A new peer-reviewed study published in Animals has offered fresh insights into how different types of bridles impact horses during ridden work. Co-authored by Dr David Marlin, founder of Animalweb, and an international team of equine scientists, the research compared forces and pressures under the headpiece and noseband, and rein tension, between snaffle and double bridles in elite dressage horses.
The paper, titled Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle, involved eleven high-level dressage horses, each ridden in both a snaffle bridle (SB) and a double bridle (DB) in a randomised trial. The horses were assessed at collected walk, trot, and canter, with rein tension measured via load cells and head and nose pressures recorded using calibrated pressure mats.
Key Findings:
- Headpiece Pressure: The double bridle, being significantly heavier due to the inclusion of two bits, exerted higher pressure on the occipital (poll) region. These pressures were most pronounced in trot and canter.
- Noseband Pressure: Contrary to expectations, there were few significant differences in noseband pressures between the two bridles, even though both were fitted identically with Swedish (crank) nosebands at a standardised tightness.
- Rein Tension: Despite the double bridle’s complexity, total rein tension (bridoon + curb) was actually lower in collected trot and not significantly different in walk or canter when compared to the single snaffle bit. The study suggests this may reflect skilled riders using lighter aids with the double bridle.
- Pressure Distribution: The pressure under the noseband and headpiece was not evenly distributed in either bridle. Pressure hotspots appeared over the mandibles and behind the ears, highlighting areas of potential discomfort if not properly padded or fitted.
Dr Marlin commented:
“This is the first study to provide such a detailed comparison of bridles in high-level dressage horses under real ridden conditions. These findings challenge the assumption that double bridles always apply more rein pressure or cause more facial pressure, showing instead that with skilled riding and correct fitting, both bridle types can be used responsibly.”
The study was a collaboration between researchers at Hartpury University, Michigan State University, Woolcroft Equine Services, Ibikus Ltd, and Animalweb Ltd. It adds important quantitative data to the growing body of welfare-focused research that aims to guide tack design, rider training, and equestrian sport regulation.
As calls for better equine welfare standards grow across disciplines, especially at elite levels, this research offers an evidence-based perspective. It underscores the need for educated, skilled riding and proper equipment fitting rather than assumptions about one bridle being inherently harsher than another.
