Best Types of Nosebands for Horses: Fitting, Tightness and Usage

Nosebands have been part of bridles for horses for nearly 4,000 years. ^[1] They have different functions depending on their design, placement on the face, material and tightness.

Many equestrians only use nosebands because they are expected or required in certain disciplines, like dressage or hunter/jumper. ^[2][3] Others may choose to use a noseband as an attachment point for certain pieces of equipment, such as a tie-down in Western riding, or a standing martingale in English riding.

When fastened loosely, the noseband may be purely cosmetic. ^[2] However, when fastened tightly, nosebands can be used to increase control over the horse. If a noseband is too tight, it can negatively impact both the physical and mental health of the horse. ^[2][3][4]

Equestrians should familiarize themselves with the types of nosebands and how they work to ensure they are making the best choice for their horse’s discipline and level of training. Read on to learn more about nosebands and the advantages and disadvantages of using this piece of tack.

Types of Nosebands for Horses

A noseband is a strap that encircles the horse’s nose and is attached to the bridle. It can be made of leather, synthetic materials, or a combination of both.

Nosebands keep the horse’s mouth closed through the use of negative reinforcement (pressure and release). When the horse opens their mouth, they feel pressure on their nose and jaw from the noseband. When they close their mouth, the pressure should release, encouraging them to keep their mouth closed around the bit. ^[5]

The amount of pressure a noseband applies to the horse’s nose depends on type and fit. Common types of nosebands include:

• Cavesson
• Flash
• Figure 8
• Crank
• Drop
• Micklem/Anatomical bridles

Cavesson Nosebands

The plain cavesson noseband is the most common type used in equestrian sport. ^[3][6] The cavesson noseband is thought to stabilize the bit in the horse’s mouth, potentially protecting the horse from mouth corner lesions if not fastened too tightly. ^[7]

Flash Nosebands

The flash noseband is a common addition to the cavesson noseband, often seen on competition horses. ^[9] The flash is a thin strap that attaches to the cavesson noseband and is fastened in front of the bit to keep the horse from opening their mouth against bit pressure. ^[5]

Figure 8 Nosebands

The figure 8 noseband, sometimes called a “grackle” or “Mexican noseband” serves a similar purpose to the flash noseband. It consists of a lower and upper noseband. The lower noseband is fastened in front of the bit to keep the horse from opening their mouth. The upper noseband sits higher than a cavesson, fastening under the cheek and forming an “x” shape across the front of the face.

Figure 8 nosebands are thought to improve breathing, but this claim has not been widely researched. ^[8]

Crank Nosebands

The crank noseband, sometimes called a “Swedish noseband” looks like a thicker cavesson noseband, but it employs a series of rollers that allow it to be easily overtightened with very little force.

These nosebands are often padded to avoid pressure sores that may develop from overtightening. ^[9]

Drop Nosebands

The drop noseband functions similarly to a flash noseband, but is not attached to an upper noseband such as a cavesson. The drop noseband sits below the bit, keeping the horse’s mouth shut to increase rider control. ^[2]

Micklem or Anatomical Bridles

The term Micklem bridle or noseband is commonly used to refer to any bridle that is anatomical in design. These bridles have one noseband that runs across the front of the face, but splits into two straps at each side. These straps are fastened above and below the bit.

“Micklem” is the name of a specific product, but similar imitation products are often referred to using this term. This style of bridle is intended to be more comfortable for the horse and has gained interest from riders interested in promoting equine welfare.

Preliminary research suggests Micklems may be more comfortable than a conventional noseband that has been fastened tightly. ^[10] However, tight upper straps of these nosebands have still been associated with mouth corner lesions in competition horses. ^[7]

How do Nosebands Affect the Horse?

The frontal plane of the horse’s skull ends in a thin, delicate nasal bone that floats above the nasal cavity. ^[11]

Care should be taken to avoid fastening nosebands over this delicate bone. However, some nosebands, such as drop nosebands, are designed to sit directly across this structure, making it unavoidable.

