Finding the best horse bridles is among the most important things you’ll do as a new rider.
The horse has several facial nerves close to the skin, right in the location where the bridle fits.
The wrong one can cause enormous discomfort to your steed!
Here we will show you some great options and how to find the best bridles for horses.
Start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for more details.
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Check this comparison table for a quick guide. Read the review for further details.
Top 11 Horse Bridles (Equestrian Review)
#1 Henri de Rivel Pro Mono Crown Fancy Bridle with Patent Leather Piping and Laced Reins – Winner
Henri de Rivel is a well know brand of horse tack. They offer a line of bridles in different styles.
These bridles are a good mid-price range when you’re looking for an anatomic bridle without the cost of a high-end brand.
Physical Attributes
- Comes in dark brown (havana) and black
- Anatomical bridle
- Fancy stitched browband and noseband
- Patent leather piping in the same color as the bridle
- Mono crown piece
- Padded brown and noseband
- Laced reins
- ½ inch check pieces
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in Cob, Horse, and Oversize sizes
Benefits & Drawbacks of Henri de Rivel Pro Mono Crown Fancy Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Reasonably priced | Does not come with a flash noseband |
| Pressure balancing crown piece | Crownpiece can see improvement with thicker padding |
| Suits hunters, eventers, and show jumpers | |
| Padded noseband and browband provides extra comfort |
With a deeper understanding of a horse’s facial anatomy, bridle design has evolved.
Initially, anatomical comfort bridles were only available from premium bridle brands, with a hefty price tag.
However, riders sought to improve the comfort of their horses.
With this demand, more and more brands added ergonomic bridles to their ranges, many at more budget friendly prices.
This Henri de Rivel Pro Mono Crown fits the bill. The leather is not too wide, which makes it suitable for a variety of disciplines.
The fancy stitching of the noseband and browband help pretty up a plain head.
All of these are great features, but our favorite feature is the anatomical crown piece. This is a wider piece of leather that sits across the horse’s poll
As the crownpiece is wider, it helps spread out the pressure from the bridle across the poll. It is also padded and shaped, so it rests comfortably behind the ears.
Because this option does not come with a flash noseband or a loop to put one through, it is an excellent choice for hunter riders.
How it compares to others and why
Compared to bridles without an anatomical crownpiece, this is a better option.
The shape, width, and padding will all make your horse more comfortable. It is slightly fancier than some options but still subtle enough for any show ring.
Compared to our favorite anatomical comfort bridle from CWD, this isn’t quite as good as it has less padding in the crown.
And the leather, while good, isn’t premium quality. However, it is also much cheaper than a CWD bridle.
Expert Tips
- To keep your bridle in top condition, clean it regularly with saddle soap. Don’t forget to condition it regularly.
- If you want to keep this bridle for shows only, we suggest storing it in a bridle bag to protect it from damp and dirt. We love the classic, leather-trimmed bridle bag from Baker, who also makes quality horse blankets.
- If your budget won’t stretch to a Baker bridle bag, The Tuff Rider Classic Bridle Bag is a durable a cute choice.
To keep your bridle in top condition and safe, you need to clean and condition it regularly. Learn how here.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Henri de Rivel Pro Mono Crown Fancy Bridle
If you want a nice bridle and a decent price, you will like this option, just like this equestrian – “Great bridle and good price for the quality. Nice soft padded leather and the reins are also very comfortable and soft.”
Related: How to Clean Horse Tack Properly
#2 Horze Constance Padded Fancy Stitch Bridle With Reins – Runner Up
Horze makes a variety of horse gear and wear, offering good quality and reasonable prices. This is one of our favorite Horze bridles.
Physical Attributes
- Fancy stitched
- Brass buckles
- Flash noseband
- Continental reins
- Raised noseband
- Padded noseband
- Padded anatomical crownpiece
- Rich brown color
- Cheek pieces buckle facing out
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in Pony, Cob, Horse, and Warmblood sizes
Benefits & Drawbacks of Horze Constance Padded Fancy Stitch Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Reduces poll pressure, & has added for comfort | The way the cheek pieces and reins buckle are not suitable for hunters |
| Cheek pieces make it easy to change the bit | The flash noseband loop, even if the flash is removed, will not suit hunters |
| Continental reins provide better feel and grip for the rider | |
| Refined for an attractive fit, suitable for showjumpers and eventers |
We chose this particular Horze bridle review because it is an excellent all-around bridle.
