Choosing a Bridle for Your Horse - Leather or Synthetic?

Choosing a bridle for your horse can be a big decision and there are many requirements that you need to consider when choosing your new bridle. One decision that is often discussed between horse owners shopping for a new bridle is whether to buy leather or synthetic. Some people have very strong views on this subject; some would never buy anything but the best quality leather bridles whilst others prefer the ease of cleaning and lightweight design of synthetic bridles. Some people can see the benefits of both, so what exactly are the benefits of the different materials for a bridle?

Leather is the traditional material used for making tack for horses, both saddles and bridles. It is considered smart and hard wearing and a good quality leather bridle is always a good investment for any horse owner. The durable nature of leather means that it will last for many years and remain looking smart. If well looked after it will be soft and comfortable for your horse unlike some synthetic materials which can be harsh on sensitive areas of the horse. Leather is considered to make a better quality bridle and if you intend to use your new bridle for showing or competition then a synthetic bridle is not a suitable option in most cases.

Leather does tend to be more expensive than synthetic materials, and combined with the cost of the workmanship involved to produce a quality leather bridle over a synthetic one, this can make a big difference to the amount that you will spend. This being said, it is wise to remember the golden rule when buying horse equipment; always to buy the best quality that you can afford. Whilst you will pay more for a leather bridle it is likely to outlive any synthetic bridle that you buy.

Synthetic bridles on the other hand can be very useful in some cases. For sports such as endurance where lightweight equipment is important synthetic bridles are commonly used. They can also be useful for young horses for the same reason. For those people who don't have time to regularly clean their leather equipment, synthetic materials can be a good solution as they take much less care than leather alternatives and can often be rinsed or brushed clean when they get sweaty or dirty. The nature of synthetic material does mean that it is likely to fray or look tired after a period of time, and especially if you are often washing or rinsing it you might find that it starts to look a little untidy. This won't necessarily compromise the function of the bridle but if you like your horse to look smart when ridden then a good quality leather bridle might be a better option for you.

On the whole, the choice between whether to buy leather or synthetic depends entirely upon how you intend to use your new bridle but it is wise to remember that you always get what you pay for and where possible, try to buy the best quality items that you can afford.

The Equine Store is packed full of great products for horse and rider, including quality English leather bridles in standard sizes or made to measure. Please visit the shop at www.equine-store.com