Shires Bridles & Leatherwork
Shires bridles and leatherwork cover everything from full snaffle bridles to spare cheeks, reins, martingales and headcollars — across four ranges: performance-led Velociti, traditional English Salisbury, everyday-value Aviemore and the leather-goods Blenheim line. Prices start from £1.80 for a small spare part such as a replacement flash strap, with the popular Velociti RAPIDA Throatlash at £4.50, and rise to around £72 for a full anatomical bridle. If you just need a reliable, well-priced complete bridle, the Shires Aviemore Plain Bridle (£36.00) is the popular all-rounder; for a shaped, pressure-relieving fit the Shires Velociti RAPIDA Ergonomic Flash Bridle (£68.40) is the step up.
In a hurry?
- Best-value full bridle: Shires Aviemore Plain Bridle — £36.00
- Best comfort/anatomical fit: Shires Velociti RAPIDA Ergonomic Flash Bridle — £68.40
- Showring / premium: Shires Velociti Grackle Bridle — £72.00
- Traditional English look: Shires Blenheim Plain Inhand Bridle — £29.70
- Cheapest spare/part: spare straps and pads from £1.80 (Velociti RAPIDA Throatlash £4.50)
Not sure on size? Most bridles come in Pony, Cob, Full and X-Full — measure your current bridle and match the closest size, or ask our team.
Which Shires range is right for me?
| Range | Best for | Typical example | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velociti | Performance riders wanting anatomical, pressure-relieving shapes | Velociti RAPIDA Ergonomic Flash Bridle | £68.40 |
| Salisbury | Traditional English styling and classic tack | Salisbury Brackley Bridle | £59.39 |
| Aviemore | Everyday, budget-friendly bridles, reins and browbands | Aviemore Plain Bridle | £36.00 |
| Blenheim | Leather goods — headcollars, lead reins, spares and accessories | Blenheim Fully Adjustable Leather Headcollar | £44.10 |
What is the difference between a cavesson, flash and grackle bridle?
The noseband is what separates most bridles. A plain cavesson (like the Shires Velociti Hunter Cavesson Bridle, £61.20) is the classic all-purpose choice. A flash adds a thin strap under the chin to help keep the mouth closed and steady the bit — the Shires Velociti Padded Raised Flash Bridle (£64.80) and Velociti Dressage Bridle with Flash (£68.40) are good examples. A grackle (Mexican) noseband crosses over the nose to spread pressure and is popular for jumping and cross-country; the Shires Velociti Grackle Bridle (£72.00) is our premium option here.
How do I choose the right size?
Shires bridles typically run Shetland Pony, Pony, Cob, Full and X-Full. The safest method is to measure your existing bridle strap-by-strap (headpiece, cheeks, noseband) and match the nearest size. If your horse sits between sizes, many Velociti parts — headpieces, cheeks, throatlashes and nosebands — are sold separately so you can fine-tune the fit.
Can I buy spare parts instead of a whole bridle?
Yes. The Velociti line is built to be modular, so you can replace just the piece you need — for example the Velociti Headpiece (£15.30), Velociti Bridle Cheeks (£10.80) or the Velociti RAPIDA Throatlash (from £4.50) — rather than buying a complete new bridle.
Caring for your leatherwork
New economy bridles often benefit from a light oiling before first use to soften the leather. After that, clean with a glycerine or saddle soap and condition regularly to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking. Well-kept leather from ranges like Blenheim and Salisbury can last many seasons.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two main types of bridle?
The two main families are the snaffle bridle (used with a single bit and by far the most common) and the double bridle (used with two bits for advanced dressage). Most Shires bridles here, including the Aviemore Plain Bridle and the Velociti range, are snaffle bridles suitable for everyday riding, schooling and competition.
Which Shires bridle is best for comfort?
For comfort, look to the Velociti range, which uses shaped, padded designs intended to relieve pressure around sensitive facial areas. The Shires Velociti RAPIDA Ergonomic Flash Bridle (£68.40) and the padded Velociti Padded Raised Flash Bridle (£64.80) are popular choices when comfort is the priority.
What size bridle does my horse need?
As a general guide: Shetland Pony and Pony sizes suit smaller natives, Cob suits most cobs and smaller horses, Full suits the average horse, and X-Full suits larger or warmblood heads. The most reliable approach is to measure a bridle that already fits and match the closest size. If you are between sizes, the modular Velociti parts let you mix sizes for a better fit.
Do these bridles come in black and brown?
Most Shires bridles and leatherwork are offered in Black and Havana Brown (H.Brown), with some Salisbury pieces also available in Australian Nut. Availability varies by size and colour, so check the options on each product page for live stock.
How should I care for a new leather bridle?
Give a new bridle a light oiling before first use to soften the leather, then clean it regularly with saddle soap and condition it to keep it supple. Avoid soaking the leather or drying it near direct heat, as this can cause cracking. Regular care helps a good bridle last for many years.
What is the cheapest item in this collection?
Prices in this collection start from around £1.80 for a small spare part such as a replacement flash strap or grackle pad. Other affordable options include the Velociti RAPIDA Throatlash (£4.50) and the Aviemore Plain Browband (£7.20), making it easy to refresh or repair your tack without buying a whole new bridle.
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Last reviewed 2026-07-13 by the Just Horse Riders team.