How to Bridle a Horse

Putting on a bridle for the first time can be tricky for many new riders and may take practice to achieve. Luckily, we have broken this process down into simple steps to follow along. Note, that even if you're still struggling to bridle your horse or that one cheeky lesson pony, it is always okay to ask your instructor or others for help!

Put your horse in a stall
When taking off your horses' halter, leave it around their neck before you bridle
Approaching your horses’ left side, put the reins over the horses’ head
Hold the bridle in your left hand, and use your right arm to gently go from under the horses’ face, eventually wrapping your arm around so that your hand is on the horses’ nose
With the horses’ nose secure, move the bridle closer to the horses’ face, so that you can grab it with the hand that is gently holding the horses’ nose
With your right arm still wrapped around securing your horses’ head, take your hand off of the horses’ nose and grab the part of the bridle connecting to the bit
Allow the bit to hang under the horses’ head and move the second leather piece holding the bit to the right hand.
With your left hand that is now free, move the bit under the horses’ chin while also shortening the slack of the leather pieces holding the bit that are carried by your right hand. The end result should be that the bit is snug under the horses’ chin.
Once you feel that your horses’ head is securely held by your right hand holding the leather, use your left hand to move the bit from under your horses’ chin to their mouth.
Lift up the leather in your right hand as the horse opens its mouth; simultaneously, with your left hand free again, you can begin putting the horses’ ears behind the brow band
Tighten the noseband if there is one; make sure there is enough space for two fingers to fit between your horses’ skin and the leather
Tighten the throat latch; ensure that there is enough slack in the throat latch to fit two fists