Monday, September 22, 2008

TOUR OF THE MUSEUM Part 6 Arabian Bridle




This beautifully made Arabian bridle is one of the outstanding exhibits in the museum. Although designed specially for an Arab horse, it is being modeled here by one of our horses,Bess, a part thoroughbred.


The bridle and matching breastcollar is hand woven in a thick wool as is each of the tassels. It is heavily adorned with shells and with a bead in every braid.

Take note that on this bridle there is no bit, rather the control of the horse is effected through pressure on the nose. A chain is used to place pressure on both the front and the back on the nose and as you can see here there are numerous small teeth like ornaments hanging from the chain. This is called a Dancing Noseband as these ornements jingle up and down when in use.

The bridle and breastcollar illustrated here was hand-made in Egypt especially for Bess and the museum.

No comments: