How Changing Bridle Pressure Can Affect Horses' Movement

A study looked into the forces applied on different horses’ heads, and its effect on gait

- Eleanor Jones

REDUCING the pressure and force exerted on horses’ heads by bridles can lead to improved gait, including increased limb flexion and movement, a study has found.

Rachel Murray of Rossdales presented the research, published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, at the World Horse Welfare conference on 13 November.

She told guests while saddles are usually “carefully fitted and measured”, the bridle is “often forgotten”, despite the presence of important structures in the head.

“Lots of concerns have been raised on social media and other places, in relation to parts of the bridle, in particular nosebands and bits,” she said.

“Some of this research is well supported; other parts, or things used or put across on social media, there’s less evidence for.”

Dr Murray said there has been little discussion on bridles.