
Review the measurement chart, photos, and guiding points below when measuring for a BBD bridle. Please reach out with any questions – I am happy to help!
IF YOU ARE ABLE TO SEND ME A SIDE PHOTO OF THE HORSE WEARING THE BRIDLE YOU USED TO TAKE THE MEASUREMENTS FROM, THAT CAN BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL AS WELL
I am always happy to assist with fitting guidance at NO EXTRA CHARGE if you are able to send me these 6 measurements and a photo of the horse wearing the bridle used for the measurements.
The SIX most important measurements are the
- The split to split on the current CROWNPIECE (that is the area that goes across the horse’s poll. The split on a bridle is where the wider piece that goes across the poll “splits” into the tab for the cheekpieces and throatlatch and on my bridle the noseband as well. So from the split on the one side over the poll to the split on the other side.
- BROWBAND from the inside not including the loops that the crown goes through.
- The THROATLATCH from the crown split to the end of the throatlatch.
- The length of the HEADSTALL (cheeks and crown) starts at the bit, and runs over the top of the head to the bit on the other side.
- The circumference of the NOSEBAND from the tongue of the buckle to the most used hole.
- The distance between the NOSEBAND uprights.
Small Pony | Regular Pony | Large Pony | Cob | Horse | Oversize | |
Crownpiece | 11″ | 12″ | 13″ | 13” | 14″ | 15″ |
Browband | 11″ | 11.5″ | 12″ | 12.25″ | 13.25″ | 14.25″ |
Throatlatch (longest/shortest) | 22″/19″ | 23.5″/21″ | 23.75″/20.25″ | 24″/21″ | 27″/24.5″ | 29.5″/26.5″ |
Headstall (longest/shortest) | 34.5″/28.5″ 33″/27″ | 39.75″/34.5″ 38″/32″ | 39.75″/34.25″ 37.25″/32.5″ | 40″/34.25″ | 44″/38.25″ | 50″/43.5″ |
Noseband (longest/shortest) | 23″/19.5″ | 25″/21″ | 25.25″/21.5″ | 26″/21.5″ | 28.25″/23.5″ | 29.75″/26.25″ |
Noseband Width- Distance between uprights | 10″ | 10″ | 11″ | 12″ | 13″ | 14.5″ |
Reminder: BDD has a “Build a Bridle” option! Pick and choose any size pieces to create a custom size. Note there is a $25 fee for this service.
How to Take Each Measurement
CROWNPIECE
- Measure the split to split on a current crownpiece (the area that goes across the horse’s poll)
- Hold your measuring tape at the top of the split on one side, run the tape over the poll, then stop at the top of the split on the other side
- Split on a bridle: where the wider piece that goes across the poll “splits” into the tab for the cheekpieces/throatlatch


BROWBAND
- Take the measure on the inside of the browband – NOT including the loops used to fasten the crown

THROATLATCH
- Measure from the crown split to the end of the throatlatch
- Split on a bridle: where the wider piece that goes across the poll “splits” into the tab for the throatlatch

HEADSTALL
- Measure the length of the headstall (cheeks and crown) starting at the bit
- Go over the top of the head, to the bit on the other side

NOSEBAND CIRCUMFERENCE
- Measure the circumference from the tongue of the buckle to the most used hole
- Split on a bridle: where the wider piece that goes across the poll “splits” into the tab for the noseband

NOSEBAND WIDTH
- Measure the distance between the Noseband Uprights
