For AQHA Professional Horseman Brent Tincher, the first and most important step in bridling your horse is getting your horse comfortable with being touched around the face and ears, so that when you go to put the bridle on, it’s no big deal to him.
After your horse is calm and relaxed, you can hold the bridle up to his head. Brent recommends leaving your bridle a little larger than normal when bridling for the first few times, so that it doesn’t tug on his head and isn’t too tight.
When you are ready to bridle, take your horse’s halter off and put it around his neck. This helps you maintain control, should your horse spook, and it keeps him from walking off.
Your position when holding the bridle depends on your comfort level with the horse. A suggested position is one where your head is held back away from the horse, so that if he were to fling his head, you would be at a safe distance.
To put on the bridle, grab the crown of the bridle with your right hand and position your hand over the horse’s poll (between his ears), while your left hand holds underneath the bit. As you go to bridle, tickle your horse’s lips or stick a finger in his mouth so that he will open up and accept the bit.
Be careful not to hit your horse’s teeth, as that is the easiest way to deter him from taking the bridle.
After you have put the bridle on your horse, you can adjust it to fit your horse. Comfort is paramount, and you may have to adjust the bridle several times before it properly fits your horse.
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Watch AQHA Professional Horseman Brent Tincher demonstrate how to properly bridle your western horse.
