After determining what bit, if any, is right for your horse, it must be fit to the horses’ mouth.  Horses’ mouths vary in width from horse to horse.  The bit should protrude no more than a quarter of an inch on both sides of the mouth.  A bit that is too wide will slide in the mouth and cause discomfort.  The horse will also not respond to the bit correctly.  If the bit is too narrow, it will pinch the lips of the horse.  It may also put unwanted pressure on the teeth of the horse, causing discomfort.  

The length of the bridle depends on the length of the horses’ head.  When placed on the horses’ head, the bit should be placed in the area of the mouth where the horse has no teeth.  When the mouth of the horse is closed, the bit should touch the corners of the mouth.  Some individuals prefer to shorten the bridle even more in order to cause the mouth of the horse to wrinkle once.  These decisions should be made based on the horses’ temperament and how much contact the rider makes with the reins.  If the rider uses a lot of rein contact then the bit should cause the mouth to wrinkle.  If the bit just touches the corner of the mouth, the rider will make contact and the cheek pieces of the bridle will bow outwards.  However, if the horse does not prefer contact on the mouth, then having a bit that wrinkles the mouth will cause them great discomfort and will not perform correctly. 

THE NOSEBAND

Another piece of the bridle that depends on the length of the horses’ head is the noseband.  The noseband should be adjusted so that it sits between the sharp facial bones and the corners of the mouth.  If it is placed to low, it may interfere with the breathing of the horse by being tightened around its’ nostrils.  If it is too high, the noseband will rub on the bones of the horses’ face.  When tightened, two fingers should be able to be placed between the band and then lower side of the jaw. 

THE BROWBAND

The length of the browband may also need adjusted.  The browband should not be pulling the headpiece into the base of the horses’ ears causing discomfort.  If it is, a longer browband may be needed.  It should also be placed so the browband itself does not rub on the front of the ears.

THE THROATLATCH

Depending on the width of the horses’ head, the throatlatch will need to be adjusted accordingly.  The width of four fingers should fit between the throatlatch and the horses’ cheek.  If the throatlatch is too tight, when the horse starts to work, it will rub on the windpipe and restrict breathing.

These guidelines for fitting an English bridle should be followed in order to have a safe and productive ride.  All other equipment should be checked over and fit properly as well.