Concerns About the Double Noseband

The double noseband is surely the most divisive piece of tack. There are countless prejudices about it heard in the stable corridors. Fortunately, many, if not all, of these prejudices are unfounded. Let's untangle the truth from the falsehood.

Contents

1. The double noseband prevents my horse from breathing. True or false? 
2. Is the noseband only for closing my horse's mouth?
3. Misconception: A double noseband constrains my horse

The double noseband prevents my horse from breathing. True or false? 

This is one of the received ideas most heard on the subject: the double noseband would prevent horses from breathing. If you take a step back, the idea that harness-makers could have invented invented a system that suffocates horses for horses leaves me speechless.

The double or cross noseband does not obstruct your horse's airway. However, it is necessary to to position it well.

The right positioning

Generally, the double noseband is a French noseband combined with a noseband with a noseband having the same effect as a German noseband. In this case, the French noseband should be adjusted to perfection. As a reminder, the French noseband is placed two fingers under the zygomatic process and is tightened without compressing the ganaches or the trough.

The search for comfort with the right materials

At Arion, we do our utmost to offer your horses top-of-the-line, comfortable and comfortable and high quality equipment.

Our saddles are made made to measure or half-measuredby hand, in a French workshop. For us, comfort is not only about saddles. So, our other equipment and and accessories are made of high quality high quality leather.

The French artisanal manufacture is an additional pledge of quality. 

In the case of our our anatomical bridle with double nosebandwe have taken care to use only materials that meet our requirements. Also, we wanted to add cushioning insertsfor even more comfort.

Is the noseband only for closing my horse's mouth?

The noseband is a small leather buckle that transforms a classic noseband into a double noseband. This part is fixed under the noseband and behind the horse's mouth, passing under the bit. The nose band is often wrongly described as a torture toolused to keep the horse's mouth closed.

Again, this is a prejudice that it is time to forget. 

Adjusting my double noseband

The double noseband is a piece of equipment whose the accuracy of the adjustment is essential.

Concerning the nose band, it must be adjusted but not adjusted, but not tightened. It should not be able to come out of the horse's chin, but you should pass your fingers between it and the skin. Also, it slides, without forcing but with a little resistance. If properly adjusted, the double noseband should not prevent your horse from grazing or chewing after the session.

Set up properly, the noseband does not "slap the beak"of the horse, as is commonly heard.

What is the purpose of the nose band?

The noseband is a tool to be reserved for experienced riders. Let's keep in mind that it is an aid tool, which can become very counterproductive if it is not properly adjusted.

In practical terms, a noseband is used to keep the bit soft in the horse's mouth. We can therefore conclude that it will help to give a softer hand to a rider who already has a certain level. By keeping the bit in place in the mouth, the nose band helps torefine the rider's aids the rider's aids, asking for more softness and precision. In fact, the horse stays focused on the hand action, without running away.

The double noseband is nowadays a little bit too much used, often wrongly. If you are not sure you need it, it is better not to use it.

Misconception: A double noseband constrains my horse

Double, crossed or combined nosebands are still considered as torture tools tools of torture for our horses. Following this logic, the double noseband would fix the horse in an uncomfortable attitude for him, by constraining him.

Some horses, depending on their experience or their character, are more willing to work with a little help from outside. Hence the importance of knowing to choose the right net for your horse. Also, let's keep in mind that putting a certain type of harness on a horse is not not irreversible and that you can alternate between them.

Understanding your horse's expression

The rumor that the double noseband prevents horses from expressing themselves proves to be unfounded. However, it was true, years ago, when aesthetics took precedence over need and the settings were not right.

Nowadays, many high level riders ride with this type of ride with this type of harness. However, their horses achieve feats of strength.

A noseband, whatever it is, if it is well adjusted, should not not constrain the horse. This one must be able to express himself freely. Moreover, we often hear that the combined nosebands prevent horses from opening their mouths. Did you know that opening the mouth is a way to escape work? Horses that open their mouths wide during work completely escape the action of the bit. The role of the noseband is to channel this attitude.

The effects of the double noseband on attitude

Thus, a double noseband properly adjusted encourages the horse to keep his mouth closed. This is an incentive, because the noseband should not be so tight that the horse cannot move.

By maintaining this working attitude, the horse protects his mouth. By opening his mouth, the bit acts directly on the corners. If he keeps his mouth closed, he keeps a certain sensitivity of the commissure. This way, he is more attentive to the hand and maintains a good working attitude. When properly adjusted, the double noseband should allow you to work with a relaxed horseThe double noseband should allow you to work with a horse that is relaxed, chews its bit and becomes light in its movements.

Nosebands, like snaffles, are a guarantee of comfort for your horse, provided they are properly adjusted.

Three questions to put an end to prejudices about the double noseband

Is the double noseband a constraint? 

When properly adjusted, the double noseband is an external aid, just like spurs. It simply supports the rider in finding the right attitude.

How do I effectively tune my noseband?

The noseband should not compress the horse's nose. Moreover, it must be able to turn freely and remain flexible.

Does my horse need a double noseband?

If your horse opens his mouth and evades the bit, he may need a double noseband.