Comments on: Is your horse’s noseband too tight?

By: Mary Ann Simonds

Mary Ann Simonds — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 09:27:22 +0000

Glad to see it, but as a performance horse coach, the number one thing I do to assist in behavioral issues such as getting too quick, pulling, or refusing to go forward is to loosen or remove the noseband. Stallions seem to have less problems as they have stronger jaws and muscles in this area due to their natural ability to fight using their mouths. Mares, however have softer muscles and higher tactile pro-preception used for nurturing so they often will object to tightness in this area before a stallion or gelding. I have over 30 years of data as a equine ecologist on this topic and one of my books addressing “Stress in Horses” addresses stress caused from bad fitting tack and tight nosebands

By: turnandburn

turnandburn — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 18:27:08 +0000

Why do people even need a noseband? Or a bit for that matter? I ride in a bosal or a rope halter and it works fine…

By: G

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:20:49 +0000

I’m a lower-level dressage rider, but I always make sure two fingers fit under the noseband, and I don’t use a flash noseband. The only reason I use a noseband at all is because its required at shows. Every trainer I’ve used has always said that you should be able to fit two fingers under the noseband. Sadly, I do know people who do use a tight noseband.

By: Jill

Jill — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 10:59:57 +0000

Thank you for letting folks know about this abusive pratice.

By: Gee and Haw

Gee and Haw — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 06:52:20 +0000

I do not use a nose, band, whips, spurs, or a bit…its called “oneness” with your horse, but not everyone has the time I do.

By: Galadriel

Galadriel — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 22:48:48 +0000

I prefer not to use a noseband at all.

By: X

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:46:09 +0000

ok soooo…… what does this prove? they didn’t come to a real conclusion!

By: kygal

kygal — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 18:07:37 +0000

interesting don’t use nosebands know I won’t in future

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 09:13:18 +0000

Well, what do you expect? A too tight noseband is no worse than a metal bit, a too tight girth, and whips. People are just plain cruel to horses, and that’s the way it is, and will forever be.

By: PKL

PKL — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 05:39:52 +0000

I feel the same way, Ellen. To me it is so cruel, also people who do not change out the foal halters. do damage to the tender nose bones.