Purpose - Function of the noseband

The purpose of a noseband is only secondary to finding the right fit for each horse. The selection of a noseband is tightly linked to the anatomy of the horse as the anatomical predisposition of the horse’s head co-determine one's choice in noseband. As well as the horses character.

Horse Anatomy Determines the Fitting of a Noseband
Important parts of the horse’s head for the correct fitting of nosebands are the nasal bone, the jaw, cheekbones, the tongue, the bars and the chewing musculature.
The nasal bone and nose ridge of the horse on which every noseband rests become more delicate towards the nostrils. In 1844 German riding master Louis Seeger, who owned a training stable in East Prussia and Berlin and trained at the Spanish Riding School with von Weyrother, mentioned in his manual “System der Reitkunst” that one has to take care how to handle the cavesson to prevent injuries “as the nasal bone is only lightly clothed by thin skin and (…) can easily be injured.”

* The lower jaw consists of two similar built bone parts which run separately to unite near the front, where the incisors are located.
Between the incisors and molars there is a teethless area of gum in the mouth called the bars which is the place where the bit rests.
The lower jaw is not that strong that it could stand very strong pressure and it can even break when a certain amount of pressure from bits with strong leverage is put on an open jaw.
* The tongue of the horse is largely a muscle but also has a bony part inside, the Hyoide. The tongue fills up the mouth between the teeth. The Tongue mainly made to push food between the teeth when chewing acts as a cushion for the bit for which there is a little space in the mouth and the tongue also protects part or all of the sensitive bars. So every bit action causes some pressure on the tongue and bars.
* The biggest muscles of the horse’s head are the cheek muscles which are a part of the chewing musculature. They open and close the jaw and are also responsible for the crossing of the jaws. (not by themselves of course)

The horse starts to chew if the jaw is relaxed and flexible. When the chewing musculature is braced for whatever reason the neck and the back of the horse become fixed and automatically the hind legs are affected as well. Sometimes the bracing of the chewing musculature can result in the horse audibly grinding its teeth. But tooth grinding can also have several reasons !

Unlike bones and muscles nerves remain invisible to us. However it is interesting to know that two neural strands are running in regions where we put the noseband on a horse. One big neural strand ends where the English noseband is positioned, another in the chin groove where the dropped noseband is fastened.

What does this mean for the adjustment of these? Yes, you guessed it.
Tightened too much it is likely that the nerve is compressed, causing neural pain to the horse.

In general one has to pay attention to the following:

All nosebands have to be adjusted in a way that it doesn’t press on the nostrils or the cheek bone; the airflow must not be restricted in any way. This is the basic must.
Any noseband has to be fitted so you do not put pressure on nerves or veins.But rest on bony parts under the straps.
The horse has to be able to still open its mouth, relax the jaw and chew, otherwise it will not come on the bit except when using force.
Nosebands have to be chosen not entirely by purpose, but also by the horse’s individual head anatomy and have to be fitted correctly.
The model of noseband needs to be picked depending on your horses character and preference too !

Caitlyn - Bridle&Rider 05-10-2022 09:02 Reacties ( 0 )

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The purpose of a noseband is only secondary to finding the right fit for each horse. The selection of a noseband is tightly linked to the anatomy of the horse as the anatomical predisposition of the horse’s head co-determine one's choice in noseband. As well as the horses character.

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