The double bridle is used in order to refine and finesse communication between horse and rider at the highest levels of classical riding.

it is a fairly severe bit but often necessary on a strong pulling horse that goes into a fence with its head on the ground. It can also help to get a horse (in conjunction with the riders leg) to get a horse off its forehand. There are many types of gag but they all have the cheeks running through the bit rings.

It puts pressure on the poll when you use the reins. Next time you tack the horse up, hold onto the bottom ring and move it back as if the reins were attached and you were pulling them. You will see it pulling down on the cheekpieces to put pressure on the poll via the headpiece.

Depending upon the rider’s finesse (or lack of it), the double bridle can be a very severe tool. When the curb bit is brought into play, it applies pressure to the horse’s poll and to the lower jaw via the curb chain.

The snaffle bridle can be used for most English disciplines including jumping, dressage, and trail riding. It can be used with a snaffle bit or with a Pelham or curb bit.

Bitless bridles are not permitted for dressage, show horses, driving or vaulting. In reining bosals are permitted. The fact that the EA allows bitless bridles for showjumping and cross-country, implies they do not think riding bitless is dangerous, as these are two of the most dangerous horse sports.

Rules in Show Jumping Gags (bits) and Hackamores (most popular bitless bridles) are allowed.

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A plain noseband encircles your horse’s nose at a point approximately two fingers’ width below his cheekbone. Set in that position and adjusted so it’s reasonably snug, this noseband is usually suitable for a well-trained horse who accepts the bit without fuss.

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.

Through his research, Dr Cook has found that bitted bridles are ‘primitive’ and essentially ‘unnecessary for control of the horse’. Dr Cook considers the bit to be cruel and counterproductive, as it controls the horse through the threat of pain- similar to a whip.