The cavesson noseband is not intended to interfere
at all with the bit action, when fitted correctly. If fitted tightly it can
prevent the horse from opening his jaw to evade the action of the bit.
The drop noseband fits across the nose and in the
curb groove, and, when used with a snaffle, can add these two points of
control to those within the mouth. It is not recommended to use a drop
noseband with a curb bit or pelham as the noseband impedes the curb action.
The noseband should be fitted high enough above the nostrils so that it does
not interfere with the breathing of the horse.
The flash noseband has a similar but not quite as
effective action as the drop. It works from a higher point on the face of the
horse so isn't intended to give any direct nose pressure but still maintains
the curb action. It is not recommended to use a flash noseband with a curb bit
or pelham as the flash strap lies in the curb groove and will therefore impede
the curb chain.
The grackle noseband is designed to work slightly
higher up the nose than a drop noseband, but it still operates a small amount
of nose pressure in addition to the curb action from the lower strap. It can
help stop horses crossing their jaw.
Show Ring Bridles:
Coloured browbands are acceptable for hacks, riding horses and show ponies
but not for hunters, cobs or mountain and moorland ponies.
Hunters and cobs should have broad, flat nosebands and browbands, not
padded ones.
Laced or plaited leather bradoon reins are acceptable to give better grip,
but don't use rubber covered reins.
Brown, not black, tack is more usual for showing.
The classic bridle weights are governed by the width of the cheekpieces,
with other parts in proportion. Hunters and cobs have 3/4 inch cheekpieces and
hacks 1/2 inch cheekpieces.
Riding horse bridles can be hunter weight or slightly less, depending on
the shape of the horse's head.
Double Bridles and Competition Rules:
Dressage: A simple double bridle is optional at elementary, medium
and advanced medium level. It is compulsory at advanced level and above.
Eventing: In the dressage phase a double bridle is permitted at
intermediate level and above. In the cross-country and show jumping phases a
double bridle is permitted at any level.
Show Jumping: Any bridle can be used.
Showing:
Show hunters, cobs, riding horses and hacks - a double bridle or pelham
is traditional for all these classes except the four year old classes, which
may be shown in a snaffle.
Working hunters, cobs and working hunter ponies may be shown in any
bridle, although double bridles are commonly used.
Show ponies: double or pelham bridles are permitted under BSPS rules in
all classes except lead rein, first ridden, novice show pony, novice show
hunter pony, novice intermediate show riding type, novice intermediate show
hunter type and heritage novice ridden and lead rein classes.
Hackamore - A bitless bridle works on the
poll and nose pressure. The noseband should fit two fingers' width below the
prominent cheek bones at the side of the face. The under-part is padded and acts
above the curb groove. The longer the shanks the more poll pressure there will
be. A horse cannot breathe through its mouth so careful use of gentle giving
hands is a necessity with a hackamore.
Dark Horse
Saddlery. Hampshire based saddlery, providing a bespoke and repair
service to the equestrian and shooting disciplines. We also undertake rug
washing, re-proofing and repairs. E-mail
jill.roberts2@virgin.net or
phone 07901651663.
