Nosebands are a piece of tack designed to fit around the horse’s nose and under the horse's jaw to improve control and to prevent the horse from evading by opening its mouth. Nosebands can be made of leather material and sometimes may feature a piece of sheepskin padding to add comfort to the horse and prevent rubbing.  There are several different designs of nosebands available, each with a different function.

Cavesson Noseband

The cavesson noseband is a classic noseband, encircling the nose and sitting low on the nasal bone. It aims to keep the horse’s mouth closed and stabilize the bit without excessive pressure. This is the most common noseband found on many bridles and can be a good option for the novice horse / rider.  It has been a favourite in most disciplines and is usually the first noseband a young horse is introduced to. Flash Noseband Adding functionality to the cavesson, the flash noseband includes an additional strap below the cavesson noseband which closes around the mouth below the bit.  The flash noseband can help to keep the mouth closed but it also offers increased stability of the bit, preventing it from sliding through the mouth.  Some flash nosebands have a removable flash loop which allows you to switch from a flash noseband to a cavesson noseband with ease.

Grackle Noseband

Also called a figure-eight noseband, or Mexican noseband, the grackle noseband features a crossover design over the horse’s nose. This design of noseband applies gentle pressure to discourage jaw crossing and encourage the horse to maintain contact with the bit. The grackle noseband often features sheepskin padding in the centre to prevent rubbing.

Drop Noseband

The drop noseband is distinctive for its U-shaped design, positioned lower on the horse’s nose below the bit. The drop noseband is particularly beneficial for horses prone to opening their mouths, the drop noseband is common in dressage and schooling settings.  Many customers opt for a drop noseband to improve the distribution of pressure applied by a flash noseband.

Crank Noseband

The crank noseband features buckle closures on both sides for a secure fit around the horse’s nose and allows for considerable tightening. This type of noseband exerts controlled pressure, said to improve and develop a more consistent contact with the bit during movements; the crank noseband is commonly found on dressage bridles.

Hackamore Noseband

Unlike traditional nosebands, the hackamore noseband can be used in place of a bitless bridle.  The hackamore noseband uses pressure points around the horse’s face, nose, and chin groove for control without the need for a bit.  The hackamore noseband uses a leverage system to control the horse without a bit. Hackamores are often favoured for sensitive-mouthed horses or those requiring a gentler approach to training. Choosing the Right Noseband or Hackamore Deciding which noseband or hackamore you need depends on factors such as the horse’s temperament, discipline, and rider preference.

Proper fitting is crucial to ensure comfort and effectiveness, as a general rule, we recommend two-fingers' room is left underneath the noseband once fitted to ensure it is not over-tightened.  You can reduce the pressure applied by your noseband by using a noseband guard.