Equestrian Bridles for Polo Ponies

Bridles

Pelham Bridle	Gag Bridle

Snaffle Bridle	Curb Bridle

Bosal Hackamore Bridle	Mechanical Hackamore Bridle

An equestrian bridle is a harness, consisting of a headpiece, a bit, and reins, attached to a horse's head. The main function of a bridle is to hold the bit in the horse's mouth and provide control of the horse.

Bridle Types

Different types of bridles are used on a polo pony. Usually a Gag, Snaffle, Pelham or Double bridle, leverage based for quick stops and turns, depending on the polo pony and its rider:

• A Snaffle bridle holds one snaffle bit, which has a single rein attached.
• A Pelham bridle holds one pelham bit, a bar mouthpiece that is designed to combine a curb and a snaffle, which usually has two reins attached for more precise control.
• A Gag bridle holds two bits, a small snaffle and a curb, with a single rein attached to each.

Bridle Pieces

Bridles are composed of a number of separate pieces of polo tack:

• The Headpiece is looped over the horse's head and ears to support the bit in the mouth.
• The Brow Band is looped across the forehead to prevent the bridle from slipping backward.
• The Bit is a metal mouthpiece serving to control, curb, and direct the horse.
• The Nose Band prevents the horse from avoiding the bit.
• The Cheek Piece is attached to the bit and the headpiece, one on each side.
• The Throat Lash is fastened around the gullet of the horse to prevent the bridle slipping forward.
• The Reins are attached to the bit rings beneath the cheek pieces.

Martingale

A martingale prevents a polo pony from raising its head too high and cracking the rider in the face.

A martingale is a piece of tack shaped like the letter 'Y'. It is held in position at the horse's chest. The saddle's girth strap slips through a loop at the bottom of the "Y" shape. The other ends at the top of the "Y" shape are attached to the bridle.