Measuring a horse or pony for a bridle is an important step in ensuring that the bridle fits properly and is comfortable for the animal to wear. A poorly fitting bridle can cause discomfort and even pain, so it’s essential to take the time to measure accurately. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to measure a horse or pony for a bridle:
- Measure the width of the horse’s poll (the top of the head just behind the ears). To do this, use a soft tape measure and place it just behind the ears, running it across the top of the head to the other side. Record this measurement in inches.
- Measure the distance from the corner of the horse’s eye to the corner of the mouth. This measurement is known as the cheekbone measurement. This measurement will help to determine the size of the bridle’s cheekpieces.
- Measure the distance from the horse’s noseband to the bottom of the jaw. This measurement will help to determine the size of the bridle’s noseband.
- Measure the distance from the horse’s bit to the bottom of the jaw. This measurement will help to determine the size of the bridle’s chin strap.
- Measure the distance from the horse’s ear to the bottom of the jaw. This measurement will help to determine the size of the bridle’s throatlatch.
- Measure the length of the horse’s head. This measurement will help to determine the overall size of the bridle.
Once you have all of these measurements, you can use them to select the appropriate size of bridle for your horse or pony. It’s important to note that it’s always better to have a bridle that is slightly too large than one that is too small, as a poorly fitting bridle can cause discomfort and even pain for the horse.
When measuring, it’s important to make sure that the horse is standing still and relaxed. If the horse is nervous or moving around, it will be difficult to take accurate measurements. It may also be helpful to have someone hold the horse steady while you take the measurements.
It’s also important to note that different brands of bridles may have slightly different sizing charts, so always double check the manufacturer’s guidelines before making a purchase.
In conclusion, taking the time to measure your horse or pony for a bridle is an important step in ensuring that the bridle fits properly and is comfortable for the animal to wear. With accurate measurements and careful selection, you can help to ensure that your horse or pony is comfortable and relaxed while wearing its bridle.