Choosing the Right Noseband for Your Horse's Bridle
The flash must be properly positioned to work, meaning it needs to be secured approximately two fingers' width below the cheekbone and run straight around the horse's nose. Then, it must be secured under the chin groove. Check to make sure that the flash isn't pulling down on the horse's face because it's not cinched tightly enough. A loose noseband will restrict the horse's airflow.
Figure Eight Nosebands
The cheek rings of a figure-eight noseband, also known as a crossed, Grackle, or Mexican noseband, sit high up on the horse’s cheeks. The straps cross over the horse’s nose and buckle under the horse’s chin like a flash noseband. It helps keep the horse’s mouth shut but may be more comfortable for the horse, as it does not impair the expansion of the horse’s nostrils.
Horses that must jump or gallop hard may be better off in a figure-eight noseband than a flash noseband. That's why this type of noseband is often seen on racehorses.
More Severe Nosebands
Other nosebands involve levering buckles that can be tightened and nosebands that transfer some of the pressure of the rein aids to the nose. These types of nosebands should be used only by experts as they can mask rather than solve some problems. One example is the Kineton noseband, which puts pressure on the horse's nose when the reins are pulled.
When to Use a Special Noseband
If your horse is opening its mouth and attempting to evade the bit, it may be tempting to put a flash, drop or figure-eight noseband on, but this isn't always the best idea. Your horse may be evading the bit because it has a dental problem. Some horses find certain bits uncomfortable and require a thicker or thinner mouthpiece. Before you know what is causing the problem, it is unfair to strap a horse's mouth closed.
Sometimes the rider’s hands are to blame. If you are too heavy-handed, your horse may try to relieve the pressure by opening its mouth. Without correcting the problem, and strapping your horse’s mouth shut, you could create even more problems that are more difficult to fix.
