Introduction to the Equestrian Bridle Collection

Bridles date from the same time or earlier than the invention of the bit. As soon as mankind discovered that the horse could be used as a beast of burden and later ridden, which may date back to 6000 BC, the horse was saved from extinction.

Prior to that time, like the mammoth, the horse was a source of good food. Once it became domesticated methods of bridling became diverse.

Bridles were made from hemp, wool, silk, cotton and leather and rawhide. There are many kinds of fixings, rope knots, weaving, plaiting, braiding, and needlework. Embellishments include silver, beads, shells, mirror, silver and gold thread and quills. They reflect the diversity of the culture from which they come and the purpose for which the horse was employed.