Stable Science from Dr David Marlin's Animalweb12 Apr 2025

Snaffle vs Double Bridle – What Does the Science Say?

In this episode, Dr David Marlin takes us inside the findings of a ground-breaking new research paper titled “Comparison of Rein Forces and Pressure Beneath the Noseband and Headpiece of a Snaffle Bridle and a Double Bridle”, recently published in the journal Animals.

Amidst ongoing public debate and controversy surrounding the use of double bridles in dressage, David shares how this study aimed to put assumptions to the test with science. Working with a team of researchers and high-level dressage horses, the study compared rein tension and pressure at key contact points across both snaffle and double bridles.

David also tackles common misconceptions about bit mechanics, explaining why the curb bit is a class one lever with a floating fulcrum, not the “nutcracker” some claim it to be. He discusses the ethics of research publishing, the importance of evidence-based conclusions, and his hopes for a more flexible and welfare-focused approach to bridle use in sport.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in equine science, dressage, and horse welfare. The study was funded by Hartpury University and the British Equestrian Federation, and the full paper is freely available online. Follow this link to read more about it - New Study Reveals Similarities in Rein Tension and Noseband Pressure Between Snaffle and Double Bridles

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