Tips for Selecting a Hunter Bridle

When it comes to selecting the right hunter bridle, it is important to choose a color that complements your horse, and it is crucial that you select the proper size. There are several other considerations to make, particularly if this is your first time shopping for a hunter bridle. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

Leather Quality

Vegetable tanned leather is preferable, and the best leathers are British, Swiss, French, English, German, or Italian, for the most part; Argentinian leathers are very popular and U.S. Bridles by Ovation are excellent.  Leather from India was once poor quality across the board, however, we’re beginning to see some better leathers come out of India.  A good way to determine whether you’re getting a hunter bridle made with quality leather is to trust the bridle manufacturer’s reputation;  Pessoa,Tekna,Northrun, Camelot, and of course, Ovation, are some of the most trusted bridle manufacturers in the business.

Padding and Other Details

Padding creates greater comfort for the horse while adding substance to the bridle.  You will find that larger horses, particularly warmbloods, look best in substantial English Bridles, while those with small, delicate facial features look best in hunter bridles that are slightly narrower and more scaled back.  As for buckles and other hardware, choosing a bridle with either brass or stainless steel buckles rather than nickel plated buckles.

Finally, ensure that reins either come with the bridle, or ensure that reins which will provide a complementary look are available, and avoid anything blingy looking, especially if you’re planning to show your horse.  Rhinestones and other flashy accessories might be cute, but they’re a major no no if you’re serious about showing.  Try your new bridle on your freshly groomed horse when it arrives to be sure it fits properly, then begin using it – as you might know, the day of an event is not the time to try out new equipment!    

 

If you drive through the countryside during the winter months, you’ll likely see horses with thick furry coats and others with a various types of horse clothing.  Whether or not a horse needs a blanket has always been a question of horse owners, but the fact of the matter is that it can often come down to personal preference and the harshness of weather conditions.

If you show your horse during the winter months, then chances are that you’re going to take every step possible to keep his coat from growing out to a thick three inches.  After all, he needs to look slick and sleek in the show ring.  A winter blankets (or more than one blanket of varying thicknesses) is going to be required to keep his coat under control.  You might even need a neck cover and hood.  You will want to use a different thickness of blanket depending on the temperature to keep your horse from becoming overheated during the day as well.

If you don’t plan on showing your horse and you don’t mind a thick winter coat while riding, then your horse may not necessarily need a blanket.  However, your decision may also need to be based on your horse’s age, health and your winter conditions.  If you live in the southern states, then your horse will likely grow an ample winter coat. If you live in the northern states, then he will likely grow a winter coat, but depending on wind, rain and snow, he may need a little extra protection on particularly cold days. Most horses do well until about 18 degrees Fahrenheit, at which point their bodies and their insulated winter coat begins to reduce its protection against the cold.

If you have young horses or foals, then you should definitely consider a winter coat to help their bodies protect them against the cold.  Younger horses often do not have the immune system to keep themselves healthy and their coats may not grow thick enough to provide ample protection, particularly if they are born early in the year.  Even if they are in a barn, you might consider a blanket depending on the temperature. The same is true for senior horses.  Their bodies have a reduced ability to keep themselves warm and healthy and a blanket can give them that extra help.

Of course, there are various types of horse clothing to choose from in addition to winter blankets. There are rain slickers, coolers,sweats,sheets,fly masks, and more. They all have their purposes, but your personal situation will dictate which type of horse clothing you need and when.

What kind of horse clothes does your horse prefer?