How to Choose the Right Bonnet for Your Horse?

An indispensable element in classical horsemanship, the horse's snaffle is an integral part of our saddlery. Just like the saddle, the net is used to communicate with our horse to make him an athlete. 

However, we sometimes pay less attention to this equipment than to others, and it is not uncommon to see horses suffering from it. Choosing the right net and adjusting it correctly is essential. Discover our advice on the subject in this new article!

Contents 

• The necessary adaptation of the net
• Questions to ask yourself before choosing the right net
• The right thread setting

The necessary adaptation of the net 

Today, and we are only beginning to take this into account, the adaptation of the harness to the morphology of our horses is essential. Indeed, the equipment manufactured in series according to standard dimensions, does not really correspond to the morphology of our horses. 

Respectful harnessing

At Arion HST, we have taken into consideration the morphological differences of each horse from the very beginning. Thus, we have developed a range of custom-made saddlesadapted to each horse's build. This body-friendly harnessing avoids interfering with the relationship between the couple. A harness that is not adapted to the horse's body hinders its performance by creating pressure points that are restrictive.

What exists for stools is also true for nets. 

A very comfortable horse net

From an outside perspective, our horses' snaffles are intertwined strips of leather connected to a bit and queens. Not far from the truth, this definition is however a bit crude. Certainly, horse bridles and snaffles, by being placed on the horse's head, are useful in classical horsemanship. 

Their usefulness comes from the fact that they allow the rider to interact with his horse. However, this interaction can sometimes be a constraint, or even a hindrance if the net is not adapted. Indeed, the nets create pressure points on the head of our horses. The cervical vertebrae and the area behind the ears, the muzzle and the trough, as well as the corners of the mouth and the mouth are sensitive areas that are often mistreated by poorly adjusted snaffles. 

It goes without saying that each horse has its own resistance threshold. Thus, some horses may simply feel a little pressure while others will be extremely uncomfortable and may even injure.

A horse that is uncomfortable and awkward will have difficulty relaxing, will have difficulty relaxing and may work the wrong way, which could lead to injuries and postural defects. This is what we call invisible injuriesthe most difficult to treat.

Before choosing your next net, consider your horse's needs and requirements. Then ask yourself specific questions about your own needs. 

Questions to ask yourself before choosing the right net

Before you invest in a new harness, ask yourself a few good questions so that you know exactly what product to buy.

When choosing a horse bridle, as with other pieces of horse tack, you should determine your criteria for comfort, material and ease of use.

The comfort 

The comfort of the horse net is the first consideration. Generally speaking, all horse tack is designed to be as comfortable as possible. However, our horses are all different. The size or shape of the head is unique to each horse, as is its sensitivity. 

For a sensitive horse, nets with large, padded elements are preferred to diffuse pressure. Look, for example, at the anatomical nets.

The material

The material of your future horse net depends on the ease of maintenance and the aesthetics you want. A synthetic net will be less resistant, but much easier to maintain and cheaper than a leather net. On the other hand, a leather net will be more durable and look better with the rest of your equipment.

With these three key points in mind, you can already have a clear idea of the type of net you want for your horse. The last step in making sure your net is the right one for your horse is the adjustment. 

The right thread setting 

A horse bridle is made up of different elements, each with a specific role. Don't worry for those whose horsemanship classes are a bit far away, we will go over some basics together. 

Role and adjustment of the headrest

Placed behind your horse's ears, the headpiece allows the entire net to be held in place. Thanks to its positioning, it exerts pressure on the back of the ears (the mobile cartilaginous bump). This is a sensitive area, as it is highly innervated. 

To limit the pressure, we advise you to :

• leave the manes free on the head passage, or shave them completely,
• choose an anatomical headrest

Our elastic headrestOur elastic headrest, eliminates the central support and considerably limits the pressure on the first cervical vertebrae of your horse. Thus, it is more relaxed and flexible, for a better quality of work.

The right net amounts

The bit setting depends on the bit your horse needs. To find out if your bit is suitable, or if you are unsure, turn to the experts in bitfitting experts.

Once your bit is mounted on your snaffle, move on to adjusting the bit posts. They should not "pull" on the bit, nor should they be too loose. 

In order to properly adjust the posts, put the snaffle on your horse and watch carefully. Stand in front of your horse and move the bits away from your horse's head. If the bit posts are about two to three inches away from your horse's skin, then your bit posts are properly adjusted. If not, adjust them to find that space. 

An adapted and well adjusted noseband

The noseband of the net is used to stabilize the attitude of the horse by guiding its jaw. Accompanied by a nose-band, its role is to close the horse's mouth.

A well adjusted noseband should be placed close to the zygomatic process, a little higher than usual. This placement relieves pressure on the nasal bone, which is a very fragile area. In addition, such a placement limits injuries to the corner of the mouth. 

To adjust the net posts, proceed in the same way as for the jaw posts. 

Three questions to ask yourself before choosing the right horse net

Why do you need to adapt the net to your horse? 

A net adapted to the particular morphology of your horse will be very comfortable and will allow him to work better.

How to choose the right horse net?

Choose your next net based on your horse's needs, the comfort you want to provide, the ease of maintenance of the material and its practicality.

How to adjust your net ?

Position your net on your horse's head and adjust each element separately.