A horse’s face has numerous blood vessels and nerves that run underneath the site of a standard cavesson noseband, including the salivary glands, facial artery and vein, and branches of the facial nerves. ^[11][12]

Overtightened nosebands can cause damage to these delicate structures. For example, horses with overtight nosebands were found to have cooler facial skin temperatures, suggesting tight nosebands can reduce blood flow. ^[9]

Standard cavesson nosebands should sit approximately two-fingers width below the cheekbone of the horse to avoid putting pressure on the delicate end of the nasal bone. ^[13]

Noseband Fitting

Most young riders are taught that they should be able to fit “two-fingers” between the noseband and the horse’s face. However, the origins of this rule are not very clear.

The earliest record of this suggestion can be found in a Pony Club manual from 1956. ^[14] No one truly knows how or why this rule was developed.

A concern with the “two-finger” rule is that it is vague. The ambiguity of this directive leads to questions such as:

• Should the two fingers be stacked on top of each other or laid side by side?
• Which two fingers should be used to measure tightness?
• Should the noseband be measured on the front of the nose, the side of the face or the bottom of the jaw?

The rule also does not consider that handlers have different finger sizes; an anatomical measure that has a considerable range of variance.

In recent years, researchers have designed tools to objectively measure noseband tightness. ^[9] While a measurement device isn’t necessary for every equestrian, it can be beneficial for riders to consider how tightly they are fastening their noseband and how this may affect their horse.

If you do not have a measuring tool, a measurement of two fingers stacked on top of each other is still generally recommended. Children or people with small hands should consider using three fingers to avoid accidentally overtightening their noseband.

Noseband tightness should be measured on the frontal plane of the nose (i.e., the flat part of the horse’s face). Many equestrians suggest measuring on the side of the face or bottom of the chin. However, this is not recommended as compression of the soft tissues of the face can result in inaccurate measurement and overtightening. ^[15]

Impact of Tight Nosebands

At best, an overtight noseband can be uncomfortable and frustrating to a horse. At worst, an overtight noseband can cause:

• Injuries
• Pain
• Stress
• Fear

Mental Impact

An overtight noseband makes the horse more sensitive to bit cues as they are unable to open their mouth or move their tongue to dissipate strong or painful pressure from the bit.

If a horse is wearing a harsh or strong bit and cannot open their mouth to escape the pressure, they may experience significant levels of stress and pain. ^{[16][17][18][19]}

When a horse cannot escape this pain or pressure, they may resort to conflict behaviors such as: ^[19]

• Bucking
• Bolting
• Rearing

These behaviors put both horse and rider at risk of injury.

Overtight nosebands also stop the horse from performing natural oral behaviors such as swallowing, licking and yawning. This can be very stressful to the horse. ^[20]

Even at rest, wearing an overtight noseband causes increases in heart rate and eye temperature, common indicators of stress in horses. ^[9][20]

Physical Impact

Tight nosebands can also cause pain and tissue damage in horses. Tighter nosebands have been associated with the presence of bit-related lesions in the mouth which form from pressure that the horse cannot escape. ^[7]

Recent studies have also found that tight nosebands may cause bony changes to the horse’s skull. There is evidence of prominent, unnatural bony segments forming under the area of the noseband. ^[21][22]

Overtight nosebands may also cause damage to the facial tissues and nerves. Research shows that the pressure exerted on the face by an overtight noseband is equal to or greater than human tourniquets used to stop catastrophic blood loss from major blood vessels. ^[23][24][25]

Crank nosebands can exert 400 to 800% more pressure on a horse’s face than a human tourniquet. In humans, tourniquets can cause painful, lasting nerve damage at fractions of these pressures. ^[4]

Overtight nosebands also result in reduced blood flow to the face, which can further contribute to pain and tissue damage. ^[9]

Noseband Fit in Competition

In equestrian competitions, the fit of a noseband is closely regulated to ensure the welfare and comfort of the horse.

For example, Equestrian Canada notes in their Dressage rules that “It must be possible to place at least one finger between the horse’s cheek and the noseband.” ^[27] The United States Equestrian Federation makes similar recommendations, but with two fingers. ^[28]

These recommendations differ slightly from recent research, which suggests using two stacked fingers at the front of the horse’s face to ensure the noseband is not too tight. However, they offer a clear guideline for riders and grooms to follow when tacking up, helping to prevent overtightening during competitions.

