How to Fit a Noseband Correctly – 3 Tips for Fitting a Noseband

Fitting a noseband is easy. There are some important considerations when fitting your bridle and in particular – fitting your noseband
photo credit: Mark A C Photos (Downloadable):

1. Keep the noseband approximately 1 inch below the horse’s cheekbone.Some people fit the noseband too low. If the noseband is too low it will interfere with the soft cartiledge tissue below the horse’s nasal bone. This is particularly true with drop or flash nosebands.
   When using a cavesson noseband, it should be adjusted to fit just below the cheek bone. If fitted too low it will:
   – interfere with the bit and possibly cause pinching at the sides of the horse’s mouth when the rider uses his/her reins. I have seen this many times. The noseband appears to be fitted okay, then, when the rider uses the reins, the horse’s lips are pinched between the bit and the noseband. This is uncomfortable for the horse and may cause the horse to toss or ‘flip’ his/her head.
   – make the horse’s head look bigger. A well fitted noseband just below the cheek bone frames the horse head and gives it an appealing appearance.
2. Choose an appropriate width for your horse’s head.Putting a thin refined rolled noseband on a horse with a big common head will only draw attention to it. A tasteful wide noseband in good repair will accent a horse with a big head.

   

   A narrow noseband is best suited on a refined head.
   photo credit: Thowra_uk

3. Secure the noseband securely around your horse’s head. Having a sloppy moving noseband detracts from the overal picture. Keep it snug – snug enough so the noseband doesn’t flop, but loose enough so the horse can eat a treat if you decide to give him one.

To help you with fittiing your noseband review this easy video that discribes how to fit a noseband.