Are anatomical headpieces worth it?

I think so but I also think the horse should be assessed by a qualified bit and bridle fitter before any anatomical bridle or bit is purchased. Bridle design and fit is much more influential than we were aware of until fairly recently. Mine wears a Horsemanship Saddlery bridle and I wouldn’t use anything else on him. Even the browband is shaped like a horse’s head rather than a loop to relieve pressure points.
 
I've had a couple that have anatomical headpieces but they all seem to sit in the same place behind the ears as a traditional one even though it is curving round them.
 
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Like these for example. For me, it's still in the same place at the base of the ears that a traditional one would be. Isn't it?
 
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tda said:
Personally I just can't see how that is better than a properly fitted headpiece.
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This is what I'm struggling with. I've just bought a new bridle which is just a normal comfort headpiece, not shaped and I've been using the shaped ones for ages so I'm not sure if I've made the wrong choice or not! I really struggle to see any difference.
 
When I had a straight ‘normal’ headpiece on the bridle the sweat marks were D shaped behind each ear on the leather which was bent upwards. The browband was loose and I could easily fit my hand under it. The shape of my pony’s head is such that the headpiece sits in a groove behind his ears. The straight leather pushes against the back of his ears. With the anatomical headpiece I have the shape sits flat and fits behind and between his ears. If I use the wrong bit the shape is pulled at an angle and the leather does not lie flat.
I agree that the shaping cannot be the same for every horse.
My pony no longer rubs his ears and poll on the manger after unbridling. He used to do this all the time.
 
When I went bridle shopping I ended up making my own with parts from many different makes after a lot of studying, I just couldn’t find any one “complete” bridle that ticked all the boxes of what I wanted (well maybe I could if I spent a lot more money…)If you choose to go down that route just check that the buckles/leathers on the “parts” match eachother.
 
Meredith said:
With the anatomical headpiece I have the shape sits flat and fits behind and between his ears.
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This is what my anatomical headpiece does too. If you're not sure, would it be worth getting a bit and bridle fitter out so that you can try some beforehand and see if it does make a difference?
 
Squeak said:
This is what my anatomical headpiece does too. If you're not sure, would it be worth getting a bit and bridle fitter out so that you can try some beforehand and see if it does make a difference?
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Sorry, I’m not clear about your reply.
I have had an independent bit and bridle fitter visit my pony, hence my comments and explanations.
 
For me I only use monocrown headpieces but I don’t particularly care for the wider/shaped ‘anatomical’ ones. So monocrown and a big enough browband
 
I big fan of them .
I know one horse not mine who was transformed but the change from a traditional headpiece to anatomical one .
I like the fairfax bridles particularly the screw on brow bands but I don’t like their cavesson noseband so I use the ones from the Albion KB bridles which I also like a lot .
If I had a horse with issues I would certainly experiment with more unusual bridles like Dyon difference bridle.
 
With these bridles verses traditional design the biggest difference is the strap of noseband does go under the headpiece .
I thinks that’s where the discomfort often comes particularly when bits that employ poll pressure are used .
 
Goldenstar said:
With these bridles verses traditional design the biggest difference is the strap of noseband does go under the headpiece .
I thinks that’s where the discomfort often comes particularly when bits that employ poll pressure are used .
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That's a good point. I should have probably said that I'm referring to the straight style headpiece but the comfort style where the the noseband strap is integrated.
 
LEC said:
Another who does this. I buy XL browbands now as far more beneficial
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Perhaps it's just my horse or possibly the bit but the headpiece would sit in the same place with or without a browband or it being shaped round the ears. 🤔 This is why I'm unsure on the difference and whether I should have bought one with the shaped headpiece again or if it doesn't matter. The one I got is monocrown.
 
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Goldenstar said:
With these bridles verses traditional design the biggest difference is the strap of noseband does go under the headpiece .
I thinks that’s where the discomfort often comes particularly when bits that employ poll pressure are used .
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Possibly slightly off topic but how would a traditional headpiece where the noseband strap sits underneath compared to a monocrown be different in regards to pressure? A bit that employs poll pressure wouldn't or shouldn't effect the noseband as that sits independently to the rest? Apart from when it's a monocrown obviously then it would all move as one.
 
This is where it all started https://fairfaxsaddles.com/pages/fairfax-bridle-testing-and-design


www.eurodressage.com

The Importance of Bridle Fit for Optimal Equine Welfare and Performance

From professional event riders to casual hackers, the bridle is an essential piece of tack, where optimal fit is imperative to ensure inadvertent discomfort or pain is not being experienced by the horse. Experienced veterinarian and scientific advisor to the BEF, Dr Rachel Murray of Rossdales...
www.eurodressage.com www.eurodressage.com

papers.ssrn.com

Equine Bridle Nosebands: Pressure Testing for Horse Comfort

There is limited evidence for the procedures of addressing noseband tightness, eliminating excessive tightening, or the approval of bridles under the government
papers.ssrn.com
 
It’s on the list of things pony would like when she’s back in work but I’ll wait to see what the saddle fit bill is first!
 
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