Bridle Parts

• Crownpiece: The crownpiece or crown (headpiece - UK) goes over the horse's head and rests just behind the animal's ears. It is the main strap that holds the bridle in place and prevents the bit from slipping down.

• Cheekpieces: Cheekpieces attach to either side of the crownpieces and run down the side of the horse's face, across the cheek. They attach to the bit rings. In a double bridle, two pairs of cheekpieces are used.
• Throatlatch: the throatlatch is usually part of the same piece of leather as the crownpiece. It runs from the horse's right ear, under his throat, and attaches below the left ear. The main purpose of the throatlatch is to prevent the bridle from coming over the horse's head. However, many horsemen agree that the throatlatch is relatively unimportant. It is important, when bridling a horse, not to tighten the throatlatch too much, as it will place pressure on the animal's windpipe and constrict his breathing.
• Browband: The crownpiece actually runs through the browband. The browband runs from just under one ear of the horse, across his forehead, to just under the other ear. Western bridle often do not have a browband, or have a browband that simply encircles one ear. In certain sports, such as dressage, decorative browbands have become fashionable.
• Noseband: the noseband encircles the nose of the horse. It is often used to keep the animal's mouth closed, or to attach other pieces or equipment, such as martingales.
• Reins: The reins of a bridle attach to the bit, below the attachment for the cheekpieces. The reins are the rider's link to the horse, and are seen on every bridle. Reins are often laced, braided, have stops, or are made of rubber of tacky material to provide extra grip.

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