Finding the correct Anatomical Headpiece
Why are there so many 'Anatomical' Headpieces for sale?
Finding the correct Anatomical headpiece for your horse is a minefield, but it is the essential starting point for any anatomical bridle if it is to fit correctly.
Anatomical bridles are everywhere now. It used to be that they were designed and made by only a few established quality manufacturers (Horsemanship Saddlery being one of the first) but as they gained in popularity, so the manufacturers gained in number.
Many 'Manufacturers' simply tried to copy the existing innovative designs, usually with a few 'Tweaks' that were almost always detrimental to the fit of the bridle. They were also designed and made in countries where the designers did not ride horses, did not have any affinity with horses and did not have any concept of horse head conformation. These same designs are still on sale today and, in general, many do not fit horse heads, though the advertising implies that they do.
Where do I start to find the anatomical headpiece that will fit my horse?
The first place to start is finding the correct angle that the hangers (the straps with holes) on the headpiece need to be. When the headpiece is placed flat on the horse's poll, the hangers must point in a direct line, through the cheekpieces, to the bit attachment place on the horse's face. If they point behind or in front of this, then the headpiece will not fit correctly. It will be tipped either to the front or back at the Poll and the ear curve will cut into either the top or bottom of the ears.
The ear curve on the incorrect photo also finishes far too short and the bottom of the curve is digging into the back of the ear. It should be at least 2" longer, although the size of the headpiece is correct. It is just a bad design.
Examples of incorrect and correct hanger angles
The headpiece on the left does not have the correct hanger angle. As the photo shows, a straight line, through the cheeks would mean that the bit attachment position would be about 3" behind where it actually is. The hangers are being pulled forwards.
The one on the right has the correct hanger angle; a straight line from the top part of the headpiece, lying flat on the Poll, to the cheekstrap/bit connection point.
Sizing your anatomical bridle headpiece
The important thing is that the 'Split to Split' - the part of the headpiece where it divides into two straps - must be at least 3/4" below the bottom of the ear cartiledge.
This is to allow room for the browband to sit without interfering with the ears. (In this photo, the headpiece is the right size, but the browband should be moved down about 1/4" to the top of the split, to avoid the ear base.)
As there are no rules in the Trade as to how long the split to split should be for a particular size, each manufacturer chooses their own length for it. This can vary a lot, so, for example, some FULL size headpieces are only 14" split to split. Ours are 15", so you cannot size it just by assuming that your Full size headpiece is the same length as the one you are going to buy.
To measure your horse, you must do it with no bridle or headcollar on. It must be on the skin, over the Poll and to 3/4" below the ear cartiledge at the other side.
If you intend to use an ear bonnet, then it must be put on the horse first and measured over that, as ear bonnets increase the size needed due to their thickness.
Do I need Central Padding Removed?
For horses who have a thick mane or a prominent Nuchal Ligament (The 'Ridge' that you can feel on the top of the Poll) then the Central Padding Removed (CPR) option is essential.
However, all horses benefit from this. As you can see from the photo, it creates a small gap over the Poll, eliminating direct Poll Pressure, which many horses find uncomfortable.
However, if the padding on either side of the Poll is too thick, or in pads or blocks, this can cause its own pressure points at either side at the back of the ears. Minimum padding, that is equal all the way to the split to split, just enough to create a small gap, is enough and does not creat these pressure points.
What if I can't decide which anatomical bridle headpiece is the right one?
We offer a free remote bridle fiiting service. You simply send the photos of your horse in their current bit and bridle and we can determine which size, hanger angle and ear curve style is correct. Click on the link below for details:
Remote anatomical bridle fitting service