Hope Hill Tack Shop

06/17/2025

06/09/2025

Equine back health -

06/08/2025

Why Bridle Buckles Should Sit at Eye Level — Not on the TMJ

I thought id do a post about this for educational / awareness purposes, I see this alot and most of the time its simply because people are not aware.

Proper placement of the bridle’s cheekpiece buckles is more than just a matter of appearance — it’s crucial for your horse’s comfort and health. Buckles should sit roughly in line with the corner of the horse’s eye, not higher, where they can press against the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ is located just in front of the ear, where the jaw hinges. It’s a sensitive, complex joint that plays a vital role in the horse’s ability to chew, flex at the poll, and respond softly to the bit. When bridle buckles sit too high, they can put direct pressure on this joint, especially when a noseband or bit is engaged.

Why This Matters:
Pain and discomfort: Constant pressure on the TMJ can cause soreness and inflammation, which may result in the horse displaying signs of discomfort such as head tossing, grinding the bit, or resisting contact.

Restricted movement: Pressure on the TMJ can limit the jaw’s natural motion, affecting chewing and soft acceptance of the bit.

Behavioural issues: A horse in discomfort may become anxious, unwilling to work, or develop avoidance behaviours under saddle.

By positioning the buckles at eye level, you ensure they rest on the flatter part of the horse’s face where there’s no joint or nerve pressure. This promotes relaxation, clearer communication through the reins, and a much more comfortable experience for your horse.

I personally prefer to ride without a nose band at home, less it more when it comes to a horses sensitive face/nerves in my opinion.

* The left bridle is made to measure, fly veils can alter fit so it was fitted with and without to ensure there was no pressure points. The right bridle is an example of an ill fitting " off the shelf " bridle.

05/20/2025

This is why I tell people they need to sit in several different models/sizes when here looking for a saddle.

Have you ever felt confused by saddle seat size?
It might be because 17.5” ≠ 17.5”

Let me explain: Just because two saddles are both stamped 17.5” does not mean they offer the same space for the rider. Not even close.

This is one of the most common misconceptions we see when riders are saddle shopping. You rode in a 17.5”? Great. But assuming you’ll need a 17.5” in every other saddle you try is like assuming every “medium” shirt will fit the same, regardless of brand, cut, or stretch. Spoiler: it won’t.

Yes, both saddles might technically measure 17.5” from the seat nail to the middle of the cantle (the standard method). But what that number doesn’t tell you is how much actual usable space exists for you, the rider. Pommel shape, cantle height, seat curve, foaming, twist, seat width, all of these influence how much room your body really has to move.

This is why you could be riding in something that technically “measures” right but feels completely wrong. So no, not all 17.5” saddles are created equal. Not by brand, not by model, and definitely not across disciplines.

The next time you try a new saddle, remember, the number stamped under the flap means very little and real rider fit takes more than a tape measure.

05/16/2025

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