bridle

Head harness that enables the rider to steer a horse by using one or two bits in the horse’s mouth, which are connected to the reins.

throat latch

Strap that runs under the horse’s throat to prevent the bridle from sliding forward; it must be loose enough to allow the horse to breathe freely.

crownpiece

Strap that runs over the horse’s head behind the ears; it keeps the snaffle and cheek straps in place.

browband

Strap that runs around the front of the horse’s head; it prevents the bridle from sliding backward.

cheek strap

Strap that runs along the horse’s cheek and connects the crownpiece to the curb bit; it keeps the bit in the desired place in the horse’s mouth.

snaffle strap

Strap that runs along the horse’s cheek and connects the crownpiece to the snaffle bit; it keeps the bit in the desired place in the horse’s mouth.

noseband

Part of the bridle that runs around the head above the nostrils; it prevents the horse from opening its mouth and losing the bit.

curb bit

Bit composed of a mouth and two side bars; it lowers the horse’s nose.

curb chain

Metal chain that hangs from the cheek rings and passes under the horse’s jaw to secure the bit.

snaffle bit

Bit composed of a mouth and two side rings; it lifts the horse’s head.

curb rein

Strap that the rider holds to control the curb bit and thus steer the horse.

snaffle rein

Strap that the rider holds to control the snaffle bit and thus steer the horse.