The differences begin with the caveson and browband.  The leather used can be a single flat piece, raised or even raised and padded piece.  Fox hunting bridles are traditionally made from a single strip of wide leather for the noseband and brow band. Most of the fox hunters use a matching breastplate to hold their saddle in place with a standing martingale attachment or a very wide standing martingale. These breastplates not only hold the saddles in place, but also provide a spot to hold on when the going gets rough!

Show hunter bridles are finer in the brow and nose. Most are made from leather that is raised and stitched. These bridles have available matching raised standing martingales and breastplates.  The martingales connect from the girth to the caveson/noseband. They should be adjusted so that there is enough room for the horse to jump safely.

Jumper bridles and eventing bridles have running martingales are available to match these bridles as well.