Do you use poll and noseband covers when riding?

[Lucyloo54]

Just wondering what people think about this. I have never used them by my sister swears by a sheepskin cover over the headpiece and noseband. She said it makes the bridles much more comfortable for the horse

My sister has offered to give me some but I was just wondering peoples opinions on this. Is there any risks to this? Do you think the horse is more comfortable with or without these covers?

Thanks

 

[eggs]

I've never used them but do use anatomical bridles.

 

[Widgeon]

No, I just try to make sure the bridle fits. We mostly hack and sheepskin bits on his head would end up sweaty, muddy and generally not something you'd want on your face. Plus I'd be worried about it affecting the fit of the bridle.

I do use a sheepskin pad on his headcollar noseband when he's out with a grazing muzzle on, but I have two, and change them every 24 hours so he never has a soggy or dirty one on for too long.

 

[sbloom]

No, I just try to make sure the bridle fits. We mostly hack and sheepskin bits on his head would end up sweaty, muddy and generally not something you'd want on your face. Plus I'd be worried about it affecting the fit of the bridle.

You'd definitely want to make sure the fit accommodates the sheepskin, but sheepskin absorbs sweat, so keeps the skin drier (and saves the leather from long term damage) and copes well with dirt. It's just not easy to clean (though can usually be gently machine washed with a leather detergent, not wool wash, like Mattes' Melp).

 

[Widgeon]

It's just not easy to clean (though can usually be gently machine washed with a leather detergent, not wool wash, like Mattes' Melp).

This is the main problem really! Because they're only little bits I wash them by hand, dry them near the radiator, and brush a bit to fluff them back up. This is one more job in my life that I really don't need! I've got two lovely wool saddle pads that don't get used much because they get so muddy and wet, and I can't face washing them all the time. What I need is a groom. And a lottery win to pay the groom.

 

[Palindrome]

I have used a sheepskin poll pad under a rolled bridle for extra comfort, but I don't do it with my regular bridle as it makes the bridle a bit tight and also it might make it easier for the bridle to come off if the horse shakes his head vigorously.

 

[MissTyc]

I do use sheepskin on my super sweaty cob as he can sweat rivers down his face even fully clipped, but the sheepskin soaks that all up and keeps him more comfortable. So, not for pressure comfort, but for sweat comfort on an anatomical bridle and also on his bitless. And on his girth. And on his back. And basically on anything that touches him.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

The nosebands work in 2 ways. Depending on how big and fluffy you go. 1 it wicks away the sweat. 2 the horse has to drop it's head a bit to be able to see where it's going. Hence why quite a few racehorses wear them if they have a high head carriage.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I use a micklem which is formed for comfort ?

 

[ihatework]

It wouldn’t even cross my mind to use them unless I found myself with a specific issue.

 

[Leandy]

No, not necessary at all.

 

[dreamcometrue]

No I use bridles that fit and don’t require padding x

 

[Lucyloo54]

Thank you all

My girl has shown no signs of discomfort, but she generally doesn’t and is very docile, so I worry she wouldn’t tell me if something was uncomfortable. Just want her to be as comfortable as possible!

 

[Lucyloo54]

It is quite a basic bridle unfortunately, without any comfort features

 

[Lois Lame]

I don't use a noseband. I have used a longer brow band on a bridle to make sure it sits comfortably on my horse. But yes, I can see that a bit of sheepskin might be good, as long as there is room for it.

 

[SpotsandBays]

If she’s offering it to you, I’d take it and give it a go! Like a little experiment. Your horse may like it, or maybe there won’t be a difference - but could be worth trying!

 

[Lucyloo54]

Ok, I shall give it a try!