are:
- straps that are located on the back of the head, chin and on both cheeks;
- capsule;
- forehead;
- reins.
The structure of the bridle
Let's figure out in more detail what is the structure of the bridle. The first part is the strap at the back of the head, it is needed so that the whole structure does not fly off the horse's head. The lower belts, located on the cheeks, or cheek belts, play the role of a connecting element, since they connect all the belts to each other, making the bridle a single device. The last chin strap has recently been abolished; it is almost impossible to find it in a new type of bridle. Previously, its function was to stabilize the product on the horse's head.
What is a capsule? The capsule is the mechanism that holds the bit in the animal's mouth. Naturally, the horse with all its might wants to get rid of the bits, which interfere with the normal swallowing of saliva and chewing, block the normal functioning of the tongue. So that she does not spit out the bit and a primer was invented. Its place is in the region of the nose of the animal.
The principles of the structure of the bridle
What is a forehead? This detail has more aesthetic value. Horse breeders make a beautiful decoration from a forehead, decorating it in every possible way with ribbons, sequins, stones and rhinestones, everything is limited only by a person's imagination.
The last part of the bridle is the reins. Everyone has ever seen how they look in a photo or video. These are 2 ropes or ribbons of the same length attached to the horse's bit.They can be bought ready-made in a specialized store or made by hand. It is with the help of the leash that the bit is set in motion and the horse performs the required actions.
Types of bridles
Several types of bridles have been developed so that each rider can choose the one that suits him, and will also correspond to the loads in which the horse is involved. We list the main types of bridles for horses and horses:
- mouthpiece;
- used for runs and walks;
- bridle western;
- a la cowboy, also used for bulls;
- snaffle;
- hackamor.
Snaffle
It's time to find out how this or that bridle model is different. Let's start with the most commonly used snaffle bridle. It contains all the basic elements. The only thing a rider can refuse is a capsule.
There is a significant difference between this type of bridle and the rest, because the standard bits are changed to bridles made of iron, rubber, they can also be plastic. It should be said that snaffle bridles should be used only by those who are confident in the saddle and confident in the behavior and character of their horse.
Mouthpiece bridle
The mouthpiece bridle is a kind of bit version, only in this case additional attachment parts are installed on the headband for one more bit and reins.
This method allows you to maintain maximum control over the horse, it is most often used at moments when the animal simply has no right to let down: at races or important public events.
Cowboy bridle
The cowboy bridle does not include the standard primer, bit and mouthpiece, while the standard set of 3 straps remains. Moreover, depending on how the neck strap will be made, cowboy bridles are usually divided into 2 subspecies:
- Slit, when in a thick belt, often of leather, 2 slits are made for horse ears.
- A belt that provides slots for each auricle, and the size must be removed from the horse so that the product does not cause discomfort during wear. It is quite possible to sew such a bridle on a horse yourself, following simple recommendations.
Walking bridle
In cities and small horse farms, you can most often find this type of harness. What is its advantage? Riders note that it is quite easy to use: if a long horse ride is supposed, the horse will definitely want to drink.
Having a walking bridle, it will not be difficult to water the horse. To do this, with the help of simple manipulations, the bit is taken from the horse's mouth, which gives him the opportunity to get drunk and rest without a bridle wearing. The horse bridle is a mixture between the standard bridle we talked about earlier and the halter.
Hakamor
This version of the bridle proposes to abandon the use of the usual iron bits, hakamor proposes to control the animal without using them. How, then, will the horse's behavior be controlled? Hakamor suggests that the control will be done by acting on the back of the head and chin of the horse.
For example, it is advisable to use such a bridle if the horse is injured in the oral cavity or has bad teeth. Such a product is made strictly according to individual sizes so that the mare is as comfortable as possible in it. Experienced horse breeders say that the correct bridle is a big half of the success in horse riding. This applies to both adults and foals.
