nosebands

[LindyB]

I have started seeing a few horses around with no nosebands on and wondering if it really made a big difference?? As far as I understand it just puts a little more pressure on the horses nose giving more control. I've been tempted to try it on Springer as he's such a gent and such an uncomplicated ride but does like to give the odd spook and at 16.2 I really need to be in control at all times. I was wondering if any of you had ridden without nosebands and how much difference it really makes?? Am I just taking it off for the sake of it or would he actually benefit from it??

[Kis Vihar]

A plain cavesson noseband does little other than 'break up the look of the face'. Technically, there is no real need for it, as long as you don't want to attach a standing martingale to it. Cavessons are primarily for appearance, it's what we are used to seeing - think of Western horses - they don't (usually!) have nosebands.

If you are only fastening it loose, I can't see it would make much difference with or without it. It will look different though. Horses heads can look very different with a change (or removal!) of noseband.

[clippi]

When I'm riding in a bit (which is rarely) I don't use a noseband, unless I'm doing dressage (which is even more rare). My reasons behind it - his delicate face looks better without one and he doesn't need his mouth strapping shut

[IcarusGirl]

Well i have my cavesson so loose that it wouldnt make much difference anyway! I dont generally like the look of a horse without noseband, unless they have a very dainty head - like Clippi.


Obviously some horses out there prefer not to have any noseband, but its a case of trial and error really. If you like the look without one, then why not give it a whirl...

[LindyB]

Oh so its just for cosmetics? Im not sure if he could pull of a noseband look but I guess theres only 1 way to find out