Another definition needed - "full bridle" for Western riding

[star197]

Well...I would like to get the definition of another term (I've learned a LOT about the flat-kneed one!).

When I was taking western lessons a while back, the trainer would say the horse either rode "in a snaffle", or a "full bridle". She said that full bridle meant one with a western curb bit (solid mouthpiece with shanks).

I had always thought the term full bridle referred to an English headstall with the two bits and the four reins.

Is 'full bridle' a common term for a headstall with a western curb bit?

[Reinmaker]

I don't know if it is "technically correct" (WF;)), but in everyday venacular of the western riding folks I have been around. Full bridle means solid mouthpiece, shanks, and curb chain.

[star197]

Thanks RM. Also, what about a description of a western horse that "rides fully in the bridle"?

[WashingtonBay]

In western terms, a 'full bridle' would mean a curb.

"fully in the bridle" - I'm not sure, it would need context.

[Reinmaker]

"In the bridle" is a totally different thing. It has nothing to with the actual tack. A horse can be fully in the bridle in a snaffle.

Fully in the bridle means the horse is soft and supple, breaks at the poll on contact and lifts the shoulders. He is collected and is driving from behind. They can be "in the bridle" on a loose rein(this is what we train for). To achieve this one must drive them up into the bridle and get them soften the face and shoulders, get them to round their back and get their hocks up under them (impulsion). As they develop the muscle, and balance and their training advances it takes less and less contact to achieve this.

[WashingtonBay]

Fair enough. I understand it in that context :)

[star197]

"fully in the bridle" - I'm not sure, it would need context.

Thanks RM for the description...I should have added more detail. It was an ad for a 'finished' western horse and while describing his talents it said "rides fully in the bridle".

[Reinmaker]

Thanks RM for the description...I should have added more detail. It was an ad for a 'finished' western horse and while describing his talents it said "rides fully in the bridle".

If you were serious about looking at the horse I would ask them what their definition of it is. Different people think different things when it comes to terms like that. They could mean a full bridle, they could mean collected and soft in the face, they could mean something else. You just never know.

[Mandzanita]

Would "fully in the bride" be the same as "on the bit"? Maybe "on the bit" is more english terminology.

[Reinmaker]

I think that is an "English term". I am not real familiar with it but it sounds like it could have the same general connotation.

I never did ride English, just couldn't bring myself to wear breeches.:eek:

[Mandzanita]

Leave the breeches to the ladies :) No offense to any english-riding men...

Thanks RM for the description...I should have added more detail. It was an ad for a 'finished' western horse and while describing his talents it said "rides fully in the bridle".

Yeah I agree with Reinmaker...sounds like they are saying he has good "self carriage" comming up from the hind and into the bridle. Although the term "rides fully in the bridle" makes me mentally a picture a horse fully on the forehand, even though it means the opposite.

[Joey A]

I don't know if it is "technically correct" (WF;)), but in everyday venacular of the western riding folks I have been around. Full bridle means solid mouthpiece, shanks, and curb chain.

I had a funny feeling I was gonna get picked on here. :doh: I agree with your definition though.

"In the bridle" is a totally different thing. It has nothing to with the actual tack. A horse can be fully in the bridle in a snaffle.

Fully in the bridle means the horse is soft and supple, breaks at the poll on contact and lifts the shoulders. He is collected and is driving from behind. They can be "in the bridle" on a loose rein(this is what we train for). To achieve this one must drive them up into the bridle and get them soften the face and shoulders, get them to round their back and get their hocks up under them (impulsion). As they develop the muscle, and balance and their training advances it takes less and less contact to achieve this.

Mind how you go now, you're sounding like me. We don't want anyone thinking you're being condecending. :hysterical:

I never did ride English, just couldn't bring myself to wear breeches.:eek:

My legs were always my stong suit, I used to Mtn bike a good 100-150 miles a week and breeches aren't a far cry from bike shorts.

[Palogal]

Would "fully in the bride" be the same as "on the bit"? Maybe "on the bit" is more english terminology.

On the bit is an English term that thankfully is not as popular as it used to be. It means submissive to the bit although it commonly used to mean "collected" which is more than that. I guess "fully in the bridle" would be the western version of that.

[TheBadLands]

If I have a horse come in for training or to be started I ask them "Do you want them coming home in a snaffle or a bridle?" to me, a bridle is a shanked bit with a curb. Which also means I have them neck reining.

[Reinmaker]

I had a funny feeling I was gonna get picked on here.


Not picking, just trying to preemptively dodge a potential bullet.;)


Mind how you go now, you're sounding like me. We don't want anyone thinking you're being condecending.

LOL, I was just giving my definition.

[Miracle Whip]

Drat, I was hoping to see some men in breeches....;)

[Joey A]

Leave the breeches to the ladies :) No offense to any english-riding men...

I used to be restricted from wearing certain breeches in public... someone use-ta get jealous. :innocent:

[TheBadLands]

I used to be restricted from wearing certain breeches in public... someone use-ta get jealous. :innocent:


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[rocknK]

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