Whats the Browband for?

Question

On my bridle the browband just slides around and comes down in front of my horses eyes, could i put my western bridle on without it? Whats it even for? one more question, wheres a good place to let my horse loose to canter? i know open fields are good, but im afraid that he will step in a hole or somthing thanks for your help

Answer 1

If the browband is sliding around (and it shouldn't) it sounds like you're missing the throatlatch and probably the two conchos off the browband as well.  Western bridles either have a browband or ear pieces to keep the headstall in place.  Without one or the other of those, the headstall will slip backwards onto the neck.  Found that out 40-odd years ago while experimenting for a new 'look'

<<+>> The linked examples clearly show browband or 'split ear' or ear pieces.  That keeps the headstall in place.

Answer 2

for the cantering thing , in the arena , just let him run freely in there [:

and the browband  is just for decoration ,i think , because as you said , western bridles don't have them .

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Answer 3

I don't think browbands serve any real purpose in Western.  The bridle I ride with doesn't have one, it looks like this:

http://www.bargainshopper.ca/tacktown/im...

And mine works just fine, so I'm sure you can pull the browband off yours.

Just find a field or trail and walk it a few times so you know where a safe area is and let him canter through that.  

Answer 4

Honestly you realy dont need a brow band you can take that off, you also realy dont need a throat latch but it does help a little bit. I have a bridle i ust to use with my mare we took teh brow band off and thre throat latch off becuase she was a bit touch with her ears and this way we could put it on like a halter. It works fine and doesnt realy slip or anything.

Answer 5

ive wondered the same thing.

about the cantering question though, you can check it for any hazards or fence off a resonable section if it is far too big.

Answer 6

   Its obviously too big. get a new one/peice. just go to a local horse store and get/order one. the brow band should be nowhere near the eyes thr brow band should be located like in this picture:http://www.johnwhitakerintltd.com/images...

Answer 7

The browband holds the headstall in place (or is supposed to ;]) I've seen a lot of western bridles without browbands. I think it would be ok to take it off since it is interfering. Just make sure your headstall is staying in place.

I'll usually run my horse in the pasture. Or I'll let him loose or free lunge him in a round pen or indoor arena.  

Answer 8

The browband is used to secure the bridle to the horses head. It helps it stay on. If it slides around the horse's eyes, it's way too loose. IDK if you can tighten it. Maybe the bridle is too big? It should look like this: http://www.saddlery-online.co.uk/images/...

Answer 9

Your bridle obviously doesn't fit properly. Get someone with experience to help you adjust it or possible get a new bridle. Fields and fine, just go out and check for holes before you ride there

Answer 10

the browband keeps the bridle from sliding back you could really hurt the horse without one if you are riding western you can get ones like this- http://www.cowboy-lifestyle.com/images/w... or this-http://trillionexports.in/products/image... they wont slip down.. check the field before turning your horse. kay hope that helps