Abstract: A hot bridle mechanism to tension and to guide metal strip at the exit of a metal strip processing line. A bridle comprising one or more roll means is positioned and enclosed in a sealed hood at the end of a line of interconnected heat treating and cooling enclosures, and maintained in a controlled atmosphere at substantially the same temperature as that of the strip. The roll means are adapted to selectively pivot in a horizontal plane in a controlled manner for the purpose of guiding the strip. The hood is stationary and the roll means are secured to a pivot frame which is adapted to pivot in a horizontal plane relative to the stationary hood. Flexible seals connect the stub shafts of the rolls in sealing engagement with the hood.