04/06/2025
** 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗗 𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗟𝗘𝗦**
𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗥𝗘𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗔 𝗦𝗡𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔 𝗗𝗢𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗟𝗘
𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗞𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗲-𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲, 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻, 𝗝𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀, 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿, 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆
Open Access (read without subscription): https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/15/7/1058
We believe this is the first study to quantify rein forces and bridle pressures in high-level horses (PSG and above) when wearing a double bridle compared with a snaffle, a significant step forward in advancing our understanding of the use and application of a double bridle.
We appreciate that this is a polarised topic, with many opinions and thoughts on the use and application of a double bridle. Two previous studies have reported the possible effects of a double bridle, but these studies used naïve horses and/or could not differentiate whether the observed effects were due to the double bridle or other factors like a noseband, therefore, the current study adds to the knowledge base. As with all our research, we aim to deliver high-quality research that can advance our understanding and influence decision-making.
We welcome discussion, however before commenting, please read the below limitations, which we have acknowledged in the manuscript.
🐴We studied high-level horses ridden by highly skilled riders regularly ridden in professionally fitted bridles. Therefore, future work is needed to determine if the same results apply to less experienced riders.
🐴We have reported curb rein forces and appreciate that these forces do not represent the intra-oral forces. As discussed throughout the manuscript, we have not measured oral pressures. At present, there is no validated method to measure oral pressure. Whilst some groups have produced estimates, it remains to be seen experimentally if these are valid.
🐴Horse behavioural elements have not been included as they are under review elsewhere.
While this study has limitations, it is the first to compare the double with the snaffle bridle, and it is hoped that it will provide a springboard for future studies in this area.
𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
In this group of horses and riders very little differences were found in noseband forces between bridles. The greater weight of the double bridle applied higher minimal, maximal and mean occipital forces due to greater weight of bits and cheekpieces in the double bridle. Rein tension did not differ between the snaffle bit of the snaffle bridle and the summed forces of the bridoon and curb bits of the double bridle in walk/canter but were lower for the double bridle when in collected trot. The force applied to the curb was less than the bridoon, and forces on each bit of the double bridle were less than for the snaffle bridle.
All bridles should be professionally fitted. The double bridle should only be used by skilled riders and must not be used to cover up training issues. Riders need to take responsibility and discuss the use of a double bridle with experienced trainers and only use one if they are confident in how to use it, and the horse is appropriately trained and monitored throughout.
As always, a massive thank you to the research team, assistants, riders, owners and horses. And Hartpury University Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) for funding this project.
𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
The FEI did not fund this study.
The authors funded Open Access publication
