- Home
- Dressage Tack
- Bridles & Parts
- English Bridles
- Passier® Atlas Snaffle Bridle

Passier® Atlas Snaffle Bridle
With its anatomically shaped and padded crown and nose, the Passier® Atlas Snaffle Bridle effectively relieves pressure in key areas. Wave browband suits the shape of most horse’s foreheads and has crystals for sparkle. In top-quality leather with matching reins, appropriately sized to the bridle, included.
Read more…Rambo Blanket Trade-In
Thank you for your trade-in!
Code CM18RAMBO2 has been applied. Discount on eligible products will be applied in your cart.
Attention: Nichole Andrews or Ellie Monteith
400 Broadway
Methuen, MA 01844
52 Ash St
West Newbury, MA 01985
How to Adjust a Snaffle Bridle

If your bridle is correctly sized for your horse, adjusted properly and kept clean and conditioned, it will function properly as an aid to your riding. It will also be comfortable for your horse to wear next to the sensitive areas of his head.
Here are some steps for adjusting a snaffle bridle on your horse. If you would like help determining the size bridle or bit your horse requires, see our articles How to Measure for a Bridle and How to Measure for a Bit.
Parts of a Bridle

1. Adjust the cheek pieces and bit height.
With the bridle on your horse’s head and the reins looped over his neck, as shown in the photo, adjust the cheek pieces to achieve the proper bit height. In general, with the cheek pieces appropriately buckled and the bit correctly sized, you should see one to two soft wrinkles appearing at the corners of your horse’s lips as a starting point for adjusting the bit height. (For a Pelham or Kimberwicke bit, you’ll only want to see one soft wrinkle at the corner of the lips.)
2. Check the browband.
The browband should rest lightly across your horse’s forehead, just about 1⁄2 to 1 inch below the front of his ears. Be sure the browband is long enough so that it doesn’t pull the crownpiece into the back of your horse’s ears. Conversely, if it sticks out, forms a gap in front of the horse’s forehead or wiggles when the horse moves, then the browband is too long.
Tip: Many styles of browbands are available separately. You can swap out your browband any time you’d like a new look for your bridle, or if your horse’s bridle fits but you’d like another size browband.
3. Adjust the noseband.
The placement and fit of the noseband varies very slightly depending on the type used. A standard noseband or caveson should sit level at a point about 1⁄2 to 1 inch below the horse’s cheekbone. As a general guideline, you can use one finger’s width to measure the space from the bottom of the cheekbone to the top of the noseband.

Some nosebands come with integrated hangers that adjust on both sides of the horse’s face. Buckle the hangers by the horse’s cheeks on this type of noseband in the same hole on each side.
If positioned correctly, the noseband will not interfere with the movement of the bit rings, pinch the lips or press on the soft tissue of the horse’s nose in such a way as to hamper the horse’s breathing. You should be able to place a finger inside the noseband underneath the jaw, and yet it should be fastened snugly enough to prevent flapping during riding.

Flash Noseband: The caveson part of the noseband should sit just under the cheek- bones without pressing on them. The flash attachment will then rest on the nasal bone and will not press on the soft tissue of the horse’s nose. The flash should stretch comfortably down over the horse’s jaws in front of the bit. Many people position the flash so that the buckle rests near the loop attachment for the flash rather than on the soft tissue near the lips. The keeper for the flash can be positioned so that it does not cause discomfort on the soft tissue as well.

Jawband or Crank Noseband: The caveson part of the noseband should sit just under the cheekbones without pressing on them. The buckle of this type of noseband is padded and designed to be tightened as needed by the requirements of the horse. The buckling system allows tightening with even pressure on both sides of the noseband. If the jawband has a flash attached, then it should be fastened as described for a flash noseband.
Figure 8 Noseband: The straps of this type of noseband need to be adjusted properly to be effective and to avoid hampering the horse’s breathing. The padded disk should rest on the nasal bone so that the straps cross over this bone. The lower strap stretches down over the horse’s jaw in front of the bit.
The upper strap may be positioned just under the cheekbones or on top of the cheekbones, depending on both the type of Figure 8 used and rider preference. Generally, if the straps of the Figure 8 attach to metal rings, many riders position the rings on top of the cheekbones so that this hardware does not press against the end of the horse’s cheekbone.

If the Figure 8 does not use metal rings, but rather has adjustable leather slides, many riders position the upper strap just under the horse’s cheekbone.

Drop Noseband: The nosepiece of this type of noseband should sit on the bony part of the nose, about four finger’s width above the nostrils. The rings attached to the chin strap portions of the noseband should not come in contact with the bit. The chin strap should stretch down in front of the bit and be buckled under the jaw only snug enough that you can slip two fingers between it and the jaw bones. Take special care to be sure this type of noseband won’t affect the horse’s breathing after it is buckled into place.
Note: Nosebands function differently and produce varied results on horses. Always consult a trainer or a knowledgeable friend for help adjusting the noseband if you have questions about the way a particular style of noseband could influence your horse.
4. Adjust the throatlatch.
Buckle the throatlatch so that you can fit four fingers between it and the underside of jaw—but not more. The throatlatch is intended to keep the bridle in place if the need arises during a ride. If it is adjusted too loosely, the throatlatch cannot perform its function if needed. If it is buckled too tightly, it can hamper the horse’s breathing. Some competitive riders prefer to have a slightly shorter throatlatch adjustment than the four-finger rule provides.

