Harness vs. Bridle — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 25, 2024
A harness distributes load across a larger area of an animal's body, while a bridle is specifically for head control.
Difference Between Harness and Bridle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A harness is designed to distribute the load and provide a way to attach vehicles, like carriages, to animals, allowing for effective pulling. It envelops parts of the animal's body, including the chest, back, and sometimes the head, depending on the type. On the other hand, a bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. It includes a headstall that holds a bit in the horse's mouth and the reins that a rider or driver holds to steer or control the horse.
Harnesses are generally used with working animals, such as horses, dogs, and even reindeer, to pull various loads. These can range from sleds in the case of dogs to plows and carts for horses. Whereas, bridles are most commonly associated with riding or driving horses, providing the necessary control over direction and pace.
The design of a harness focuses on spreading the pulling force to minimize wear and discomfort for the animal. This is crucial for tasks requiring significant effort over long periods. Conversely, a bridle's design concentrates on allowing the rider or driver to communicate effectively with the horse, using the bit to apply pressure inside the horse’s mouth and the reins to give directional cues.
Another key difference lies in the components and complexity. A harness may include several parts, such as the collar, breeching, and traces, each serving a specific function in the distribution of load and connection to the vehicle or load being pulled. Bridles, while varied in style and features, primarily consist of a bit, reins, and headstall, focusing on control rather than load distribution.
Lastly, the usage of these equipments reflects their purpose. Harnesses are indispensable in scenarios requiring animal labor for transportation or agriculture, promoting efficiency and safety. Bridles, in contrast, are essential for equestrian activities, from leisure riding to competitive sports, emphasizing precision in control and communication between horse and human.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Load distribution and pulling
Head control and direction
Commonly Used With
Horses, dogs, reindeer
Horses
Components
Collar, breeching, traces, etc.
Bit, reins, headstall
Focus
Minimizing wear, comfort
Communication, control
Application
Transportation, agriculture
Riding, equestrian sports
Compare with Definitions
Harness
Gear comprising various components for a specific task.
The firefighter donned his harness before scaling the building.
Bridle
An instrument of control or restraint.
The law acted as a bridle against unchecked development.
Harness
A metaphor for being under control or restraint.
He finally threw off the harness of corporate life for freedom.
Bridle
An expression of anger or taking offense.
He bridled at the insult, his pride wounded.
Harness
A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draft animal is fastened to a cart, plow, etc.
The farmer attached the harness to the horse before beginning the day’s plowing.
Bridle
A headgear used to control a horse, comprising a bit and reins.
She adjusted the bridle on her horse before the ride.
Harness
Equipment for securing a person, used in climbing or vehicles.
She checked her climbing harness before ascending the cliff.
Bridle
To control or hold back.
She had to bridle her anger during the meeting.
Harness
An arrangement of straps designed to distribute weight evenly around the body.
The rescue dog was fitted with a special harness for the mission.
Bridle
The act of showing resistance or resentment.
He bridled at the suggestion that he was not qualified.
Harness
A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draught animal is fastened to a cart, plough, etc. and is controlled by its driver.
Bridle
A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, the "bridle" includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit.
Harness
Put a harness on (a horse or other draught animal)
The horse was harnessed to two long shafts
How to groom a horse and harness it
Bridle
The headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached
Grooms came at once to take the bridles
Harness
Control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy
Attempts to harness solar energy
Projects that harness the creativity of those living in the ghetto
Bridle
Put a bridle on (a horse)
Five horses, saddled and bridled, were tied by the reins to branches of trees
Harness
The gear or tackle, other than a yoke, with which a draft animal pulls a vehicle or implement.
Bridle
Show one's resentment or anger, especially by throwing up one's head and drawing in one's chin
She bridled at his tone
Harness
Something resembling such gear or tackle, as the arrangement of straps used to hold a parachute to the body.
Bridle
A harness, consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins, fitted about a horse's head and used to restrain or guide the animal.
Harness
A device that raises and lowers the warp threads on a loom.
Bridle
A curb or check
Put a bridle on spending.
Harness
(Archaic) Armor for a man or horse.
Bridle
(Nautical) A span of chain, wire, or rope that can be secured at both ends to an object and slung from its center point.
