Nosebands
All pictures on this page are reproduced with permission from the Shires online catelogue
Nosebands come in a variety of designs, and can be purely decorative. A well trained horse can be ridden in a cavesson noseband (pictured below). Other nosebands are designed to discourage a horse from opening his mouth and evading the bit.
The cavesson is the simplest noseband. When fitted correctly it should have little or no action on the horse's head.
Nosebands come in a variety of designs, and can be purely decorative. A well trained horse can be ridden in a cavesson noseband (pictured below). Other nosebands are designed to discourage a horse from opening his mouth and evading the bit.
The cavesson is the simplest noseband. When fitted correctly it should have little or no action on the horse's head.
If a cavesson noseband is fitted correctly you should be able to fit two fingers under it.
Show jumpers and polo ponies sometimes wear rope cavessons which are far more severe than leather ones.
Another common form of noseband is the drop noseband which is fitted with the back strap passing below the bit. When fitted correctly it can increase pressure on the nose and lower jaw, and on the poll. Care must be taken not to fit it below the base of the nasal bone as this can affect the horse's breathing. The drop noseband stops the horse opening his mouth and evading the bit, thereby ensuring the rider remains in control.
Show jumpers and polo ponies sometimes wear rope cavessons which are far more severe than leather ones.
Another common form of noseband is the drop noseband which is fitted with the back strap passing below the bit. When fitted correctly it can increase pressure on the nose and lower jaw, and on the poll. Care must be taken not to fit it below the base of the nasal bone as this can affect the horse's breathing. The drop noseband stops the horse opening his mouth and evading the bit, thereby ensuring the rider remains in control.
Cavesson Noseband
Drop Noseband
Another form of noseband you will see very often is the Flash noseband. In this case there is an additional strap added to the cavesson and which is fitted below the bit.
The advantage of the flash noseband is that it can be used with a standing martingale, whereas a dropped noseband cannot.
Another advantage is that the 'flash' can be removed when the horse is less likely to be strong (in summer months for example when the horse is at grass). A 'flash' can also be added to a standard cavesson by a simple attachment.
The advantage of the flash noseband is that it can be used with a standing martingale, whereas a dropped noseband cannot.
Another advantage is that the 'flash' can be removed when the horse is less likely to be strong (in summer months for example when the horse is at grass). A 'flash' can also be added to a standard cavesson by a simple attachment.
A Cavesson with Flash
A Mexican noseband is considered to prevent a horse from crossing his jaws, and sits higher up the face. Other similar nosebands are the Grakle or Figure of Eight. These nosebands work by putting pressure on the horse's nose. The central point should not lie below the nasal bone.
A Mexican Noseband
Not all bridles need a noseband however!