Harness vs. Bridle

By Jaxson

  • Bridle

    A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, the “bridle” includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit.

    Headgear without a bit that uses a noseband to control a horse is called a hackamore, or, in some areas, a bitless bridle. There are many different designs with many different name variations, but all use a noseband that is designed to exert pressure on sensitive areas of the animal’s face to provide direction and control.

Wikipedia
  • Harness (noun)

    A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps.

  • Harness (noun)

    A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function.

  • Harness (noun)

    The complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general.

  • Harness (noun)

    The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.

  • Harness (verb)

    To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.

    “They harnessed the horse to the post.”

  • Harness (verb)

    To capture, control or put to use.

    “Imagine what might happen if it were possible to harness solar energy fully.”

  • Bridle (noun)

    The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.

  • Bridle (noun)

    A restraint; a curb; a check.

  • Bridle (noun)

    A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line.

  • Bridle (noun)

    A mooring hawser.

  • Bridle (noun)

    A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.

  • Bridle (verb)

    To put a bridle on.

  • Bridle (verb)

    To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.

  • Bridle (verb)

    To show hostility or resentment.

    “Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives. (Houston Chronicle, 6/8/2007)

  • Bridle (verb)

    To hold up one’s head proudly or affectedly.

Wiktionary
  • Harness (noun)

    a set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draught animal is fastened to a cart, plough, etc. and is controlled by its driver.

  • Harness (noun)

    an arrangement of straps for fastening something such as a parachute to a person’s body or for restraining a young child.

  • Harness (verb)

    put a harness on (a horse or other draught animal)

    “the horse was harnessed to two long shafts”

    “how to groom a horse and harness it”

  • Harness (verb)

    control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy

    “attempts to harness solar energy”

    “projects that harness the creativity of those living in the ghetto”

  • Bridle (noun)

    the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached

    “grooms came at once to take the bridles”

  • Bridle (noun)

    a line, rope, or device that is used to restrain or control the action or movement of something.

  • Bridle (noun)

    a mooring cable.

  • Bridle (verb)

    put a bridle on (a horse)

    “five horses, saddled and bridled, were tied by the reins to branches of trees”

  • Bridle (verb)

    bring (something) under control; curb

    “the fact that he was their servant bridled his tongue”

  • Bridle (verb)

    show one’s resentment or anger, especially by throwing up one’s head and drawing in one’s chin

    “she bridled at his tone”

Oxford Dictionary

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