NOSEBANDS
This is another subject where you will get so much advice, a lot of which will be from people who mean well, but have very little true knowledge.
You must look at the facts and make your own choices for your horse.
When making your choice, you must make sure you do not put pressure on any protruding bones or cover the nostrils.
This picture shows how much the nostrils need to enlarge when the horse is in work, and how far up needs to be uncovered as shown by the red marks.
In this picture you can see the breathing is clearly restricted.
If you feel down the nose, you can feel where the bone finishes and then the softer cartilage, which should also be left uncovered.
Could you imagine running with your nose pinched shut and unable to breath through your mouth. Ignorance is not a good enough excuse sometimes. (sorry rant over).
This picture shows a reason you may need a nose band!
Some other reasons are-
1- opening their mouths.
2- crossing their jaw.
3- putting their tongue over the bit.
The cavesson
Use
This noseband has no practical use in general, apart from if you wish to use a standing martingale. It is put on for appearance as it completes the bridle and breaks up the face.
Fitting
1-It should fit 2 fingers below the projecting cheek bone.
2-You should be able to slide 2 fingers between the nose and noseband.
Points
The heavier horses tend to have the thick bands, and the finer thoroughbred types have thin (and sometimes) patterned bands.
The flash noseband
Use
This is used to stop the horse evading the bit by:
a-Opening his mouth.
b-Crossing his jaw.
c-Putting his tongue over the bit.
Fitting
1-The cavesson strap should be done up a little more tightly, to prevent it being pulled down by the drop strap, and should be as thick and soft as possible.
2- The drop piece lies in front of the bit in the chin groove. It should be done up tightly, and never go across the soft part of the nostrils.
3-The drop strap buckle should lie on the left hand side of the horse, and the spare holes should point downwards and be tucked into a keeper.
Points
This noseband can cause uneven pressure on the top and bottom strap and sit a little lower than the grackle, but it does allow you to use the standing martingale, if needed.
The grackle
Use
This is used to stop the horse evading the bit by:
a-Opening his mouth.
b-Crossing his jaw.
c-Putting his tongue over the bit.
Fitting
It puts more even pressure around the nose than the flash noseband. The one shown is sitting a little low on the nostril so I would push the cross a bit further up the nose.
Fitting
1- The upper link should lie above the projecting cheek bone on the flat cheek.
2- The lower strap goes in front of the bit, lying in the chin groove.
3-Both straps should be done up firmly, but you should be able to slide a finger in between the leather and the horse’s face.
Points
I personally do not like these as the straps fit across the bony bits on the face, so can cause rubs and sores. I fit the top strap below the projecting cheek bone, but in doing this you must make sure it does not sit too low on the nostril.
It is a good idea to get the ones that have extra padding in the nose and side links.
The drop noseband
Use
This is used to stop the horse evading the bit by:
a-Opening his mouth.
b-Crossing his jaw.
c-Putting his tongue over the bit.
It has even pressure on the nose and does not sit on any bony bits on the face, but sits too low on the nostril so is no longer commonly used.
Fitting
1- The nose piece sits as high as you can without pinching at the bit.
2- The lower strap goes in front of the bit and lies in the chin groove.
3- The strap is done up firmly but you should be able to slide in a finger.
Final Thoughts
There are many different nosebands. It is not important that you know the correct name, but it is important that you look at it and understand what effect it has on the horse.
Take extra care to ensure that there are no pressure points, as sores and bruising are difficult to see under their lovely coats, and as you know, the face has many very sensitive nerve endings which makes it very painful if hurt in any way.
Some Pictures used with permission from Derby House / INTERNET FUSION LTD. Any views or opinions presented on this page are solely those of the publisher and do not necessarily represent those of the company.