A system of straps fitted to the horse's head to help a rider (or a handler) control a horse's movement. Usually holds a bit in a horse's mouth. Often made of leather, but may also be made of rope or synthetic straps.
The parts of an English bridle include headpiece, noseband, cheek pieces, throat lash, browband, and the bit to which reins are attached. Most western bridles do not include a noseband and some have no browband. Bit-less bridles have no bit and the reins are typically attached to a noseband.