It is a good option to have as a schooling bridle as you can easily swap bits if you want to use it on more than one horse.
Like all modern bridles that take the horse’s comfort seriously, this also has an ergonomic mono crown.
While it is not suitable for the hunter ring, this is a good bridle for the jumpers or eventing.
It comes with reins, so you won’t have to buy these separately. Also, it has continental reins, which many riders find better than rubber reins.
How it compares to others and why
The brass buckles on this bridle give it a classier look than other options.
We love that it comes with more rider-focused continental reins when many options come with laces or thick, stiff rubber reins.
The price sits in the middle, so you can expect decent leather quality.
Expert Tips
- If you have a horse that is strong, switch to using continental reins. They are easier to hold than thick rubber reins and give you a better grip.
- Also, because they are made with fabric and leather spacers, they are thinner and more comfortable to hold.
If this is one of your first bridles, you might notice that English bridles have lots of different parts. You need to take it apart for a thorough cleaning, but putting it together is certainly confusing at the start.
Learn how to put together an English bridle in this video.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Horze Constance Padded Fancy Stitch Bridle
For a lower prices bridle, this one is great quality according to this equestrian – “Wonderful quality, especially for the price. Soft supple leather, padded browband, and noseband.”
#3 English Western Horse Leather Bitless Bridle – Best Sidepull
This pretty bitless bridle has a western flair with a beaded browband and noseband. But it can be used by both English and western riders who like the sidepull style of bridle.
Physical Attributes
- Mahogany color
- Turquoise, black, and white beading
- Stainless steel fittings
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in full size
Benefits & Drawbacks of English Western Horse Leather Bitless Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great for horses that do not like bits | Only comes in one size |
| Good choice for a horse with a sore or injured mouth | Only one color choice |
| Value for money |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Compared to others this bridle does not use a bit. It also has colorful beading, which most other options do not.
Expert Tips
Just because a bridle is bitless, it doesn’t mean that is harmless to your horse. It is important to learn how to use it properly. See what this expert advises in this helpful video.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About English Western Horse Leather Bitless Bridle
Despite its price, this bridle is good quality according to horse rider, Samantha – “This side pull bridle is very adjustable, good quality leather and is made very well.”
#4 Weaver Leather Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle Oiled Canyon Rose – Best Western Bitless Bridle
If you want a good quality western style bitless bridle, this is a great choice. It is simple and attractive, coming in three different colors of leather.
Physical Attributes
- Knotted rope noseband
- Stainless steel buckles
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in rose, black, or russet color leather
- 1-inch wide leather in most parts
Benefits & Drawbacks of Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great for horses that respond to pressure | The knotted rope noseband can cause too much pressure |
| Handcrafted | Does not fit all horses well |
| Durable |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This bridle is a hybrid. It is has some side pull action and nose pressure action, making it a little bit different than other bitless options
Expert Tips
Learn how this bridle works from the designer himself, Justin Dunn.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle
Equestrian, Janet, is a big fan of this bridle – “I bought this and was instantly impressed. It is beautiful and very well made. It looks great on my horse and since I bought mine, two of my friends also bought one!”
#5 Schockemohle Stanford Anatomic Bridle – Top Anatomical Bridle
This is a fantastic anatomical bridle. The crown piece is particularly well designed to relieve pressure on the top of the horse’s head. It is great for horses that have sensitive heads.
Physical Attributes
- Padded crown
- Padded noseband
- Comes with two browbands so you can change looks
- Flash attachment
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in black leather
Benefits & Drawbacks of Schockemohle Stanford Anatomic Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Helps freedom of movement | Expensive |
| Makes your horse more comfortable | Only comes in black |
| Flash attachment strategically places | |
| Cavesson avoids sensitive nerves |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This is a premium bridle, so it is more expensive than other options. However, its design provides the horse with more comfort than any standard bridle.
