I should know by now but....

[wb]

Stupid question of the evening


What does 'bridle' mean in racing?

[TheOldhamWhisper]

It's used to control the horse's head - steering and speed. Keep the bridle tight and the horse doesn't run as fast - go 'off the bridle' simply means to allow the horse to run more freely and in theory increase speed but of course the horse then expends more energy and you don't want to do it too early in a race.

[wb]

Ah, I see TOW,
thanks. I know it was a bit of a stupit question, but if you dont ask......

I actually looked this up in the dictionary before posting, but still could not figure it out:

A harness, consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins, fitted about a horse's head and used to restrain or guide the animal.

The thing was, I could'nt see how a jockey could be 'bad on the bridle' or how a horse has 'gone off the bridle' etc.

Makes sense now:)

Live and learn as they say. thanks

[susanwells]

If you google horse tack or something you may well come up with a diagram with all the bits explained.. the saddle is what you sit on, the bridle goes over the nose and ears, the reins are what you hold, the girth is the band that ties under the horse`s tummy to keep the saddle on, the bit is the metal thing that goes into the horse`s mouth to keep the bridle on..the stirrups are what the rider puts their feet in..and, er, that`s it really. So no need to bother Google after all :hearty

[Win2Win]

Susan is very good. She takes in all the old donkeys......kinnock, banks, blunkett....:laugh

[susanwells]

Oi...