Browbands are designed to keep a horse or pony’s bridle in place. This essential piece of tack is available in several different types, from straight to curved or anatomical, with many styles, colours and materials to choose from (bling or no bling, for example?).
Buying a new browband is a more affordable way of updating a horse’s wardrobe than buying a whole new bridle. Whether you need to replace a broken browband or are just looking to add a little more sparkle or interest, good fit is essential for your horse’s comfort and to make sure the bridle sits on their head properly.
Fitting a browband
Bear in mind that browbands aren’t adjustable, so it’s important that you buy the right size for your horse.
It should be big enough to allow the headpiece to lie comfortably behind the ears. The browband should also lie just below the base of the ears, without cutting into them, but not so low that it is close to the horse’s eyes. For more information on the different types of a bridle and bridle fit, click here.
If you compete, check your membership body’s rule book if you are unsure if a style of browband is permitted at events.
For instance, British Dressage stipulates that while a browband must be worn, bridles must be “predominantly black, brown, grey or navy and may not be decorated with tassels or any additions to the normal configuration”.
Shop for horse browbands
Here’s our pick of some of the many browbands on the market.
Collegiate Plain Browband IV
This classic browband is made from the “finest quality” European leather and is 2cm wide.
Colour: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or warmblood
RRP £15.25 (US$19.99)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Shires Velociti GARA Plain Browband
A budget-friendly option, this plain browband features elastic within its loop ends. Shires says it will fit most bridles.
Colour: Havana or black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
RRP £7.99 (US$12)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Ascot Raised Padded Elasticated Browband
This raised browband is padded for increased comfort and has a classic look.
Colour: Brown or black
Sizes: Pony, cob or full
RRP £11.95
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Classic Curved Contrast Leather Browband
This curved browband has contrasting cream stitching and features snap buttons making it easy to take on and off. It comes with a protective sleeve.
Colour: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
RRP £38.95
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Dy’on Collection Anatomic Browband
This anatomic browband has cream stitching and brass Dy’on pin. A matching anatomic noseband is also available.
Colour: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
RRP £45 (US$90)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Unicorn crystal browband
This blingy browband features a curved design and sparkly, Iridescent crystals. I’ve used Stampede Equestrian browbands in the past and they are even more eye-catching in real life.
The leather is also very soft and supple, so they offer good quality as well as beautiful designs.
Colour: Leather: black or brown; Crystals: unicorn 2 row, unicorn 3 row, or unicorn ab/opal
Sizes: Cob, full or extra full
RRP £37
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Lynton V-shaped Diamante Browband
This v-shaped browband from John Whitaker has an edge-to-edge diamante design.
Colour: Black and silver
Sizes: Pony, cob and full
RRP £25 (US$32.88)
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Horze Magic Carousel II Browband
This pretty curbed browband features coloured gem stones.
Colour: Black
Sizes: Pony, cob, full or extra full
RRP US$35
Buying in the USA? Purchase here
Pretty Ponies Classic Browband
Made using Italian velvets and satins, the ribbons on this show browband are plaited onto a 1/2″ width leather.
Colour: Green/navy/gold
Sizes: 12-16″
RRP £39.99
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Argentine Browband
This polo browband features a pampa diamond pattern which has been hand-stitched.
Colour: Navy, red, beige and green on brown leather
Size: 40cm
RRP £11
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Show Baroque Browband
This handmade browband is decorated with brass ornaments and coloured stones.
Colour: Brown black or red leather with a variety stone colour options
Size: 40cm
Buying in the UK? Purchase here
Horze Brass Clincher Browband
This classic browband features brass detailing.
Colour: Black or brown
Sizes: Pony and full
RRP £17.49 (US$8.75/sale price)
