Abstract: A headpiece for a bridlery item for use with a horse or other equine animal is disclosed, which provides for improved communication between a horse and a rider, and/or improved comfort for the horse. Such a headpiece is connectable to a browband and has a first side piece and a second side piece wherein the first and second side pieces are connected by an articulated linkage above a connection between the headpiece and said browband. Articulation provides a degree of freedom of movement so that the first side piece and second side piece may move relative to one another and in doing so reduce the amount of tension transmitted between them and thus between reins, in use.