Tip #1 Redefining Bridle Fit

GAME CHANGING PERFORMANCE TIP #1

An incorrectly fitted bridle can put immense pressure on the poll.  The poll is the centre through which all nerves run as well as being the site of many muscle attachments. An overly tightened noseband will:

• Pull down on the crown piece creating a concentrated area of pressure on the poll. This is extremely painful.

• Subsequently affect the hyoid which in turn affects the horse’s breathing.

• Cause the cheeks and gums to press against the upper teeth and injure the gums. This is even more significant if the teeth have developed hooks.

• An overly tight noseband or curb chain can damage nerves that run along the cheek and lower jaw.

• The jaw loses the much needed ability to remain mobile; pain and sensory disorders of the mouth and nostril will develop.

•  The effect of the snaffle bit is on the bars, tongue and corner of the mouth.  Used correctly it assists with yielding through the jaw.  

  Why is yielding through the jaw so important? 

  The purpose of yielding is to release the muscles along the underside of the the horse’s neck and jaw joint permitting the horse to achieve and or maintain the much sought after suppleness and looseness.

  How does this affect foreleg movement and hindleg movement?

  Tension in the TMJ (temporolmandibular joint) causes increased tension in the muscles that are responsible for bringing the forelegs forward. If you noticed your horse is taking shorter strides than he normally does, this possibly could be an area of tension.

  Tension in the tongue can create tension in the sternum. When there is tension in the sternum, he cannot collect, therefore the hindleg movement will suffer.

  Note: This is a simplified explanation for the purpose of this blog.

Let us not forget the horse is connected from back to front via the longissiumus dorsi

Redefining Bridle Fit

This anatomical bridle avoids putting pressure on the Trigeminal, Facial and Glossopharyngeal Nerves. Note that it does not put any pressure on the TMJ joint.

The Trigeminal Nerve is the largest cranial nerve. (The vagus nerve is the longest nerve). The Trigeminal Nerve has three branches that travel outside the head. It is responsible for sensation of the head and face.

Hyoid Fundamentals

• A horse’s tongue attaches to the hyoid bone.

• The hyoid has a significant impact on the horse’s respiratory system.

• The hyoid is connected to the hindlimb via the ventral fascia system.

• Specific muscles connect the hyoid to the sternum and to the inside of the shoulder.

• A group of many small muscles connect the hyoid to the poll and TMJ joint.