• Buffalo leather

A well-fitting bridle is essential for clear communication, a preserved mouth, and free movement. Poor adjustment can lead to discomfort, resistance, or tension, even with high-quality equipment.

• The headpiece: the foundation of comfort

The headpiece should lie flat behind the ears, without compressing the base of the ear or the poll. It should not slide forward onto the atlas or backward.
A well-adjusted headpiece distributes pressure and promotes relaxation of the neck.

• The browband: neither too short nor too long

The browband should never pull the headpiece forward. It should fit snugly against the forehead without tension, allowing for slight play.
A browband that is too short is a common cause of discomfort and pressure behind the ears.

• The cheekpieces: bit position

The cheekpieces should position the bits correctly:
- The snaffle bit usually creates 1 to 2 small wrinkles at the corners of the mouth.
- The curb bit is set slightly lower, with a more discreet action.
Both bits should remain stable, without pulling or pinching.

• The noseband: support without constraint

The noseband should be adjusted without being tight. The basic rule is to be able to fit at least two fingers between the noseband and the horse's head.
Its purpose is to stabilize the bridle, never to close the mouth.

• The throatlatch: safety first

The throatlatch should allow a closed fist to pass between it and the jowl. If it's too tight, it restricts breathing and flexion; if it's too loose, it loses its safety function.

The most common rein hold involves passing the snaffle rein under the little finger, then placing the curb rein between the ring and middle fingers. Both reins then exit over the top of the hand, held by the thumb. This arrangement allows for dissociated actions and maintains a stable and precise hand.

• Essential rules:
- The snaffle rein remains slightly adjusted, while the curb rein is held longer and is only used intermittently.
- Hands must remain low, supple, and steady, without permanent tension. Any action on the curb rein must be brief, measured, and immediately released, to protect the horse's mouth, poll, and relaxation.
- A good curb rein hold is primarily based on lightness, independent hands, and the rider's balance. If the curb rein is constantly under tension, it is a sign that the bridle adjustment or the work needs to be reviewed, always in the horse's best interest.