Parts of a Bridle

• A bridle consists of a headstall, brow band, nose band and cheek pieces, all of which attach to the bit. Cheek pieces are adjustable, and should be set to hold the bit in the correct place in the horse's mouth.
  
  

Mouthpiece

• The mouthpiece, or bit, of a bridle slides into a horse's mouth horizontally to sit across its tongue. Reins attach to the bit to provide a rider with control and steering.
  
  

Types and Sizes

• Bits come in a range of styles, including snaffle, slow twist, copper rollers, straight bar and rubber mouth. Each provides a different level of control and steering. Bits are measured lengthwise to ensure they fit the horse's mouth properly, as bits that are too small bind and rub against the corners of the horse's mouth.
  
  

Materials

• Bits are made of several different metals, but are usually either steel or copper. Sometimes nickel plating or rubber coating cover the steel of a bit to change the functionality of the bit.
  
  

Considerations

• When you're putting a horse's bridle on, it's important the place the bit correctly. Incorrect placement may result in the bit being crooked in the horse's mouth, or the horse putting its tongue over the bit. Either of these eliminates the functionality of the bit.