Bridles are generally straightforward to assess, but there are a few things that separate a bargain from a waste of money:

• Leather quality - the first thing to check. Look closely around the buckle holes, cheekpieces, and where the reins attach. Cracking around buckle holes is the most common sign of wear and means the leather is drying out. Light surface marks are fine, but deep cracks mean the bridle is past its best.
• Stitching - run your fingers along all the stitched edges. Pay particular attention to where the cheekpieces attach to the headpiece and around the bit loops. Loose or frayed stitching here is a safety concern, not just cosmetic. A saddler can restitch, but it adds to the cost.
• Browband fit - browbands come in different sizes (pony, cob, full, oversize). Make sure the browband matches the rest of the bridle and sits comfortably without pinching the ears. Many second-hand bridles come with a plain browband, but fancy browbands are easy to swap in.
• Noseband condition - check the padding inside the noseband. Compressed or lumpy padding is uncomfortable for the horse. Flash and grackle nosebands should have all their keepers intact and the attachment points should be secure.
• Reins - rubber-grip reins tend to perish over time, especially if left out in the rain. Laced or plaited leather reins last better but need regular oiling. Check that the rein billets (where they attach to the bit) aren't stretched or worn thin.