#nosebands

EuroDressage.com | 25, Nov 2018

"The pressure applied by the nosebands limited the movement of the nerve and the elasticity of surrounding fascia layer when directed above, below or relatively far from the nerve trunk. The low positioning (1) like with a drop noseband seemed to have the most restricting effect if tightened as it then restricts the gliding function of fascia and can press nerves even directly. This positioning is typically seen used on young horses wearing drop or flash nosebands. The high positioning (3) which more recently can be observed regularly with modern wide cavessons in double-bridles then touching the cheekbone also created movement dysfunction of both fascia and the nerve and according discomfort. Regular positioning (2) typical for simple cavesson fit seemed to have the least effect on the facial nerve and the fascia."

New Zealand bans tight nosebands during dressage

Under the new rules, “no noseband may ever be so tightly fixed that it will harm the horse”

New rule to change the way noseband tightness is measured

The New Zealand Equestrian Federation (NZEF) has taken action to end the use of tight nosebands during dressage competitions.

According to Horse and Hound (H&H), the dressage arm of the ESNZ has agreed on a change to the rules which alters where on…

So here comes some dressage/riding neepery. For years I was told to test if the noseband/caveson (This is a flash noseband like we use in dressage),

was too tight over the top of the horse’s nose was to make sure you could put at least three fingers between the noseband and the side of the horse’s mouth. But you can easily get three or four fingers in there and still have the noseband cranked down so tight that it’s uncomfortable and often painful for the horse because the side of their mouth is soft and pliable.

Where you want to test is actually in the center of the noseband on the top of the horse’s nasal bone. It is fact some countries are insisting on a one to two finger rule at all FEI shows between the noseband and the nasal planum. And the flash, (that’s the leather strap beneath the noseband also need to be loosened. 

The Curse of Perfectionism

First of all, a reminder-these are my opinions and they are based on 50+ years of working with all kinds of horses. However, if you disagree, feel free to keep on going. I know not everybody is going to agree with me. In fact, I’ve spent most of my life out of  step with the rest of the world so it is nothing new to me. But do not attempt to change my viewpoints by charging in and ‘correcting’…