Expert Tips
Learn how to correctly fit an anatomical bridle here.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Schockemohle Stanford Anatomic Bridle
See what these riders have to say about the Standford and other Schockemohle bridles.
#6 Dr. Cook Leather Western Bitless Bridle– Top Bitless Bridle
No products found.Dr. Cook brought the various bitless bridle options into the mainstream. A Dr. Cook bridle works differently by applying pressure around the whole face, instead of one area.
Physical Attributes
- Raised leather
- Metal ring rein attachments
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in average horse size
Benefits & Drawbacks of Dr. Cook Leather Western Bitless Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Distributes pressure instead of keeping it in one place | Not the cheapest |
| Made from quality English leather | Need to be cautious with full face pressure |
How it Compares to Others and Why
This bridle differs from many others because it doesn’t use a bit. It also differs from other bitless options as it distributes pressure around the entire head instead of in one area.
Expert Tips
Learn how to fit a Dr. Cook bridle from this experienced user.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Dr. Cook Leather Western Bitless Bridle
Check out this video review from an experienced equestrian about the Dr. Cook bridle.
No products found.
#7 Flexible Fit Equestrian Black Nosebandless Snaffle Bridle ‘Clarice’ – Best No Noseband Bridle
This is a unique bridle as it does not have a noseband. It comes in a variety of styles, not just the black version featured here. You can also get it with different browbands such as this one and if you like bling, this one.
Those a just two other options. You can see Flexible Fit’s full bridle range here.
Physical Attributes
- Anatomical crownpiece
- Cutaway ears
- Padded headpiece
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in pony size
- Single piece of leather for crown piece
- Comes in black leather
Benefits & Drawbacks of Flexible Fit Equestrian Nosebandless Snaffle Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Reduces poll pressure | Does not come with reins |
| Good for sensitive horses | Hard to find it in a full size |
| Good quality leather | Most models only come in pony size |
| You will need a second bridle if you want to use a noseband |
How it Compares to Others and Why
When comparing this bridle to others it stands out because it does not have a noseband and the crownpiece uses only one piece of leather. This helps reduce pressure on the horse’s poll and other areas of the face.
Expert Tips
If you want to learn more about different bridle styles, I really recommend this educational video by equine vet, Hilary Clayton. It goes through various bridles and explains how they work and the benefits of anatomical designs.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Flexible Fit Equestrian Nosebandless Snaffle Bridle
See an expert horse trainer review Flexible Fit bridles and how she thinks they’ve benefited her horses.
- Made from the highest quality English leather
- Anatomically designed monocrown crownpiece with gel padding for evenly distributed pressure
- Designed around your horse’s anatomy to avoid major blood vessels, nerve groups, and the TMJ
- Cutaway ears for maximum pressure relief
- Backed by our two year quality guarantee
#8 Wonder Care Genuine Leather Crossover Bitless Bridle – Best Crossunder Bridle
Bitless bridles come in several configurations. They each work differently and it can take some trial and error to find the style that your horse prefers.
This is called a crossover or crossunder bitless bridle. It crosses over the nose and the poll, placing pressure around the horse’s whole head.
Physical Attributes
- Steel buckles
- Soft leather
- Padded noseband
- Padded browband
Quantitative Measurements
- 3/4 inch wide reins
- Comes in small, medium, and large
- Brown or black leather
Benefits & Drawbacks of Wonder Care Crossover Bitless Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Made with vegetable tanned leather | Runs a little big |
| Good quality leather | A little plain looking |
| Comfortable for the horse if used correctly |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Some horses really like this type of bitless bridle as it gives them a sense of security and doesn’t focus pressure on one part of their face like other bitless options.
Expert Tips
Always take care when using a bitless bridle. While in many ways they are wonderful, it is easy to think that just because you don’t have a bit, your horse feels now pain.
However, as bitless bridles use pressure, it is easy to apply far too much, which makes removing the bit pointless. With that said, you can learn how to ride bitless, so you can have many happy adventures with your horse.
