Collection: Bridles

Choosing the right bridle starts with understanding how you ride, how your horse is built and what level of training you're both at. The ideal bridle should suit your discipline, fit your horse comfortably and allow clear, consistent communication through the reins and bit.

Standard Snaffle Bridles

The standard snaffle bridle is the most versatile and widely used style. Designed to carry a single bit with one pair of reins, it is suitable for everyday schooling, hacking, jumping, eventing and dressage through the lower levels. For most riders, a snaffle bridle is the ideal starting point.

Double Bridles

Double bridles carry two bits—a bridoon and a curb—with two pairs of reins. They are commonly used from the higher levels of dressage and in many show classes, allowing refined communication through experienced, independent hands.

Bitless Bridles

Bitless bridles are popular for some horses, young horses during certain stages of training, endurance riding and riders who prefer not to use a bit. Different styles, including side-pulls, hackamores and cross-under designs, work in different ways. Competition rules vary between disciplines, so always check the current regulations before competing.

Stock Bridles

Stock bridles are built for Australian stock work, campdrafting and stock horse competition. They typically feature wider leather, robust construction and simple brass or stainless steel fittings designed to withstand everyday use.

Show Bridles

Show bridles feature finer leather, elegant stitching and decorative browbands, making them suitable for ridden, led and in-hand showing classes where presentation is important.

Bridle Fit: The Five Pressure Points

A correctly fitted bridle should sit comfortably on your horse without creating unnecessary pressure. Poor fit can contribute to rubbing, head-shaking, resistance and discomfort.

Browband

The browband should sit comfortably below the base of the ears without pulling the headpiece forward or pressing into the ears.

Headpiece (Crownpiece)

The headpiece should sit comfortably over the poll with adequate clearance around the ears. Well-padded headpieces can improve comfort for horses that are sensitive through the poll.

Cheekpieces

The cheekpieces should hang evenly on both sides of the face, positioning the bit comfortably in the horse's mouth. The correct bit height varies depending on the horse, the bit design and individual conformation.

Throatlatch

The throatlatch should be adjusted so that you can comfortably fit approximately a fist between the throat and the strap. This allows freedom of movement while helping prevent the bridle from slipping over the ears.

Noseband

Most cavesson nosebands should sit approximately two fingers below the cheekbone. The noseband should lie comfortably against the nose without being over-tightened. Current best practice recommends allowing sufficient space beneath the noseband to avoid unnecessary pressure while still maintaining stability.

If you're unsure whether your current bridle fits correctly, our experienced team can help. We can recommend the most suitable size, style and adjustments to improve your horse's comfort, communication and performance.

Bridle Sizing

Most bridles are available in Shetland, Pony, Cob, Full and Extra Full sizes. The correct size depends on your horse's head shape and proportions rather than height alone.

• Shetland: Miniature horses and Shetlands
• Pony: Smaller ponies and children's mounts
• Cob: Larger ponies, Arabs, Welsh C & D, smaller horses
• Full: Most Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods and Stock Horses
• Extra Full: Larger Warmbloods, Friesians and heavy horse breeds

If your horse falls between sizes, our team can help. Simply send us a few measurements or photographs of your horse's head and we'll recommend the most suitable size and any adjustments that may be required.

Bit Choice and the Bridle

A bridle and bit work together as a system, so selecting the right combination is important for both comfort and communication.

We stock a comprehensive range of horse bits, including snaffles, pelhams, gags, Weymouths and specialty bits in stainless steel, sweet iron, copper and other materials.

Severity

Bit severity depends on several factors, including the mouthpiece design, thickness, cheek style, rein pressure and, most importantly, the rider's hands. The aim is always to choose the mildest bit that provides clear, effective communication for your horse.

Material

Different materials encourage different responses. Sweet iron and copper can promote salivation, while stainless steel offers durability and easy maintenance. Synthetic mouthpieces may suit horses that prefer a softer feel.

Cheek Style

Loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring and full cheek snaffles each provide slightly different action and stability. The most suitable design depends on your horse's level of training, responsiveness and the type of riding you do.

If you're unsure which bit is best, our experienced team can help you choose the most appropriate option for your horse.

Caring for Your Bridle

A quality leather bridle can provide many years of reliable service when cared for correctly. Regular cleaning and conditioning help maintain the leather's strength, flexibility and appearance.

After Every Ride

Wipe away sweat and dirt using a damp cloth. Sweat contains salts that can dry leather and contribute to premature wear.

Weekly

Clean the leather using saddle soap before applying a quality leather conditioner or balm. Avoid excessive oiling, which can soften leather and weaken stitching over time.

Monthly

Disassemble the bridle, clean each component thoroughly, inspect the stitching and buckles, then reassemble and adjust as required.

Annual Inspection

Check all buckles, keepers, billets and stitching for signs of wear. Replace any damaged parts before they become a safety issue.

We stock a comprehensive range of leather care products from trusted brands including Effol, Carr & Day & Martin, Belvoir and Hydrophane.

Why Trust Ascot Saddlery for Your Next Bridle?

At Ascot Saddlery, we've been helping Australian riders choose quality bridles since 1977. Nearly 50 years of practical experience means we understand that every horse is different and every rider has unique needs.

Our achievements include:

• Saddleworld Store of the Year – 2007 and 2010.
• PDS, Pessoa & Trainers Dealer of the Year – 2024 (Inaugural Award) and 2025.

When you contact Ascot Saddlery, you're speaking with experienced equestrian professionals—not a call centre. We can help match the right bridle, noseband and bit to your horse's conformation, level of training and chosen discipline.

Whether you're buying for dressage, jumping, showing, Pony Club or stock work, we're here to help you make the right choice.

Buying a Bridle Online

Buying a bridle online is easy when you have expert advice before you order.

When you purchase from Ascot Saddlery you'll enjoy:

• Free Australia-wide shipping on eligible orders.
• Detailed product descriptions, specifications and photography.
• Advice from our experienced team before you buy.
• Returns and exchanges in accordance with our published policy.

Complete your setup with our extensive range of horse bits, reins, breastplates, martingales, leather care products and other bridle accessories.