Certain sport organizations are also investigating the use of objective noseband measurement devices. As welfare guidelines for sport continue to develop, these devices may become a common sight at showgrounds. Use of such tools has been generally accepted by stewards and riders alike during testing periods. ^[3]

As of July 2023, the FEI has proposed a rule change that would implement the use of their own noseband measurement device during tack checks at competitions. ^[29]

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Choosing a Noseband

If you’re questioning whether your horse even needs a noseband, the answer is not necessarily. Many riders can succeed without a noseband, regardless of their discipline. Some riders use a noseband only because it is required in competition. ^[2][3] In Western disciplines, riding without a noseband is a very common practice.

Functionally, the noseband is an optional part of the bridle. It’s certainly possible to ride a horse who is well-trained to bit, leg and seat cues without one.

That being said, if you still decide to use a noseband – or have to because of your sport’s regulations – there are several things to keep in mind when choosing an appropriate noseband. Factors to consider include:

• Your riding style and noseband action
• Your reasons for using a noseband
• Noseband tightness and placement
• Other tack, including type of bit
• Your horse’s response to the noseband

Riding Style and Noseband Action

When selecting a noseband, it’s important to consider where it will apply pressure on the horse’s face and how much pressure it will exert. Riders should understand how their noseband’s action impacts their horse when riding and adjust bridle cues accordingly.

For example, riders who choose a crank noseband should be aware that this design can be easily overtightened. Anyone tacking up a horse wearing a crank noseband should carefully check the tightness to avoid discomfort.

If using a flash noseband or another restrictive design, riders should ensure they are riding with a soft hand and a relatively mild bit. Less severe bits are those which exert less pressure on the horse’s mouth, such as a simple snaffle. It’s also important to choose a bit that is appropriate for the individual horse’s sensitivity and training level.

Considerations for riders include maintaining light, responsive contact with the reins and avoiding excessive pressure or pulling.

A flash noseband limits the horse’s ability to open its mouth to relieve strong bit pressure. Because of this, a rider who is still developing an independent hand may choose a different noseband, such as a plain cavesson.

Reason for Using a Noseband

If a rider chooses a noseband to increase control or manage a behavioral issue under saddle, it is beneficial to consider the underlying cause of the concern.

Nosebands can be useful tools, but like all training aids, they should be implemented with careful consideration. Issues such as gaps in training, pain, fear, or other behavioral concerns cannot be solved by a noseband alone.

Tightness and Placement

The noseband should be placed so it does not press on the end of the delicate nasal bone or the sensitive branches of the facial nerves. Riders should be able to fit two stacked fingers (approximately 1.5 cm or 1 inch) between the flat part of their horse’s face and the noseband.

A noseband is too tight or improperly fitted if it:

• Digs into the skin
• Creates pressure sores
• Rubs the skin
• Restricts blood flow
• Impacts breathing
• Otherwise causes pain or tissue damage

Other Tack

The action of the bit can be amplified by the action of the noseband. A restrictive or tightly fastened noseband means the horse cannot escape any pressure from the bit.

Combining strong bits (e.g., bits with thin, abrasive mouthpieces or bits with significant amounts of leverage) with a restrictive noseband may create a stressful, uncomfortable or painful situation for the horse.

Horse Response

When testing a new noseband, riders may find it helpful to watch videos of their ride, or watch someone else ride their horse so they can assess their horse’s behavior from the ground.

The following questions can help riders identify how their horse may feel about their new noseband:

• Is the horse fighting against the noseband?
• Are they tossing their head, lolling their tongue or otherwise trying to evade bit pressures?
• Is their facial expression calm or is it stressed and painful?

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about nosebands for horses:

Summary

Nosebands for horses can serve many purposes depending on their design and how tightly they are fastened, with functions ranging from cosmetic to control. Nosebands should always be loose enough to fit two stacked fingers between the noseband and the front of the horse's nose.

• Overtight or restrictive noseband designs can cause horses to experience pain, stress, fear and injury by preventing them from opening their mouth against bit pressure.
• Noseband measurements should be taken on the flat frontal plane of the horse's face, not the side of the face or under the chin.
• Nosebands should be placed so that they avoid putting pressure on the delicate and sensitive structures of the face.
• Governing bodies in equestrian sport are beginning to implement noseband tightness rules and are considering the use of objective noseband measurement tools in competition.
• When choosing a noseband, it is important to understand its function, fit it properly and assess how your horse responds to it under saddle.