The measurements we are using are for a Classic scale model but you can easily scale this tutorial up or down to suit your own models.
If you are under 18 please get supervision - all the tools we are using are dangerous, you follow this tutorial at your own (and your models) risk!
Supplies Needed
1/8" Leather Lace (32cm)
1/16" Buckles (1)
Western Bit (1)
Wire Cutters
Glue
Scissors
Sharp Blade
Clamp
Step 1
This step uses scissors, bit, leather lace, glue, clamp and knife.
Cut 9.5cm of leather lace.
Split your leather lace in half length ways using either the knife or scissors depending on your preference.
Skive both ends (if you are unsure of how to do this check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAcu753jYVE)
Top Tip - it is usually easier to skive before you split, but what you do is entirely up to you!
Now attach one end of one piece to the top hole of your Western bit. If you are not used to using Western curb bits remember that they should curve towards the horse (if you are holding it in front of you it should form a backwards C)
Cut the remaining end into an arrow point.
Step 2
Take the other half of your split leather lace and trim it to 3.5cm.
Scive both ends.
Now attach one end to the top slot of your other Western bit.
See how the curve goes towards the horse? This bit should form a C shape.
Step 3
Attach a buckle to the other end of this piece.
To attach a buckle feed the leather lace up and over the centre bar and glue down.
Step 4
Now check the fit of your bridle on your horse. You can see how the bit curves towards the horse and also where the buckle should hopefully sit!
Step 5
We are now going to make the ear pieces.
If you want to save on leather lace use the left over bit from Step 2 and simply make it a one ear Western bridle.
Cut 4cm of leather lace, split along the length and skive both ends.
Now wrap the leather lace around the longer strap. It should be loose enough that you can move it but look snug against the leather. Glue down and wait to dry.
Step 6
Now get the other end and do exactly the same thing, wrap around the strap and glue down. You should have formed a little D shape.
Step 7
If you've decided to go down the one ear root you can skip this step and move onto 8.
Take your second piece of leather lace and repeat steps 5 and 6, you should position this second loop to the left of the right one.
You can fit your loops by placing the bridle onto the horse. Check out reference pictures of real Western bridles to get an idea of how snug the fit should be.
Step 8
We are nearly there! Cut 15cm of leather lace and split down the length, skive one end.
Now attach the first piece to the bottom loop of your first half of your bit.
Cut the remaining end into an arrow point.
Step 9
Take the remaining half of leather lace and attach the skived end to the bottom loop on your second bit. Again cut the remaining end into an arrow point.
Step 10
And there we go! You can jazz up your bridle by adding plates, gems and beads but we are going to leave it plain to match the rest of Kate's tack set.
Make sure you share any pictures of your own bridles and if you have any questions feel free to ask.
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