A noseband is an integral part of most bridles. There are a few common nosebands and their use will depend upon what you are trying to achieve. Depending upon the type of noseband used, the pressure put upon the horses nose will differ.
Some nosebands are used simply for the way they look and are mandatory in the show ring. Other nosebands are used with a specific purpose in mind; generally to stabilise the bit, or to stop a horse crossing its jaw in an evasive manner.
If you’re interested in what potentially a change in noseband can do to improve the way of going of your horse then continue reading to find out more.
Types Of Nosebands For Horses
There are several main types of noseband for horses. The main ones are listed below:
- Cavesson: This is the simplest noseband and is probably the most widely used. In many cases it is simply used for aesthetic purposes and is required when showing. A cavesson noseband can alter the perception of the shape and length of a horse’s face. A wider noseband for example is used on a horse or pony with a heavier face. Moving it higher up the horse’s face can give the impression of more balance to a horse with a long face. It also helps to keep the bridle on the horse.
- Flash: The flash is simply a strap that is joined to a traditional cavesson. It has become very popular in the last few decades. The main idea of a flash is to stop the bit moving in the horses mouth and becoming uncomfortable. They are also useful to reduce the chances of a horse getting its tongue over the bit and evading contact. When using a flash, ensure that the flash doesn’t pull down the cavesson noseband. You should be able to fit two fingers between the flash and the muzzle. Any tighter and it can be uncomfortable for the horse. It was originally designed to be used with a standing martingale (source).
- Drop: A drop noseband is also used to keep the mouth shut so that the tongue does not go over the bit. This noseband is not used with a martingale. Many horses accept the drop noseband over a flash. Whilst the effect of the flash is continual, a drop noseband only works when the horse is trying to evade. From this perspective a drop should be used in preference to a flash.
- Grackle: A grackle noseband is also often called a figure of eight or a Mexican grackle. The Mexican grackle has metal rings and sits higher up the face than the traditional grackle. It is supposed to avoid touching the sensitive facial nerves and also performs the same function as a flash/drop to stop evasion and a horse crossing it’s jaw.
- Kineton: A Kineton noseband transfers pressure from the bit to the nose (source). Unlike some other nosebands it does not aim to keep the mouth shut. There are conflicting thoughts about this noseband as some view it as potentially harmful and harsh. However, there are those who believe that they are able to use a more gentle bit with this noseband. It is often used for strong horses.
Whichever noseband you choose, fitting it properly is a must. Nosebands should not rub, pinch, or be so low that they restrict breathing.
Which Noseband To Use?
Choosing a noseband is personal choice. Which noseband to use though can be a tricky decision. If your horse behaves well in a plain cavesson then there is no reason to change. Consider the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. This is totally applicable to all the tack your horse wears. If it fits well and your horse is going nicely, don’t feel the need to alter anything.
If your horse starts crossing their jaw or getting their tongue over the bit to try to evade the contact or listen to your directions, then the first point of call is the dentist. If there is no physical reason for your horse’s behaviour, then trying a different noseband could make a difference.
If you are competing check with the event organisers that the noseband is permitted in your discipline. Grackles for instance have only recently been allowed in affiliated competition for the dressage section. Prior to this they were only allowed to be used during the eventing phase (https://www.britishdressage.co.uk/media/6866/tack-and-equipment-guide-2023-3january.pdf).
Why Should I Use A Noseband?
You don’t have to use a noseband, and very many people don’t. However, for certain disciplines if you wish to compete a noseband is part of the required tack.
Nosebands can also help to stop your horse evading contact by crossing their jaw. A flash, drop, or grackle may help with this problem. Remember that if you wish to use a standing martingale then a flash noseband will be necessary. You cannot use a standing martingale on a drop noseband.
If your horse tends to raise their head and is in a plain cavesson, you may find using a sheepskin noseband will help. The reason behind this is that when the horse raises it’s head wearing a sheepskin noseband it reduces it’s ability to see as much. This is obviously disconcerting to the horse who then lowers it’s head (source). There is no additional poll or nose pressure.
For a strong horse who leans on your hands and may be difficult to pull up, then a Kineton noseband may work.
Fitting A Noseband
Regardless of the type of noseband you choose to use on your horse, fitting it correctly is paramount. Not only for the comfort of the horse, but you will have chosen the noseband for a specific reason. It won’t work as intended if it is not fitted correctly.
- Cavesson: the noseband should sit 2 fingers below the cheekbone, and you should be able to put 2 fingers between the cavesson and the muzzle underneath, and 1 finger all the way around
- Flash: again, this should not be done up excessively tightly – a 2 finger gap should be given, and the flash strap should sit in the lip groove
- Grackle: These can be quite individual and the manufacturers direction for fitting should be consulted. Generally though, these should have the room to allow a finger to be inserted all the way around. The Mexican varieties sit higher up the cheeks to ensure that no important facial nerves are impacted by its use (source).
If you are unsure then contact a bridle fitter who will be able to visit to check the fit and alter as necessary.
Conclusion
There are many different nosebands available in today’s market. The majority are variations of the standard noseband types that have been around for many years. It may take some trial and error to find the right noseband for your horse. Some find flash nosebands impossible to accept, but are fine in drop nosebands, even though they do very much the same thing.
