How to Choose a Noseband
With so many noseband styles on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We have created a guide to help you to understand the purpose of each shape and style and how to choose the best option for your horse.
Our converter nosebands have the option to completely remove the flash and tab. Perfect for riders that never, or only sometimes, use a flash. Our converter nosebands are also suitable to use on a double noseband once the flash and tab are removed.
The crank style noseband has a closure that folds back on itself before buckling. This style of closure can sometimes have a bad reputation, however these nosebands can and should be done loosely. When buckled correctly, this type of closure provides an even pressure over the entire surface of the noseband which helps to remove any possible pressure points and increase overall comfort for the horse.
The cavesson style noseband has a simple single buckle closure. The strap from one side of the noseband connects directly to the buckle on the opposite side.
The decision between selecting a crank or cavesson style noseband comes completely down to rider preference.
Our Hanoverian noseband can have the flash completely taken off, however the small tab that holds the flash will still remain on the noseband. The Hanoverian is a great option for riders that always or usually use a flash as it provides a smaller, neater connection.
Our converter nosebands have the option to completely remove the flash and tab. Perfect for riders that never, or only sometimes, use a flash, or would like to flexibility of being able to remove it. Our converter nosebands are also suitable to use on a double noseband once the flash and tab are removed.
Straight shape - Recommended for horses and ponies with refined heads or riders looking for more of a refined look.
Anatomical shape - widest at the bridge of the horses nose, to effectively reduce pressure over this sensitive area, and tapers off to a narrower width at the sides of the face
Contour shape - An alternative look to our anatomical shaped nosebands. Featuring padding which is widest in the middle and tapers off at the sides, but the leather part of the noseband is the same width around the noseband.
Figure 8 - Also known as Mexican nosebands or grackle nosebands, these nosebands cross over with a central movable pad to allow for a greater adaptable fit. The figure 8 Noseband is designed to stop the horse from crossing their jaw, grabbing their bit and becoming strong.
Drop - The drop noseband is an often overlooked training tool for young horses. It is designed to be a pressure release noseband. Properly fitted the noseband should only apply light pressure to the mouth when the horse opens its mouth. Once the mouth is closed it completely relieves any pressure.
Our Comfort Noseband reduces pressure in the following areas:
- The infraorbital nerve exits the skull in the area above the cheek bone. The diagonal section allows the noseband to sit lower on the nose than a standard noseband which effectively avoids this sensitive nerve.
- The sensitive tissue of the horse's cheek can be pushed in to the teeth by a standard noseband. The forward cut of the noseband, and the use of a jowl strap, means there is no pressure over this area.
- The jowl strap allows the cheek pieces to sit well clear of the eyes without the need to over tighten.
- The flash strap is offset, rather than meeting at the bridge of the nose like a standard flash. This avoids the soft areas above the nostrils and ensures there is no restriction on the horses ability to breath.