Henry James Saddlery Bridle Review – Tried and Tested by our Brand Ambassador Bella

Finding the perfect bridle can feel impossible when your pony’s head measurements don’t quite match standard sizes. I recently tried the Henry James Saddlery ‘Build a Bridle’ and here’s my review - from fit and comfort to quality and price.

How easy was it to use the Henry James measuring tape?

Really easy! The Henry James measuring tape was clearly labelled and it showed exactly which part of the bridle each measurement related to. It made the whole sizing process stress-free.

Was the “Build a Bridle” page easy to use?

Yes, it was very simple to build my own custom bridle. The website is user friendly, guides you through each step and you can view all the parts individually with proper details and pictures.

What size bridle parts did you order? Were they true to size?

Most of the bridle was cob-sized and it fit Dora really well. The buckles sat comfortably without being pulled up to the top holes, which was great. The only part that didn’t match up perfectly was the cheekpieces - although Dora measured as cob, we actually needed pony size for the buckles to sit in the right position.

Once assembled, how well did the bridle fit?

It fit Dora really well. Being able to pick cheekpieces in pony size while keeping the rest cob meant the bridle sat perfectly on her head. The leather felt soft from the start and I could tell it was comfy for her.

Quality and Finish of the Leather

The leather is seriously impressive. It feels premium, smooth and flexible, with a really smart finish. It looks like something you’d see in a show ring, but it’s also sturdy enough for everyday riding.

Key Features and Standout Details

What makes this bridle unique is that you can tailor every single piece to your horse’s exact measurements. Unlike standard bridles that come as fixed sizes, the Henry James ‘Build a Bridle’ option lets you choose each piece separately - crownpiece, noseband, cheekpieces, reins - for a totally customised fit.

This means you’re not stuck with something that almost fits; you’re creating a bridle that’s designed for your horse’s head shape.

Is the bridle comfortable for the horse?

Absolutely! The leather is super soft, which means no stiffness or rubbing. Dora seemed relaxed and comfortable in it straight away with no head-tossing or fidgeting. The padding on the noseband and headpiece makes it much more comfortable than a standard bridle, especially for longer rides. The comfort level is amazing and that’s what really matters.

Would I recommend the Henry James ‘Build a Bridle’?

Definitely! Finding a bridle that fits perfectly is always such a struggle, but this one really solved that problem. Being able to hand-pick each bridle part makes a huge difference.

Is the price fair?

Yes, it’s on the pricier side compared to some complete bridles, but the quality of the leather and the custom fit make it totally worth it. At the end of the day, a bridle is about comfort and control, so paying a bit more for something that fits your horse perfectly feels like a smart choice. Plus the leather is quality so I'm certain the bridle will last a long time. 

Would I continue to use this bridle?

100%! It’s honestly the best bridle I’ve ever had for Dora. She feels super comfortable in it and the leather is lovely to ride with as it's soft but strong. I’m definitely planning to keep using it every ride.

Final Verdict: Henry James Bridle Review

The Henry James Saddlery ‘Build a Bridle’ is perfect if your horse or pony doesn’t fit standard sizing. It’s beautifully made, customisable and super comfortable. While it costs more than a standard bridle, the fit, quality, and comfort are absolutely worth it.

Teen equestrian approved — Dora and I both love it!

Continue to follow Bella and Dora on their adventures and see how their new bridle performs!