Cavesson noseband and the Crank noseband

The Cavesson noseband and the Crank noseband are the most basic styles of noseband for your horse. I think they are the best starting point with any horse. The Cavesson and Crank nosebands have lots of different varieties from show hunter, padded, and raised and are used with double bridles, so you will always be able to find a style you like.

The Cavesson is one continuous band of leather and normally the back jaw buckle sits off-center towards the nearside of the horse. The Crank noseband has metal Ds just past the cheek which mean the back jaw strap is separate and can pivot slightly, and the back jaw strap buckle sits centrally under the horses jaw.

The Crank noseband has metal Ds just past the cheek which mean the back jaw strap is separate and can pivot slightly, and the back jaw strap buckle sits centrally under the horses jaw.

Cavesson vs Crank

Although Crank nosebands have been given a bad reputation for being severe as they can be over-tightened and clamp the horse’s mouth shut, studies have shown that if the noseband is adjusted correctly it’s the opposite:

• The Crank noseband back strap sits centrally on the back of the horse’s jaw on a pad which means the pressure on the nearside and off-side is equal and isn’t pulled over compared the Cavesson.

• The Ds of the Crank noseband allow the back strap to pivot up and down so as the horse swallows the strap can articulate with the horse’s jaw. Whereas the Cavesson is a fixed shape so it has less give - see photos below.

Another popular addition to the noseband is the flash attachment. This is used to keep the horse’s mouth close and to stop it “chomping” on the bit but because it’s a fixed piece of leather it doesn’t have much flexibility without the rings compared to grackle and four ring drop nosebands. I don’t think that flash nosebands are totally obsolete, but I do recommend trying different styles of nosebands before trying a flash.

I offer a lot of different styles and options:

· hunter nosebands to showing with traditional plain flat nosebands or even with my secret padding which has no visible stiches so can be used in the show ring

· different raised styles

· over 10 different padding leather colours

· fancy stitching

· patent for the dressage diva!

· or even subtle patent piping.

Please feel free to send a message if you have any questions on the styles and measuring.