EDIX ED1 chin-cross bridle
Clear communication is at the heart of riding in harmony. The EDIX ED1 chin-cross bridle is designed to translate your rein aids without the use of a bit. Its action comes from the straps that cross beneath the horse’s chin, working alongside your seat and leg aids to help communicate direction and changes in pace. The design combines this bitless action with an anatomically shaped headpiece and carefully positioned straps. Together, these elements help the bridle sit securely around your horse’s head.
How does the chin-cross system work?
The EDIX ED1 uses two straps that cross beneath the horse’s chin. When you apply a rein aid, pressure is directed to the lower jaw, just behind the chin, with some pressure also applied to the nose. The crossed straps transfer the aid to the opposite side: a left rein aid creates pressure on the right side, giving your horse a cue to turn left together with your seat and leg aids. This action differs from a sidepull, where the reins attach directly to the sides of the noseband. The chin-cross system communicates through contact around the chin, lower jaw and nose, which makes that horses transitioning from another system may need some time to get to know these different signals.
When you take up both reins, the noseband draws closer around the nose, increasing pressure in that area. When you soften the reins, the crossed straps should loosen and the pressure should decrease. The EDIX ED1’s straps are shaped to support this release, while correct fitting helps them move freely. Light, well-timed aids followed by a clear release help your horse understand the response you are asking for. Correct adjustment of the bridle is important for the straps to move as intended.
A stable fit around the head
A bridle should remain securely positioned while you ride. The EDIX ED1’s anatomically shaped headpiece and carefully arranged straps are designed to minimise twisting and slipping. This stability helps keep the chin-cross system in its intended position, allowing rein aids to act through the appropriate parts of the bridle. Take time to adjust the headpiece and straps to suit the shape and size of your horse’s head.
The EDIX ED1 is designed to remain stable without a browband. EDIX recommends this arrangement as leaving the browband off removes a potential source of additional pressure behind the ears and around the occipital bone at the back of the skull. A well-fitted EDIX bridle does not need the browband to stay in place. For riders who enjoy a little extra sparkle or need a browband for competition, matching anatomical EDIX browbands are available separately.
Find the right EDIX bridle for your horse
The EDIX ED1 is available in a range of colours and sizes and comes with matching leather reins. This allows you to choose an option that suits your horse and your personal style. Explore the available EDIX ED1 options in our webshop. To learn more about the differences between bitless systems, discover our other EDIX bridles and how each design works.