I highly recommend you watch this video from expert horse trainer, Warwick Schiller, who is always very insightful. Here he talks about bitless bridles.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Wonder Care Crossover Bitless Bridle
Horse rider, Sasha, loves to use this bridle when trail riding – “Excellent bitless bridle and reins set. I use this for trail rides and in the arena. The under chin cross-strap provides more control than halter style bitless bridles.”
- Material: 100% Vegetable Tanned (chrome free) Genuine Leather. Stainless Steel hardware. Soft Leather for browband and noseband padding.
- Workmanship: Sewn on imported machines, finished and polished by hand.
- Comfortable to the horse, safe, gentle and effective
- Please refer to sizing chart before ordering. The bridle needs to be adjusted for the horse at the first application.
- Provided with 3/4 inch wide full leather reins.
#9 Tough 1 Bridle/Halter Bag – Best Bridle Bag
Before I continue on to some more of my favorite bridles, I thought I’d include a bridle accessory that every horse owner should have – a bridle bag.
This is one of my favorite bridle bags because it is a great price and comes in some fun colors. This bridle bag takes only one bridle or halter. However, there is a bigger option, which takes three, which you can see here.
Physical Attributes
- Poly lining
- Single verticle zipper closure
- Internal hanger
- Carrying handle
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in hunter green, red, purple, royal blue, and black
- 12 x 6 x 5 inches
Benefits & Drawbacks Tough 1 Bridle Bag
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Great value price | Only holds one bridle or halter |
| Protects leather tack from scratches | Not padded |
| Protects leather tack from dampness | Not water resistant |
| Suits both English and western bridles |
How it Compares to Others and Why
Compared to others in my guide, this is actually an accessory. I wanted to include it because it is a great way to protect your bridle. It is also a great price and would make a nice gift, if embroidered, for the horse rider in your family.
Expert Tips
Every equestrian that has their own horse needs to have some tack essentials. Learn what they are from two expert equestrians in this video.
- Item Package Dimensions: 12.2 L X 32.8 W X 35.6 H (Cm)
- Product Type: Sporting Goods
- Item Package Weight: 0.798 kgs
- Country Of Origin: China
#10 Stübben Freedom Magic Tack Bridle with RFS
Stübben is a German brand with a long history of durable, quality horse tack. This is one of the most innovative bridles on the market.
Physical Attributes
- Specially designed cheek pieces
- Padded noseband
- Increases horse’s field of vision
- Padded crown piece
- Horse anatomical bridle
Quantitative Measurements
- Comes in brown or black
Benefits & Drawbacks of Stübben Freedom Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| No ear restriction | Due to the design benefits, this isn’t the most attractive bridle |
| No part of the bridle crosses any of the 16 ear muscles | The brown version is a bit too light in color |
| Non to very little pressure on facial nerves | Not suitable for hunters or equitation |
| Sensitive areas of the neck and throat receive no pressure | Does not come with reins |
| Excellent for horses that do like the pressures created by a standard bridle | |
| Wide padded piece under cavesson strap |
This bridle provides the most freedom around the horse’s head than any other bridle on the market.
The horse has complicated anatomy of nerves and muscles in its face.
As there is very little protection of these nerves, an incorrectly fitting bridle can cause pressure and even pain.
The Freedom bridle aims to avoid all these negatives.
It does not interfere with any of the ear muscles, and Stübben claims it will not trigger a horse’s flight response.
How it compares to others and why
Compared to standard and even other anatomical bridles, this is certainly unique.
No other bridle looks like the Stübben Freedom. In fact, it is a bit strange looking, probably because its design stands out from the rest.
However, as far as the comfort of the horse goes, this is the best anatomical bridle.
The sparkly browband gives it a bit of flash, but it is far from a traditional look. If you have a passion for horse comfort, this is the most extreme choice to go for.
Yet, not every horse will need this bridle, and a standard ergonomic bridle will keep your horse happy.
However, if your horse is particularly sensitive around its head and is not going well in another type of bridle, it is worth trying this option.
Expert Tips
- This is an expensive bridle, most suitable for the most sensitive horses. It is certainly effective, but other options incorporate modern design into a more traditional look, so look to those first.
