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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2025; 15(7); doi: 10.3390/ani15071058

Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle.

Abstract: Information describing forces applied to the horse are needed to inform regulatory decisions regarding equine health and wellbeing. This study compares forces exerted beneath the noseband and headpiece of a snaffle bridle (SB) and a double bridle (DB). Horses were fitted with the same type of SB and DB. Forces were measured by pressure mats under the noseband (nasal/mandibular) and headpiece (occipital) of the bridle and by force sensors inserted bilaterally between the bit(s) and reins. The noseband was adjusted to 2 finger-equivalents using a tightness gauge. Data were recorded for eleven high-level dressage horses ridden in SB and DB in random order at collected walk, trot (sitting), and canter. The noseband pressures were similar between bridle types. Minimal, maximal, and mean occipital force and pressure were significantly higher for DB at walk, trot, and canter (all p ≤ 0.01), except minimal force for collected canter (p = 0.04). The rein tension for the bridoon bit alone and for the combined bridoon and curb bits was significantly lower than for the snaffle bit. Similar forces occur when ridden in SB and DB except that occipital force and pressure are higher due to the greater weight of the DB, and rein tension is lower for the DB.
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Publication Date: 2025-04-05 PubMed ID: 40218450PubMed Central: PMC11987760DOI: 10.3390/ani15071058Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigates the differing forces exerted on a horse’s head by two types of bridles, the snaffle bridle and the double bridle. The study found that, while noseband pressures are similar, occipital (back of the head) forces are higher with the double bridle, likely due to its greater weight. Furthermore, the rein tension is lower with a double bridle.

Introduction

  • The field of equine health and wellbeing is increasingly focused on ensuring horses are not subjected to unnecessary or harmful forces, particularly in competitive events. In this context, the study aims to compare the forces on horse’s head applied by a snaffle bridle (SB) and a double bridle (DB).

Methods

  • The study enrolled eleven high-level dressage horses, fitting them with both types of bridles in random order.
  • Forces experienced by the horse were measured with pressure mats placed beneath the noseband and the headpiece of the bridle. Additionally, force sensors were inserted between the bit(s) and the reins.
  • The noseband was adjusted to a tightness of 2 finger-equivalents using a gauge.
  • Data was recorded for each horse at a walk, trot, and canter.

Results

  • Both bridles exerted similar levels of pressure on the noseband area.
  • However, the occipital pressure and force were significantly higher with the DB at all gaits, except the minimal force at a collected canter, where the difference was less pronounced.
  • Rein tension was lower for the DB, particularly in the instance of the bridoon bit alone or the combined bridoon and curb bits, when compared with the snaffle bit in the SB.

Conclusion

  • The results reveal that while the forces on the noseband remained similar for both types of bridles, the DB resulted in higher occipital forces likely due to its greater weight.
  • The study’s findings could have implications for the regulations surrounding horse riding events, particularly in the field of dressage, to ensure the well-being of the horses.

Cite This Article

APA
MacKechnie-Guire R, Clayton H, Williams J, Marlin D, Fisher M, Fisher D, Walker V, Murray RC. (2025). Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle. Animals (Basel), 15(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15071058

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 7

Researcher Affiliations

MacKechnie-Guire, Russell
  • Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
Clayton, Hilary
  • Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 736 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Williams, Jane
  • Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
Marlin, David
  • Animalweb Ltd., The Granary, Hermitage Court, Maidstone, Kent ME16 9NT, UK.
Fisher, Mark
  • Woolcroft Equine Services, May Lane, Wisbech IP30 0DQ, UK.
Fisher, Diana
  • Woolcroft Equine Services, May Lane, Wisbech IP30 0DQ, UK.
Walker, Victoria
  • Equestrian Performance Research Centre, Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester GL19 3BE, UK.
Murray, Rachel C
  • Ibikus Ltd., Bury St Edmunds IP32 7AR, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

Author David Marlin was employed by the company Animalweb Ltd. Authors Mark Fisher and Diana Fisher were employed by the company Woolcroft Equine Services. Author Rachel Murray was employed by the company Ibikus Ltd. ALL authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Uldahl M, Mellor DJ. Regulatory Integrity and Welfare in Horse Sport: A Constructively Critical Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 30;15(13).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15131934pubmed: 40646833google scholar: lookup
  2. Faithfull R, Lewis K, Drury E, McBride S. Influences of Double Versus Snaffle Bridles on Equine Behaviour at Dressage Competitions and Factors That Interact with Their Effect. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 17;15(12).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15121782pubmed: 40564336google scholar: lookup
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