5. Adjust curb chain if necessary.
If you’re using a bit with a curb chain, adjust the curb chain and untwist any kinks in the chain so that it will lie flat against the horse’s chin when the bit moves. As a general guideline, hook the chain at a length that allows you to put two fingers between the chain and your horse’s chin. This guideline will have to be adjusted according to your horse’s needs. Some horses require a very loose curb chain setting, while others need a more snug adjustment.
More on Cheek Pieces and Bit Height
All horses are different; some horses prefer a higher or lower setting for their bits. When following the cheek piece adjustment guidelines in this article, be sure to take into account your horse’s preferences. Observe your horse’s behavior and his response to the bit and make adjustments accordingly.
Ideally, if your crownpiece and cheek pieces together are appropriately sized, the buckles of each cheek piece will be located about 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches above your horse’s eye level, and you’ll be able to use the same holes on both sides of your horse’s face so that the buckles are positioned evenly. You’ll also ideally have at least one hole left above the buckles in case the leather stretches over time and you need to shorten the cheek pieces or raise the bit later.
If the crownpiece and/or cheek pieces are too long for your horse, you may not be able to adjust the height of the bit in your horse’s mouth correctly. It could hang too low in your horse’s mouth, clank against his teeth, and become an ineffective riding aid. Some horses may require a horse size bridle with cob size cheek pieces to get a good fit. If the crownpiece and cheek pieces are too short, the bit could pull too high in the horse’s mouth, which may cause discomfort or behavioral issues.
Tip: If you change the bit later on, differently sized bit rings may require an adjustment of the cheek pieces.

Reins come in a variety of types to suit individual rider preferences, to meet the needs and/or rules of the rider’s discipline and to coordinate with a bridle. Most bridles come with reins that are appropriately styled to match the look and purpose of the bridle. However, reins are easily swapped if a rider wishes to use a different type, width or length. Reins should also be replaced if signs of wear or deterioration become evident.
Types of English reins include:
•
How to Measure for a Bit

