<P> Another design, called a bitless bridle is the "cross-under" or "figure eight" bridle . One common design connects the reins to a loop that passes from the noseband, under the jaw, and up around the poll, returning on the opposite side back under the jaw to the noseband and out to the other rein . This design directs pressure from one rein to the opposite side of the horse's head, or pressure on both reins to the whole head . Other designs only cross under the jaw and do not go over the poll . </P> <P> Some riders, not realizing that a horse's head overall is a very sensitive area, use a noseband - based style of headgear without the same caution they might use with a bit, thus defeating any benefit that an apparently milder form of gear would otherwise provide . While many bitless designs are marketed as humane, and some are indeed quite mild, other designs can be remarkably harsh in the hands of a poor rider, particularly if they are improperly adjusted or have metal parts, a thin design, or rough surfaces . </P> <P> Bridles used for driving horses have some differences from most riding bridles . The most visible difference is that they usually include partial eye coverings called blinders, blinkers or winkers that restrict the horse's peripheral vision . They are stitched into the cheekpieces of a driving bridle and sometimes bear a monogram or badge . Winkers may be square, dee - shaped, hatchet - shaped, or round, and are adjusted to fit clear of the center of the horse's eye . </P> <P> The noseband is fitted into the bridle so has a certain amount of action, and is not on a separate headstall (also called sliphead) as is a cavesson . Harness bridles may feature a fancy browband, rosettes, and other ornamentation . An overcheck or sidecheck are sometimes used to control a horse's head carriage and may be used in conjunction with an overcheck bit . </P>

Side pieces on a horses bridle crossword clue