Correct position for bridle buckles

[jenni999]

As per the title, should the buckles be above the eye, in line with it or below to avoid the most sensitive nerves?

 

[meleeka]

I believe they should be eye level or just below, not above.

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

I believe they should be eye level or just below, not above.

I agree, and all buckles at same height (cheeks, nose band head and throatlash)

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I agree, and all buckles at same height (cheeks, nose band head and throatlash)

It would never have occurred to me to do anything else!

 

[pansymouse]

I always fit bespoke bridles with the buckles level with the eye.

 

[ycbm]

Unless you are showing, all the buckles should be wherever they are that makes the bridle fit the horse.

Unless you buy made to measure and are lucky enough that it never stretches in use, trying to get all the buckles level will often result in a strangling or flapping throat lash and too high or low a noseband, depending on the shape of your horse's head.


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[Pearlsasinger]

Unless you are showing, all the buckles should be wherever they are that makes the bridle fit the horse.

I agree but I would expect a correctly fitting bridle to have its buckles just below the eye, the adjustable part is more normally the lower part.

 

[milliepops]

lol I am sure no one is suggesting that you should buckle it next to the eye even if that means your bridle doesn't fit...

IIRC the aim to have buckles by/below the eye level is in order to avoid extra pressure around the TMJ

 

[catkin]

Unless you are showing, all the buckles should be wherever they are that makes the bridle fit the horse.

Unless you buy made to measure and are lucky enough that it never stretches in use, trying to get all the buckles level will often result in a strangling or flapping throat lash and too high or low a noseband, depending on the shape of your horse's head.


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No - the buckles should be there because that's where they are most comfortable for the horse. If they are not then you need a new bridle or bridle parts.

 

[milliepops]

buying *effectively* made to measure isn't that hard these days, many bridle manufacturers will sell a new bridle that is made up of different sized bits

 

[catkin]

buying *effectively* made to measure isn't that hard these days, many bridle manufacturers will sell a new bridle that is made up of different sized bits

and you can buy the parts individually if you need to do so.

 

[meleeka]

buying *effectively* made to measure isn't that hard these days, many bridle manufacturers will sell a new bridle that is made up of different sized bits

That’s what I did. I bought from Jefferies and it was almost the same price as buying complete. There’s no way I’d be able to buy “off the peg’ with parts such as a XF browband, cob head and noseband and pony cheeks! Neither size would remotely fit whatever the buckles ended up.

 

[ycbm]

No - the buckles should be there because that's where they are most comfortable for the horse. If they are not then you need a new bridle or bridle parts.

There are plenty of places where the buckles are comfortable for the horse. It isn't necessary to buy a new bridle or bridle parts just because your buckles aren't all at the same level.

 

[catkin]

For many people there is a logic in having buckles as level as possible (and girths buckled on same holes each side - but that's a different discussion......).
When we are riding we are looking for symmetry, both in ourselves and in our horses, it's what we spend hours and hours training towards. If a bridle looks level it is an aid towards that goal whether consciously or unconsciously.

 

[Palindrome]

For many people there is a logic in having buckles as level as possible (and girths buckled on same holes each side - but that's a different discussion......).
When we are riding we are looking for symmetry, both in ourselves and in our horses, it's what we spend hours and hours training towards. If a bridle looks level it is an aid towards that goal whether consciously or unconsciously.

You can't see the bridle when you are riding though? It is generally better to look up instead of looking at your horse's head.
I am in the it doesn't matter as long as horse is comfy and everything working camp.

 

[ycbm]

For many people there is a logic in having buckles as level as possible (and girths buckled on same holes each side - but that's a different discussion......).
When we are riding we are looking for symmetry, both in ourselves and in our horses, it's what we spend hours and hours training towards. If a bridle looks level it is an aid towards that goal whether consciously or unconsciously.

I'm sorry, but I don't see any logic at all in comparing having a girth level on each side and having all the buckles on one side of the face at the same height. One is a matter of keeping the physical forces equal and the other, provided the horse is comfortable, pure aesthetics. It does look nice, though.

 

[cremedemonthe]

When I was training in Saddlery, we were taught the correct way is to line the buckles up with the eye. Not many do these days though.
Oz