Throat latches/ lashes are what purpose do they serve?

[daftdraught]

I have been told on several occaisions that the throat latch/lash on a bridle really doesn't serve a purpose, and in order for it to stop the bridle from coming off it would have to be done up tighter than recommended and this would interfere with the horse. I know my pony can get his bridle of with it done up. I have also noticed that some western bridle have one and some don't. I'm not for or against them just interested in what other people think.

P.s I've moved this from the tack section as I put it in the wrong place.

 

[Kimmy C]

I suppose they dont really serve a purpose but must help in some way to keep the bridle on but they are probably more for aesthetic purposes. KV will probably know the answer.

 

[Wally]

ON a driving bridle they do serve a purpose and are never 3/8 of an inch and fixed losely, They are done up a bit tighter and serve to secure the bridle. Some driving bridles have a back stay that goes from the nose to the throatlash to make a belt and braces job of it to secure the bridle.

None of my riding bridles have a throat lash, tell a lie, Fákur's doesm the rest don't have them, I have never had a problem with bridles coming off. I have been out hunting and gone over the horses neck on landing and ended up standing in the plough, holding a fully done up bridle watching my horse heading away with the field!...a bridle with a throat lash!

 

[jovi_y2k2]

they are meant to stop the bridle being pulled off but i've found most throatlashes are so long that they can't be done up tight enough to have an effect anyways

 

[Elly Koopman]

Elevator bridles have no throatlash...

As mentioned I think traditionally they were to stop the bridle going over the head. I always have mine loose, and only ever have the the tail through the keepers when showing as I've been in a position where the bridle has needed to come off and the throatlash has prevented the bridle coming off as it up too tight, and becasue like a lot of RS tack it has the usual characteristic stickiness that wouldn't get out of the keepers quick enough

I'd happily not have one...but still saving for a customised bridle from KV

 

[Kis Vihar]

I'd happily not have one...but still saving for a customised bridle from KV

Elly, I drove past your horses the other day!

I wound down the window and shouted to them....

One big chestnut head shot up and went 'Hello? Who are you? Do I know you? Aren't I beautiful, look I can strut around with my ears pricked looking gorgeous!'

One smaller flaxen head shot up and went 'Hi, no food then, bye' and carried on grazing!

Wally pretty much covered the throatlash question. I've been away for a week and am still trying to catch up.

 

[Elly Koopman]

KV - Yip, that sounds about right!!!

You'll have to PM when you're next this way and you can properly meet them and catch up on the yard - see who you recognise!