Alright, we’ve all bridled our horse and forgot to buckle our throat latch but didn’t notice until we were already on our horse, or maybe that’s just me? Years ago, when I still bounced when I fell off, no I didn’t get off of my horse that’s too much effort right? So I stood up in my stirrups, leaned as far forward as I possibly could to reach the dangling pieces. Meanwhile the saddle horn is snuggly nestled into my abdomen and my horse thinks this is a great time to drop his head to eat… really I’m not kidding! About this time I turn into a lawn dart and off I go bridle and all. It was at that moment, as I was looking up at my horse seemingly laughing at my failed attempt to not end up on the ground there I was despite it all. Moral of the story is if the throat latch was fastened, the bridle would’t have come off and neither would I.
The throat latch on the bridle was designed back in the day when horses were part of the infantry. Horses were used to gain an upper hand in battles. Our opponents out smarted us when they would rip off the horses bridles so the soldiers had no other choice but to get down off their horse due to lack of control and fight fairly. This is when the throat latch was designed. It’s sole purpose is to keep the bridle on the horses face no matter what. It’s also the name of the part of the horse that it goes around! Right behind the jaw of the horse and beginning of the throat is referred to as the throat latch as well! Now you can’t forget… you’re welcome.
So now, many years later I demonstrated how fully functioning this tiny strap on the bridle is and how important it’s purpose is, still to this day!
J Randol horse training 