Speaking about the choice and selection of a bridle for horses, you need to be guided not only by the appearance and price of the product. Everything must be done to make the animal comfortable. It is good if it is a new product, which will be made strictly according to individual measurements, taking into account all wishes and preferences.Fitting is strictly mandatory, and it should be done only when the horse is standing, while acting very carefully and not making sudden movements.
What is a halter
Earlier we mentioned in the article such a concept as a halter, now it's time to figure out what it is. This is a special device that serves as a secure hold when the horse is standing. For example, a halter will be useful when you need to wash a horse or take any medical measures or routine examinations. In addition, with the help of a halter, it is possible to significantly facilitate the movement of an animal over short distances, for example, from one stall to another or in a pasture.
Why does the product have this name? The fact is that this is an imperfect bridle, in which the most important element is missing - the bit.
What is a halter
Recommendations when using the halter:
- You need to use the halter correctly, so if you need to lead the horse out, you should keep the reins as close to the head as possible so that the horse feels that it is being driven, and not vice versa.
- Always be on the left side when using the halter. At the same time, it is necessary to keep pace with the animal, not lagging behind, but not going forward either.
- You should always be on the alert, because even the kindest animal can show character and kick a person well with a hoof.
Features of using a rope halter
A rope halter is most often used for the most delicate and sensitive horses. The horse owner has a choice whether to buy a product in a store or make it with his own hands at home; for this, nylon threads or twines used in yachting are suitable. Of course, if there are several individuals on the farm, there is no need to talk about weaving a rope halter for a horse with our own hands, it is easier to buy a ready-made one than to tie it. Anyone who prefers this particular option should pay attention to the manufacturer Schleich, reviews of their products are mostly positive.
How to make a halter yourself, how to tie it correctly? It will not be so easy to weave the product, because the twine or thread will constantly slide in your hands, which will significantly complicate the weaving process. It also happens that the animal categorically refuses to use store halters, then a do-it-yourself halter will come in handy more than ever. When creating it, it is possible to use a variety of weaving styles, but the most common one is knotted, where each knot should be located at a distance of about 2-5 cm from each other. More details about its description can be found on numerous videos and photo instructions on the Internet.
What else you need to know about halters
There is no iron in the construction of the halter, so there will be no total control over the horse. A special interlacing of threads helps to keep the animal on a leash, which, like belts, twine around the horse's face. Due to the special structure of the halter, it is important to remember about precautions that will help protect both the animal itself and the person who cares for it from injury. In short, the outline of the rules required for compliance is as follows?
- Even if the halter is securely fastened, you cannot leave the mare or horse tied for a long time. The horse is a strong and powerful animal.
- The horse must not be allowed to frolic at the moment when the halter is fixed on it.
- You cannot buy products from your hands, it is important to make a halter strictly according to individual measurements, so that it fits in size and features of the physiological structure.
- Ropes, even if braided in a special way, can injure a horse, so you cannot keep him on a leash for too long.
How to dress the halter correctly
How to put on the halter correctly? In order for the product to sit correctly, it is important to follow all recommendations.Let's describe the whole scheme in stages:
- The first thing to do is to carefully examine the halter, it may have cracks or other damage, or it may have changed its size. Leather halters last longer than ropes.
- Stand to the left of the animal and show a friendly attitude.
- With a sharp movement of your hand, throw a chombur around the horse's neck, and then unfasten the upper strap at the back of the head.
- Proceed to straighten the exit ropes after the chumbur, if a rope halter is used, then put the bridle itself on the horse's head directly, then close the carbine.
When working with an animal for the first time, you should not make sudden movements while throwing on the chumbura. Also, you should not show your fear in any way: horses feel it. It is better to wait for the time when the horse will be more located.
Now you know how to choose the right bridle, how to make a bridle for a horse with your own hands. In conclusion, we will say that all the devices described above are designed to simplify the care of horses, as well as control over them. It is important to choose the correct model of a bridle or halter, using it only strictly for its intended purpose and according to the instructions exactly as long as it will be in a normal state, that is, without cracks and holes.