How tight should a noseband be?

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harrypotter

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My horse is in a flash noseband.....

How tight would you normally have your noseband? The flash has to be tight, otherwise you can see daylight!!

The problem is that the noseband has softened with age , so when you tighten the flash, if the noseband isnt tight, it is dragging it down defeating the object of the flash! Also, am wary of the flash tightening across his airways....
 
Punch more holes in the cavesson part?!
It shouldnt be tight- you should be able to get 1 finger under both parts comfortably
 
i use a drop so slightly different - but agree with above - i like horse to be able to mouth and relax jaw but then feel restiction if it tries to open the mouth if that makes sense?!
 
If the cavesson is being dragged down it is probably too loose.

Personally though I would use a drop or a grackle in preference to a flash (unless you need a standing martingale). IMHO both do a better job without needing to be tightened so much.
 
I agree, Katt. I have a thing about flashes - they are so often fitted so that the cavesson element is too low and, most of the time, a straightforward drop would be a much better bet.
 
I am not a fan of flash nosebands either. I have been taking the flash strap off for many years and can't say I have noticed a difference in the horses. I don't do the cavesson up tight as I feel it keeps the horses more relaxed through the jaw.
 
The Pony Club measurement for a cavesson noseband is three fingers. Not tight at all.
The drop/flash are supposed to stop the horse opening his mouth too much, not for keeping his mouth tight shut - which happens unfortunately. You should have at least one finger if not two for a drop/flash I think. I don't use a flash, just the cavesson.
 
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