Did you know one of the most common issues with bridle fit is a tight browband and forward headpiece?
In my line of work as a bitting specialist I’m often only called out when riders are having suspected bitting issues with their horse. But now it’s becoming more common for riders to seek advice about not only how their bit is working, but also if they can improve the fit of their bridle.
Areas to Check
I for one am pleased that riders are becoming more aware of the effects a poorly fitted bridle can have on their horse. There are many sensitive areas on the head of the horse that can often be overlooked, and a poorly fitting bridle can have a huge detrimental effect on comfort and performance.
One of the most common issues I see is a bridle having a too small browband. This problem contributes to a secondary issue as it brings the headpiece too far forward over the poll…which may bring more problems.
The diagram below show the complex nerves situated around the poll and face. Impaction of these nerves not only affect the head, but also the rest of the horse. (I won’t bore you with their functions now, more on that at a later date). It illustrates how important bridle fit is.
The Browband and TMJ
A tightly fitting browband will pull the headpiece forward towards the bulb of the ear, which has many important nerves that serve facial function, and it can also impact the temporal mandibular joint.
The temporal mandibular joint (TMJ going forwards) is a sensitive part of the horses anatomy and its importance is often overlooked.
The soft, responsive and relaxed lower jaw is imperative to thoughtful riding, and a happy horse accepting the bit. Any tension or pressure from a tight browband over the TMJ can prevent this and the horse may feel strong, stiff and unresponsive to rein aids.
Signs of this will usually appear after 15-20 minutes of riding as impaction of the nerves begin to aggravate the horse, or perhaps a reluctance to be bridled.
The importance of the TMJ.
Too much pressure from an ill fitting browband/and or headpiece on the TMJ can result in many common issues that may be associated with the bit.
The TMJ joint governs the opening and closing of the lower jaw. When the nerves that operate this natural function are compromised by a bridle, the horse can show significant behavioural changes such as a dislike to being bridled, the contact, or present with head tilting, a stiff jaw, solid neck, bracing, head shaking, open mouth, pulling, the desire to rub their head and more.
A soft and pliable TMJ is integral to the relaxation, suppleness, responsiveness to the bit, balance and comfort when the horse is ridden. A happy horse should be ready to respond the rein aids without adverse reactions such as open mouth, chomping, head tilting and tension from the head and neck.
Here to Help
If you are experiencing these problems, a good place to start is assessing bridle fit. If in doubt, we are here to help guide you. #bridlefitter #bitfitter #bitfittingexpert #horsecomfort #happyhorse #happyhorses. Please see our Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/equinebittingsolutions/
