S P E C I A L TA C K S E C T ION
Horses were never designed to wear bridles, but they seem to have adapted to our human creations. Head discomfort often goes unnoticed until a behavioral or physical problem shows up. Luckily, head stress due to bridles is easy to fix.
Is Your Bridle Too Tight?
Perceived behavioral problems can be magically remedied with proper bridle fit
by Mary Ann Simonds Y
our horse’s head has more nerve sensitivity than any other part of his body. Te nose/mouth/smell system
of the horse is critical for obtaining and processing sensory information. As discomfort and pain increase, the horse is less likely to be able to think, breathe, and perform.
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www.holistichorse.com
One of the most common behavioral problems due to head discomfort is a horse refusing to go forward. Simply loosening the noseband may instantly solve the problem. I have witnessed Grand Pix Jumpers 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. Te same is true for the dressage horses; by loosening their nosebands, not only could they breath better, but their strides lengthened and the their scores improved.
Facial nerves and circulation can be damaged by bridles that fit too tightly, rub or pinch the horse’s head. All parts of the horse’s head should easily move when wearing a bridle: muscles of the ears, jaw, lips and nose should not be restricted. An ill-fitting bridle 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.
BITS Horses with very sensitive thin lips often have difficulty wearing any bit. Tick, 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 a 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 head gear.
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@aol.com or 1-866-616-0450.
Holistic Horse™ • October/November 2010 • Vol.16, Issue 69
Nosebands, browbands and cheek pieces should not rub, press or irritate sensitive protruding skull bones. Nosebands should be worn loose enough to allow a hand width between the noseband and the horse. Browbands should allow ears to move easily and not have pressure on muscles.
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