Do you need a noseband?

Slave2Magic

Slave2Magic

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 October 2006
Messages
979
Location
West Yorkshire
Visit site
I'm not talking flash or crank etc. Just a standard cavesson noseband. Do they actually do anything? I ride with a plain cavesson noseband and just got to thinking what it does, if anything? Is it purely for looks?
 
No, a cavesson is purely for looks (and is a requirement for dressage, BTW). It is used as an attachment point for a standing martingale, and if tightened VERY hard is supposed to keep the horse's mouth closed. Not necessary at all from a practical point of view, and they have been in and out of fashion over the centuries (see Victorian hunting prints, and most racing TB's).
 
Last edited:
I don't usually use one my pony. I think a cavesson looks smart but my pony thinks it's itchy and annoying, so I don't bother. I just hack.
 
BTW you may think this completely contradicts the flash in my signature - the photo was taken on the day I tried him out before he came into my ownership. He no longer has a martingale either :-)
 
You need one for dressage!
I found this out at the end of a test...I had stripped the bridle back to headpiece and bit/reins as it was a hot day for hairy pony, the judge called us over to the car and informed me of the rules.
 
No.

Personal preference though, the less leather the better as far as I am concerned unless dictated by convention or it actually serves a purpose.

Aesthetically speaking (and this is just my personal opinion) horses with finer heads look fine without a noseband, some with coarser/larger heads really benefit from having a noseband. By that I mean a decent width one, a rolled, fancy stitched or raised narrow cavesson looks ridiculous on a head that could do with a 1.5" + flat noseband and does the horse no favours whatsoever.
 
I think my pony has a fine enough face to get away with it...
picture.php
 
Both of mine have cavessons fitted loosely, both quite thin nosebands. One has a mainly connie head that looks pretty either way, but always wore one, from habit more than need. Other has a very dainty pretty head I think looks lovely without, but she had a noseband at first so my daughter could form the habit of doing them, then for doing lr classes. Since then daughter has decided she prefers it, hence it stays. Hacking in rain though I remove them so less to clean.
 
The big cob wears one as he would look daft without, it is loose though so purely for looks. However I also leave it on as have mad cap idea that could use it to loop a rein through (have a spare one as a neck strap) and tie him from it in an emergency (keep a velcro quick release strap in my coat).. **runs and hides from people about to tell me that this is a bad idea for some reason I haven't thought of**
 
lara b said:
The big cob wears one as he would look daft without, it is loose though so purely for looks. However I also leave it on as have mad cap idea that could use it to loop a rein through (have a spare one as a neck strap) and tie him from it in an emergency (keep a velcro quick release strap in my coat).. **runs and hides from people about to tell me that this is a bad idea for some reason I haven't thought of**
Click to expand...

No reason not to. I've attached a lead rope to cavessons loads of times. The cavesson or the lead rope would break in the event of an emergency.
 
Our cob wears one, she came without one and it made her some what fat head appear even bigger :o she now has a lovely soft sheepskin nose band that suits her, the only issue is when you put her bridle on she always trys and "helps" you by putting the nose band in her mouth instead of the bit :rolleyes:
 
Don't use a noseband or a browband. Noseband seemed unnecessary and browband made her sweaty. Didn't realise you had to have one for dressage though! That's just saved me a lot of money in entry fees next year. Fun rides it is :)
 
Aww... Poor ugly faced horses! Can't believe HHO are saying you wear one just coz you is ugly, Harry. Close your ears lad, don't listen to them.... :(
 
Bud's would look silly without!!! Even his 1.5' noseband is looking a little lost now, but thats just his type.

It is purely cosmetic :o Would like a nice wide, padded one but struggling to find one that isn't a crank... Does anyone know if cranks can be used like a caveson, ie loose with 2/3 fingers space...? Thanks!:p
 
Buds_mum said:
Bud's would look silly without!!! Even his 1.5' noseband is looking a little lost now, but thats just his type.

It is purely cosmetic :o Would like a nice wide, padded one but struggling to find one that isn't a crank... Does anyone know if cranks can be used like a caveson, ie loose with 2/3 fingers space...? Thanks!:p
Click to expand...

I can't see why not.

If you want a good wide cavesson any saddler will make you up one at a reasonable cost.
 
There's a really good saddler in stow on the wold who do bespoke. Just ring and ask! Mangan and Webb I think they're called.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top