Learn all about this bridle, how it works, and its benefits from Stübben directly in this video.
What Other Horse Riders Are Saying About Stübben Freedom Bridle
This is a really in-depth, honest review of how the Freedom bridle has benefited this accomplished eventing rider’s young horse.
#11 Schockemohle Montreal Select Padded Bridle
Schockemohle is a German brand that offers a selection of bridles in different styles. This is one of our favorites.
Physical Attributes
- No flash
- Super soft headpiece
- Fancy stitching
- Curved browband
- Throat lash adjustable on both sides
- Padded noseband
- Silver buckles
- Rich brown color
Quantitative Measurements
- Cob size. Don’t forget to check our Cob Size Bridle Guide.
Benefits & Drawbacks of Schockemohle Montreal Select Padded Bridle
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Relieves poll pressure | Does not come with reins |
| Anatomical pre-shaped noseband | Expensive option |
| Unique crownpiece shape to reduce neck pressure | Currently only available in Cob size, but other sizes should become available |
| High-quality leather | |
| Well padded headpiece |
It is clear Schockemohle put a lot of thought into the design of this bridle.
The crown is very soft allowing for the maximum possible reduction of pressure points. It is one of the best anatomical bridles available.
For a bridle with a lot of padding, it blends in nicely without looking over the top.
The noseband is pre-shaped, so it fits your horse better from the first time you put it on.
How it compares to others and why
This bridle has the most thought put into its design as far as comfort goes for the horse than our other options. The padding across the poll is thick and soft with the aim for maximum comfort of sensitive areas.
It not only relieves poll pressure and reduces ear restriction, but it also helps reduce neck pressure.
With other anatomical bridles, the wide headpiece is thinly padded on the inside, but covered with bridle leather on the outside.
This bridle has a thin strip of leather that goes over a wide area of thick padding.
Expert Tips
- Even though this bridle does not come with reins, make this into a positive. It allows you to choose reins that best suit you.
- You don’t have to buy Schockemohle reins to go with it, just reins that match the color.
Related: Best Tack Cleaner You Shouldn’t Miss!
How to Choose the Best Anatomical Bridle
Choosing the best anatomical bridle has to consider your budget. If you have a higher budget you will get a better quality, more comfortable bridle.
When choosing a bridle look for ones with a wide headpiece, shaped to avoid ear pressure.
The more padded the headpiece, the more comfortable you can make your horse.
If possible try the bridle on the horse to make sure it fits correctly and is not accidentally putting pressure on facial nerves.
FAQs
What bridle is best for my horse?
The best bridle is one that fits correctly. This is not only to do with the bridle itself but how you tie it up when it is on. Choose a bridle with a padded noseband, browband, and crownpiece.
What type of bridle should I use?
Start with a snaffle bridle without a flash or figure eight noseband. Always try to go as simple as possible and add more if your horse needs it. The best horse bridle to use is an anatomical one.
What are the best horse bridle brands?
Which bridle brand is the best does have a personal element. However, when you take that out, certain brands always come out on top The best bridles brands include CWD, PS of Sweden, Ovation, Passier, Stübben, and Fairfax.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new bridle, we have covered some of the best bridles for horses here.
Anatomical is the way forward to ensure your horse stays comfortable.
With many brands creating their own anatomical bridles, you can now find a choice in all budget ranges.
We love all the options here, but the top pick is the Henri de Rivel Pro Mono Crown Fancy Bridle with Patent Leather Piping and Laced Reins.
- Contoured Padded Mono Crown
- 1” Padded Fancy Raised Browband and Noseband with Patent Leather Piping
- Patent Leather Keepers and Runners
- ½” Cheek Pieces | 5/8” Laced Reins
- Stainless Steel Hardware
Have you used any of the above? Which one is your pick for the best horse bridle? Please share with us!
Siun is an all-around animal lover, with a passion for horses. She grew up in the United States, competing in the hunters, equitation, and jumpers. Now living in Ireland, she competes with her own showjumping horses. She is experienced in the care and training of horses, as well as teaching riding lessons. She loves to combine her love for horses with her work. When not working, Siun will be found at the stables, rain or shine.
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