GAG BRIDLES
Most bridles can be converted into a gag bridle by replacing ordinary cheekpieces with gag cheeks and a gag bit

The gag bridle consists of rope or round leather cheekpieces that run through loops at the top and bottom of the rings of the bit and connect directly to the reins. The action can be extremely powerful, and riders will often have a second set of reins attached to the bit in the normal way, using the 'gag rein' only when required.

See 'Bridle Parts' and 'Bits' for Gag Cheeks and Bits

MICKLEM BRIDLES

MICKLEM MULTI-BRIDLE BRIDLES

This bridle can be used as a regular bridle, with or without the bit snap to help keep the bit very steady in the mouth. It is also a bitless bridle with two levels or severity possible. The ring in the center of the noseband is useful for lungeing. Available in Black or Brown in Pony, Cob, and Horse sizes. Complete Bridle less reins -

Bridle using bit snap

Bitless Bridle

BITLESS BRIDLES

NURTURAL HORSE BITLESS BRIDLES

This design can be just the thing for starting a young horse or freshening up an older one. It may allow a horse with dental problems to be ridden, and is a wonderful addition to riding schools, as quite a lot of control (including steering - which is may be imprecise with most styles of hackamores) can be maintained while protecting the horse or pony's mouth from untrained riders' hands. Can be great for hacking (once you have tested the level of control you have in a closed environment!)

from $ 99.95 (without reins)

The two sides of the throatlatch (3) continue and cross under the jaw (4), then run through the rings on the side of the noseband (1) to the reins (2). Adjusting the noseband higher or lower on the horse's face has the biggest influence on the effect of the bridle.

HACKAMORE NOSEBANDS
These hackamores are used in place of a regular noseband

JUMPING HACKAMORE

One of the mildest forms of bitless bridle, the jumping hackamore works by simple pressure on the nose.

ENGLISH HACKAMORE

The English Hackamore adds leverage because of its short steel shanks and a curb chain or strap.

GERMAN HACKAMORE

This hackamore has a very strong action due to the length of the shanks which provide more leverage. The noseband pictured is covered with sheepskin, but underneath is usually leather-covered chain or cable.

See 'Bit Department' for Combination Bit/Hackamores