Cavesson & Flash Bridles
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a cavesson & a flash noseband?
- What is the effect of the cavesson noseband?
- How is the cavesson noseband buckled correctly?
- What is a Micklem bridle?
What is the difference between a cavesson & a flash noseband?
Cavesson and flash nosebands are among the classics among bridles. They allow an optimal position of the bit in the horse's mouth and direct the rein action away from the bit to the bridge of the nose by means of the noseband.
The only difference between the two nosbands is the presence of the flash strap. Whereas a cavesson bridle consists of a headpiece, cheekpieces, noseband and throat lash, this composition is supplemented by a flash strap in the flash noseband. A flash noseband is a combination of a cavesson and drop noseband. The flash strap sits higher in the flash noseband than in the drop noseband. However, both have a similar effect.
In our shop you can also replace the nosebands of some styles with other versions. In our Mix & Match category you will find replacement straps for the CLARIDGE HOUSE brand, which you can interchange as you wish and thus individually adapt to your horse.
What is the effect of the cavesson noseband?
When the reins are shortened, the rein pressure acts on the bit, whereupon the horse reacts to the pressure by giving way in the neck. The buckling of the cavesson redirects and distributes the pressure from the lower jaw to the bridge of the nose. As a result, the horse reacts more quickly, which makes easier and finer aids possible. A well-trained horse that willingly accepts the rein aids can therefore also be ridden without a bit, as it reacts adequately to the pressure on the bridge of the nose anyway. You can buy bitless bridles at Kramer Equestrian.
How is the cavesson noseband buckled correctly?
Correct buckling of the cavesson noseband is important so that the horse's sensitive facial nerves are not irritated. In addition, the horse must have the opportunity for sufficient chewing activity as well as swallowing. If the buckling is too tight, the teeth would be pressed against each other, causing violent jolts in the jaw joint. The pain associated with this continues down the neck and spine, eventually affecting the horse's overall movement.
You can check the correct buckling of the cavesson noseband by sliding two fingers between the noseband and the bridge of the nose. The noseband should also be two finger widths below the cheekbones so that it does not press against them. The buckle of the strap should be under the horse's lower jaw bones.
The cheek pieces should not come to rest directly on the cheekbones, but below. The length must be chosen so that the bit forms one fold in the corners of the mouth. In this way the bit is optimally positioned without being loose or too tight in the mouth.
To check the buckling of the throat lash, your clenched fist should fit between the strap and the throat. When the horse is in contact, the strap should not constrict the throat. With the neck strap you should make sure that it does not press on the ear area and pinch the sensitive occipital bone. This can lead to inflammation.
If you use a flash noseband, the focus is on the correct position of the flash strap. The way it is buckled today dates back to the days of the mounted military and was intended to reduce the risk of jaw fracture in the event of a fall. Today it is mainly used to stabilise the position of the snaffle bit. The flash strap should also be buckled loosely enough so that you can slide two fingers underneath it.
What is a Micklem bridle?
Micklem bridles are trendy and very much in fashion. The bridle designs created by William Micklem for HORSEWARE take the anatomy of the horse's head into account more than other styles. They are anatomically shaped to avoid the horse's facial nerves, which lie directly under the skin.
- Headpiece: anatomically and extra wide shaped it minimises pressure on the sensitive occipital bone.
- Noseband: higher positioning reduces pressure on motor and sensory nerves of the nasal bone. This prevents numbness in the lip and nose area and damage to the blood vessels
- Bitclips replace the flash strap: the pressure is diverted from the corners of the mouth to the nose, thus avoiding pulling of the bit in the corners of the mouth. Bitclips can be found in our shop under bridle accessories.
- Cheekpieces: the slanted cheekpieces avoid the area of the cheek teeth.
Micklem bridles are available in two versions: the Multi Bridle and the Competition Bridle. The Multi Bridle can be buckled with or without a bit and as a cavesson. Whether you are allowed to use the two Micklem models at a competition and how you have to buckle them there, you would have to ask your association in advance.