5 Step Bio-Horse Bridle Conversion

 

Whether you want to save some cash by picking up a $10 bridle on eBay, like the authenticity of using something meant for a bio-horse, or simply can't find a pony play bridle that you really love, converting a bio-horse bridle to a human horse bridle is something to seriously consider, especially when the conversion can be completed in 5 easy steps.

This wonderful tutorial was written and photographed by Soph and is used here with their permission.

  1. Step 1
    This shows the bridle configured as it should be for a normal horse, looking nose-on. Remove the bit retainer strap (already done in this picture) then take everything else apart.
    First step in converting a bio-horse bridle to fit a human. Completely remove the headstall cheekpiece and disassemble the bridle.

    Step 1: Remove the headstall cheekpiece and disassemble the remaining parts of the bridle.

  2. Step 2
    Take the noseband with its attached straps. We are going to use this as the browband for our pony.
    Second step in converting a bio-horse bridle for human use. Remove the noseband of the bridle.

    Step 2: Remove the noseband and any attached straps.

  3. Step 3
    Attach the reins to the bit. Good quality leather ones are best.
    Third step in adapting a bio-horse bridle to human pony use. Reattach the reins to the bit rings.

    Step 3: Reattach the reins to the bit rings.

  4. Step 4
    Take the cheekpieces and thread them through the bit clips on the reins on each side (see the two closeup pictures for a better visualization of how this is done).
    Fourth step in creating a human pony bridle from a horse bridle. Thread the cheekpieces through the clips on both sides of the bit.

    Step 4: Thread the cheekpieces through the bit clips on both sides.

    Close up view of the bit and reins showing how to thread the cheekpiece connections through.

    Step 4 (first close up): A close up view of the bit and reins illustrating how to thread the leather from the cheekpieces through.

    Second close up of step 4 illustrating how to connect and secure the cheekpiece leathers after threadin through the reins.

    Step 4 (second close up): Close up view showing how to secure the cheekpieces after threading through the reins.

  5. Step 5
    If desired, the spare browband can also be threaded onto the cheekpieces, below the bit, reversed so it will go around the back of the neck. It's not strictly necessary but does aid bit retention, particularly if the pony is on all fours.
    Fifth and final step in converting the bio-horse bridle into a human sized bridle. Thread the spare browband onto the cheekpieces for additional security.

    Step 5: If desired for additional security, thread the spare browband onto the cheekpieces.

  6. Done
    The completed bridle now ready for the human pony's head.
    The finished bridle after all the 5 steps have been completed. It should now be ready for the human head.

    The finished product should now be sized appropriately to fit the human head.

After reading through this tutorial, I'm eager to give it a go on a few bridles I have around the house! Also, now whenever I see a bridle I love (but that I would never make my bio-horses wear), I'll have a an excuse to purchase it :)

A big thank you to Soph for creating this wonderful illustrated tutorial.