Here are some general guidelines for finding the correct size bit for your horse or pony. To shop our entire selection of English bits online, click here. To find the right sized bit, you should consider both the length of the mouthpiece and the width of the mouthpiece in combination with the conformation of your horse’s mouth.
Mesurement (CM) | Pony | Cob | Full | Oversize |
---|---|---|---|---|
browband inside loop to inside loop | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |
cheekpieces top to bit | 23 | 24.5 | 26 | 27.5 |
throat latch longest | 107 | 112 | 117 | 122 |
throat latch shortest | 90 | 95 | 100 | 105 |
crown total length | 67 | 70 | 73 | 76 |
crown split to split | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40 |
noseband total circumference first hole | 65 | 68 | 71 | 75.5 |
noseband total circumference last hole | 60 | 63 | 66 | 70.5 |
noseband front slot to slot | 31 | 32 | 33 | 35.5 |
bit to bit total with cheekpieces in first hole | 98 | 104 | 110 | 116 |
bit to bit total with cheekpieces in last hole | 80 | 86 | 92 | 98 |
reins one side total buckle to bit | 124 | 140 | 140 | 150 |
reins width | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
- Note that these mesurements may vary by 2 cm
Shipping to the 48 Contiguous U.S. states
Method | Under $35 | Over $35 | DETAILS: MOST IN-STOCK ORDERS SHIP WITHIN 1-2 BUSINESS DAYS |
---|---|---|---|
Economy | $8.95 | FREE | Order arrives 2-9 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items). Carrier = USPS, Fedex, or UPS, whichever is most economical. Delivery window not guaranteed. |
Low Weight Economy | $5.95 | FREE | Order arrives 2-10 business days from shipment date depending on receipt location (in the 48 states and does not include oversized items). This option is only available on orders which weigh less than 0.9 lbs. |
Standard Ground | $12.95 | $5.00 | Order arrives 2-5 business days (Monday-Friday) from shipment date. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Guaranteed 3-business day | $19.95 | $12.00 | Orders are prioritized to arrive within 3 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 2pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need an expedited order between 3-4pm ET, please call customer service. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Guaranteed 2-business day | $24.95 | $17.00 | Orders are prioritized to arrive within 2 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 2pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need an expedited order between 3-4pm ET, please call customer service. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Guaranteed Next business day | $34.95 | $27.00 | Orders are prioritized to arrive on the next business day (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 2pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need an expedited order between 3-4pm ET, please call customer service. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Guaranteed Next Day Saturday | $49.95 | $42.00 | Orders are prioritized to arrive on Saturday if the order is placed by 2pm ET on Friday. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Over-sized Items: Free standard shipping to the contiguous 48 states, applies to items FedEx deems “normal & customary” in size and weight. Large, bulky, or odd-shaped items may be subject to FedEx Oversize/Overweight charges.
“Business days” = Monday – Friday
When calculating shipping time, please use the next business day to start the clock for all orders received AFTER 2pm ET.
Shipping to AK, HI, PR and VI
Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands ship via FedEx where service is available. Now offering 2 Business Day and Next Business Day shipping options. For questions please call or email us for a shipping quote.
Ship Method | Under $35 | Over $35 | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Standard | $24.95 | $17.00 | Order arrives 6-9 business days (Monday-Friday) from shipment date depending on receipt location. These orders typically ship within 24-48 hours of the order being placed. |
Guaranteed 2 Business Days | $44.95 | $37.00 | Orders are prioritized to arrive within 2 business days (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 2pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Guaranteed Next Business Day | $54.95 | $47.00 | Orders are prioritized to arrive on the next business day (Monday-Friday) if the order is placed by 2pm ET. Not available for shipments to P.O. Boxes. |
Description | Style |
---|---|
Regular order of initials (example Emily Jane Smith = EJS) | A, B, G |
Traditional monogram order of initials (example Emily Jane Smith = ESJ) | C, DD, F, H, K, BB, CC, EE, FF, KK, LL |
First and Last Initial (example Emily Smith = ES) | L, M, Y |
Single Initial (example Emily Smith = E) | D, AA, J, GG, N, P, Q, V, X, W, Z |
Spelled out Name (example Emily Smith = Emily) | E, R, S, T |
Please allow extra delivery time for monogrammed products. |
The Easiest and Best Guarantee in The Business
Shop with 100% confidence at Dressage Extensions If something doesn’t fit you or your horse, return your original purchase within a year, and we’ll make it right with a refund, exchange or replacement.
Our experience as riders and horse owners ourselves is that in most situations a year’s time is fair enough to evaluate proper fit and function. PLUS: For manufacturer’s defects, we’ll extend the manufacturer’s warranty to a maximum of 24 months, regardless of their individual policies. (AND: Manufacturer warranties longer than 24 months will be honored and supported by us as well up to the length of those warranties).
Exceptions: Safety items such as helmets and protective vests may only be returned within 30 days, with their original tags intact. Saddles and riding boots may be returned within the one year period, but are subject to a prorated refund based on usage. Used saddles may be returned for 30 days only. For everyone’s protection, treats and vet meds which have been opened are not returnable, and returned blankets must clean and free of debris. Click here for our full Return Policy.
Your e-gift card will be delivered via email within 24 hours regardless of shipping method selected. If your purchase contains other items, select the ship method you would like the remainder of your order to use and it will arrive in the identified time frame.
Gift Card Number Format: There are no letter O used, only the number 0.
For your Gift Card Number:
Please enter your promotional gift card number into the payment information section of checkout, under Gift Card Number.
Make your Curbside order easy and Contactless:
1. Download the Curbside Delivery form
2. Fill out your order. Do NOT include credit card info.
3. Take a picture with your phone or scan it
4. Email the form to your local Dover Saddlery Store
5. We’ll contact you to confirm & get your payment info.
Dear Customers,
We would like to inform you there has been a recall on the 6 lb. German Horse Muffins, manufactured November 29, 2018, lot # 8333, due to a quality control problem. The lot number can be found at the bottom of the bag on a small white sticker. The company believes this is an isolated incident but we want to make you aware as an additional precaution. Please contact us at DoverSaddlery.com/chat or email customerservice@doversaddlery.com with questions.
Where is my Refund or Exchange?
*Please note: Your refund may take several business days from the time your return is processed until you see the refund in your financial institution*
How it works:
- Your return is shipped back to our warehouse in Massachusetts. It arrives in Massachusetts 2-10 business days after you ship it back depending on your geographic shipping location.
- Once your return is delivered to Dressage Extensions, your request for a refund or exchange is processed in 1-2 business days.
Refunds:
- Your refund is processed, and information is sent from Dressage Extensions to your financial institution.
- Your refund will be accepted by your financial institution and show on your account in 1-4 business days. (This varies depending on your financial institution’s policy and processing time)
Exchanges:
- Your exchange item is processed depending on availability and is shipped from our warehouse within 48 business hours from the time the exchange order is placed. Items shipping from the manufacturer may take a bit longer.
- Your exchange order is shipped to you via standard shipping and should arrive in 2-9 business days depending on your geographic location.
If your code isn’t producing the expected result, please give us a call at 800-303-7849 or connect with us via Live Chat.
How To Get Your USEF Member Discount Online:
1. Add items to your cart
2. Proceed to checkout
3. On checkout page, enter CMXUSEF into the promotion code box. Press apply, the discount will be automatically applied.
4. Be sure to enter your USEF # into the comment box.
5. Proceed to payment & place your order!
*Cannot be combined with other offers.
How To Get Your Military Discount Online:
1. Add items to your cart
2. Proceed to checkout
3. On checkout page, enter CMXMILITARY into the promotion code box. Press apply, the discount will be automatically applied.
4. Be sure to enter your Military DoD# into the comment box.
5. Proceed to payment & place your order!