Best Horse Bits and Bridles For Western Horses
Is your bridle having trouble keeping up with your working, and let's face it, sweaty horse? Or maybe you have a green horse or a high headed horse that is having trouble training? Or maybe you just want to add a touch of style to your horse bridle? Well, look no further than these horse bridles.
From bridles that focus on style, to extremely durable bridles, to horse bits that can improve training while being gentle, we have you covered.
Best Bridle For Working Horses
When you have a working horse, your bridle needs to be able to survive hot and sweaty conditions, be comfortable, and hold up over time. There’s nothing worse than buying a horse bridle that falls apart during those hot summer months.
Pro Tip: Pick a bridle that's made of a material that is not only comfortable and fits well, but that holds up when your horse is hot and sweaty.
What To Look For
Durable Material - Horse bridles are made of leather, nylon, neoprene, rope, and other materials, but a working horse needs something that gets softer and better with time. For this, a good quality leather is your best bet.
Some Sort Of Guarantee - Any quality saddlery will stand by their horse tack. Make sure you have a money back guarantee or a great exchange policy before buying.
Our Pick: Weaver Working Tack Headstall
This is our pick mostly because of the material. It’s made of hot oiled leather, or hot stuffed leather, which not only looks and feels great, the process it’s made with makes it sweat and weather resistant.
It’s made for the stress and abuse of a working horse, even in the hot, sweaty summer!
This one is also made by Weaver Leather, which is a well known and well loved manufacturer. They stand by their products and should it not meet your expectations, you can get your money back.
But don’t use this one if you have a small horse unless you’re ok punching a few holes.
Best Bridle For Style
If you don’t love, and we mean love, how your horse looks in her bridle, then an upgrade may be in order. But you have to be careful! Some bridles look good, but are made poorly and use cheap hardware, so they end up falling apart.
Pro Tip: Find a beautiful bridle that not only looks good, but has quality hardware and won’t fall apart.
What To Look For
Stainless Steel Hardware - Make sure any hardware is stainless steel. This means it won’t rust or corrode and it will stay strong and looking fantastic year after year
Trusted Manufacturers - Buying a brand that’s well known and trusted is usually a good way to go when you’re not sure where to start. They tend to use higher quality materials and focus on good craftsmanship.
Our Pick: Circle Y Distressed Beaded Leather Browband
Circle Y is our pick because the hardware is stainless, the leather is good quality, and the beadwork is beautiful. We have never had any problems with Circle Y and they have a reputation for making good quality tack. We also like that the decorative bits aren’t over the top glamorous, but your horse will still look pretty.
Don’t use this bridle if your horse has a really large head.
Best Bit For Re-Schooling and Green Horses
When you have a green horse, one that is re-schooling, or one that is competing in dressage, you’re always on the hunt for a gentle bit that still gives you firm control and communication. And while some bits give you control, they might cause discomfort, and vice versa.
Pro Tip: Look for a bit with curved bars and a barrel that distributes tongue pressure more kindly than the traditional centerpiece.
What To Look For
Curved Bars - Curved bars wrap around your horse’s lips and tongue, instead of pinching them
Barrel Width - The barrel should be the same width as the centerpiece to relieve pressure on the tongue
Our Pick: Myler Bit 04 HBT Shank
This Myler Bit is our choice because its bars and barrel are shaped for independent side movement. You get precise control without discomfort to the horse's cheek or tongue. It has curved bars and a ¼" port which gives your horse tongue relief.
Best Bit For Soft Hands
If you are a rider with soft hands, or someone who just doesn’t like using heavy rein pressure, then you need a bit that will maintain control without a lot of force.
You might find bits that are too harsh and cause discomfort to your horse, or bits that are too gentle, leaving you without control.
Pro Tip: Look for a bit with multiple moving parts to give you control without a lot of force
What To Look For
Multiple Moving Parts - Bits with 3 or 4 moving parts require less pressure from the reins to communicate
Our Pick: Bob Avila by Professionals Choice, Correction Bit
This bit is made by Bob Avila, which is a reputable manufacturer, and has 4 moving parts. It is great at picking up on subtle cues so there’s no need to be heavy on the reins.
Don’t use it with a green horse or a horse that needs re-schooling.
Best Bit For Young Horses or Higher Headed Horses
If you’re training a young horse or have a higher headed horse, you’re probably trying to teach him to keep his head low. You may have found that there are kind ways to do this, and not so kind ways.
Pro Tip: Using weighted bits encourages a lower head and is a humane way to train your horse.
What To Look For
Heavy Loose Ring Snaffle - The weight of the rings encourages flex at the poll lowering the head, which you don’t get with regular loose ring snaffles
Salivation - A happy mouth is a wet mouth, especially with young horses. Look for a bit that is copper or will rust.
Our Pick: Dutton Heavy Ring Snaffle
We like Dutton because every bit is handmade and built to last. This bit might outlive you! And because of it’s heavy rings and it’s made of blackened steel with a copper inlay, so it will cause salivation.
Don’t use it with horses who have neck or mouth injuries.
Best Bridle For Rooting
Every good bit needs a good bridle when you’re trying to train your horse not to drop his head! So if your horse likes to play tug-of-war with the reins, making you drop them while your riding, it can be downright dangerous.
Pro Tip: Look for a bridle that is designed to adjust to where you want your horse's head to go without being too restrictive.
What To Look For
Flexibility - You don’t want to be too harsh with your horse and if you use a bit and bridle that forces his head into a lower position, it will be uncomfortable. Look for a bridle with some flexibility.
Our Pick: Al Dunning Collection by Schutz Brothers, YoYo Headsetter
We like the YoYo Headsetter because it has a bungee cord center, so your horse isn’t completely restricted into a low head position. It’s more like positive reinforcement. Your horse only gets resistance when he lifts his head.
Don’t use it with a harsh bit! A snaffle bit is a great pair for this bridle
Final Thoughts
In the saddle, as in life, the right tools can make all the difference. From managing a hard-working, sweaty horse, to maintaining a stylish aesthetic, or effectively communicating with a green horse; the ideal bridle or bit plays a critical role in enhancing your riding experience.
Whatever challenges you face as a rider, rest assured that the perfect bridle or bit is out there to make your ride more effective, comfortable, and enjoyable. After all, it's not just about the destination, it's about the journey - and every journey is better with the right equipment.
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.