Harness
To put a harness on (a draft animal).
Bridle
To put a bridle on.
Harness
To fasten by the use of a harness.
Bridle
To control or restrain
Could not bridle his excitement at the news.
Harness
To bring under control and direct the force of
If you can harness your energy, you will accomplish a great deal.
Bridle
To lift the head and draw in the chin in anger or resentment.
Harness
(countable) A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps.
Bridle
To be angry or resentful; take offense
Bridling at the criticism.
Harness
(countable) A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function.
Bridle
The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
Harness
The complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general.
Bridle
(figurative) A restraint; a curb; a check.
Harness
The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.
Bridle
A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line.
Harness
Equipment for any kind of labour.
Bridle
A mooring hawser.
Harness
(transitive) To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.
They harnessed the horse to the post.
Bridle
A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
Harness
(transitive) To capture, control or put to use.
Imagine what might happen if it were possible to harness solar energy fully.
Bridle
A gesture expressing pride or vanity.
Harness
(transitive) To equip with armour.
Bridle
(transitive) To put a bridle on.
Harness
Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.
At least we'll die with harness on our back.
Bridle
(transitive) To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.
Harness
The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
Bridle
(intransitive) To show hostility or resentment.
Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives. (Houston Chronicle, 6/8/2007)
Harness
The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.
Bridle
(intransitive) To hold up one's head proudly or affectedly.
Harness
To dress in armor; to equip with armor for war, as a horseman; to array.
Harnessed in rugged steel.
A gay dagger,Harnessed well and sharp as point of spear.
Bridle
The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
Harness
Fig.: To equip or furnish for defense.
Bridle
A restraint; a curb; a check.
Harness
To make ready for draught; to equip with harness, as a horse. Also used figuratively.
Harnessed to some regular profession.
Bridle
The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
Harness
A support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)
Bridle
A span of rope, line, or chain made fast as both ends, so that another rope, line, or chain may be attached to its middle.
Harness
Stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart
Bridle
To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.
Harness
Put a harness;
Harness the horse
Bridle
To restrain, guide, or govern, with, or as with, a bridle; to check, curb, or control; as, to bridle the passions; to bridle a muse.
Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.
Harness
Exploit the power of;
Harness natural forces and resources
Bridle
To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; - usually with up.
By her bridling up I perceived she expected to be treated hereafter not as Jenny Distaff, but Mrs. Tranquillus.
Harness
Control and direct with or as if by reins;
Rein a horse
Bridle
Headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control
Harness
Keep in check;
Rule one's temper
Bridle
The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;
His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
Bridle
Put a bridle on;
Bridle horses
Bridle
Respond to the reins, as of horses
Common Curiosities
How does a bridle work?
It controls a horse by applying pressure through a bit in the mouth and reins for direction.
What is the main purpose of a harness?
To distribute load across a larger area of an animal's body for pulling.
Can you use a harness and a bridle together?
Yes, especially in horse-drawn carriages where control and load distribution are both needed.
Is a harness or bridle better for a beginner rider?
A bridle, as it provides the necessary control for riding.
Can all animals wear bridles?
No, bridles are specifically designed for horses and similar animals.
Are harnesses used in competitive sports?
Yes, in sports like dog sledding and horse-pulling competitions.
Why do some animals need harnesses?
To comfortably pull loads or vehicles by distributing the weight and strain across their bodies.
What materials are harnesses and bridles made of?
Leather, nylon, and sometimes metal for bits and buckles.
How do you choose the right size harness or bridle?
By measuring the animal and consulting with a professional or using a size chart.
Can bridles be used for animals other than horses?
Yes, but they are specifically designed and most commonly used for horses.
How do you maintain a harness or bridle?
Regular cleaning, conditioning of leather parts, and checking for wear and tear.
What's the difference in fitting a harness vs. a bridle?
A harness fits over various parts of the body, while a bridle fits around the head and mouth.
Why are there so many types of bridles?
Different designs offer various levels of control and comfort, catering to the needs of different riding disciplines and horse temperaments.
Do harnesses provide more comfort than bridles?
Generally, yes, because they are designed to distribute pressure and load.
Can a bridle affect a horse's behavior?
Yes, a well-fitted bridle and proper use can improve communication and control.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
