Nose bands

There are many options for different types of bridles and nosebands which claim to have specific benefits. Whilst there are some that promote avoidance of delicate structures of the head, most nosebands are designed to keep the mouth shut. We also very rarely consider the fit of the head piece and browband for clearance of the muscles around the ear (which there are many!).

The horse’s face is a very delicate structure, full of large superficial nerves, blood vessels, thin delicate muscles, such as those that control the nostrils and ears, and a thin nasal bone. Let’s not forget the myodural bridge! All of these structures are impacted by a bridle (and even a halter) so it’s vital that the fitting is correct to avoid any pain or damage.

In my diagrams below (you can buy this as a poster at my store), I have shown where a simple bridle sits relative to the structures of the head. The placement of the bit in the mouth and the influence on the hyoid, I will go into another time.

When I see these bridles that are designed to shut the mouth these are the questions I ask:

(P.s I understand cavessons can be used because it looks nice, so don’t come at me!)

If you do use a noseband (whether it be a cavesson, flash, drop, grackle ect) why do you use it?
What is your understanding of what it does? And in your experience does it do that job?
When you take the noseband off what happens?
Does your noseband keep the mouth shut? Do you use it to specifically keep the mouth shut? If so, why?
If it’s to correct or teach the horse to accept the bit, are you able to eventually take it off? Was the problem corrected by using the noseband? Or does the problem continually reoccur when you take it off? If this is the case, why?
Does the noseband sit correctly? Do you know how to correctly fit it?
Is the bit the correct size, shape, material, fit, to the horse?
Is there sufficient space around the ears? Is the browband suction cupped to their forehead or does it sit loosely?

My goal is not to TELL you what to do, it’s to make you QUESTION what you do. Until you come to a definitive answer to these questions then it may be time to change something. Listen to your horse and don’t be afraid to try something new!