Horze Glarus Halter & Lead Set Marlin Blue

A Guide to Halter & Bridle Sizes: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Horse

When it comes to equine tack, ensuring your halter or bridle fits correctly is essential for both comfort and control. Horses and ponies come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and so do the halters and bridles designed for them. Whether you're fitting a miniature pony or a large warmblood, choosing the right size ensures a secure fit without discomfort or rubbing.

Here's a breakdown of common halter and bridle sizes and which horses they typically suit:

Miniature

• Designed for miniature horses and very small ponies.

• These halters and bridles are made with fine straps to fit delicate heads without bulk.

• Suitable for horses standing under 9hh.

Shetland

• Made specifically for Shetland ponies and similarly sized breeds.

• Slightly larger than miniature but still smaller than a standard pony size.

• Generally fits ponies between 9hh and 10.2hh.

Small Pony

• Ideal for finer-boned ponies that are slightly larger than Shetlands but still need a petite fit.

• Often suits ponies between 10.2hh and 12hh.

Pony

• Fits most standard ponies with average head sizes.

• Best for ponies ranging from 12hh to around 14hh.

• A common size for breeds like Welsh Ponies and Connemaras.

Cob

• Designed for horses with broader heads that are smaller than a full-sized horse.

• Often suits cobs, smaller warmbloods, and larger ponies (14hh to 15.2hh).

• A great option for breeds like Gypsy Cobs, Morgans, and some stock horses.

Full (Horse Size)

• The standard size for most horses.

• Suitable for breeds like Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, and Arabians.

• Generally fits horses between 15.2hh and 16.2hh.

X-Large (Warmblood/Draft)

• Designed for horses with particularly large heads, such as Warmbloods, Friesians, and Draft breeds.

• Ideal for horses over 16.2hh with a broad or long head.

Finding the Right Fit

Getting the right size is important to prevent discomfort or tack failure. Here are some key fit checks:

• Halters: Should sit just below the cheekbone, with enough room to slide two fingers under the noseband and throatlatch.

• Bridles: The bit should sit comfortably in the mouth without pulling at the corners, and the cheekpieces should lie flat against the face without pinching.

At Aitken’s Saddlery, we stock a range of halters and bridles in various sizes to suit all equines. If you need help finding the perfect fit, our team is always happy to assist!