Ideally putting a bridle on a pony will be a good experience for both the rider and the pony. That way the rider won’t dread it and the pony won’t try to avoid it.

When putting the bridle on, it is easiest to stand on the near (left) side of the pony, holding the top of the bridle in you right hand and the bit in you left hand.

While you cup the bit on your palm, gently wiggle your thumb into the side of your pony’s mouth to encourage them to open their mouth for the bit. This way you avoid banging the bit into their teeth which is unpleasant for the pony.

Once the bit is in their mouth, place their ears in behind the brow band. Do this by gently bending their ears in, avoiding scrunching or folding their ears over.

The bit should be sitting in the pony’s mouth in such a way that there are a couple of little creases on each side of the pony’s mouth. Too many creases and the bridle is too tight, so let the cheek pieces down, too loose in the pony’s mouth and the cheek pieces need tightening up.

If the bridle has a noseband, do this up so that you can fit 2 fingers under the strap.

Do up the throat lash so that your hand can fit on its side under the strap (so a width of 4 fingers out from the pony’s head)

Check the brow band – you should also be able to fit 2 fingers under here.

When taking the bridle off it is worth taking your time and making sure this is also a good experience for the pony, as this is one of the last things they will remember before heading back to their paddock.