At 08:56:03 on 14.12.11, Flicka wrote:
There's some really interesting new research out that I think will cause a bit (ha ha) of controversy! They tested horses when ridden with the noseband set at different levels of tightness and found that 'tightening the noseband just one hole appears to reduce the amount of rein tension needed to maintain bit contact'. Have a look at the link to find out more about the trial-well worth a read. Do you agree with their findings? Would it make you ride with a tighter noseband or do you still prefer to have it loose or ride without one at all?
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19262&src=SV

At 17:43:14 on 14.12.11, kellyt wrote:
MMmmm! Have just read the article and it shows very interesting findings! What it does not mention though is the techniques with which the rider 'rides'. By that I mean many modern instructors/professionals teach to ride with hands low, see-saw reins etc which all have a big impact on the horses tongue....one of the most sensitive areas of the horse. I can see how if you ride this way, tightening the noseband may help to reduce the pressure of the bit on the tongue and therefore cause the horse to resist less to the rein pressure meaning the rider doesn't need to use as much. BUT.....Is the horse relaxed in this situation or is it simply causing more underlying tension? If classical techniques were being used by the rider, where the importance is on using the bit in the corners of the mouth rather than putting pressure on the tongue and not causing any tension by using tight nosebands....do you think maybe the results could be different? Its just another angle to consider it from, it is definitely an interesting topic! Kelly
http://www.equilistics.co.uk

At 19:00:09 on 14.12.11, Flicka wrote:
I'm with you on some of what you say-I like to ride with a loose noseband or none at all because I think it sometimes creates tension elsewhere. Also the horse needs to relax it's jaw to work well, doesn't this mean he needs to be able to move it a bit? And what about horses who open their mouths because their teeth are sharp, hooked or ramped and then get it clamped shut with a tight noseband? I also like to give my horse a bit more freedom so they can tell me if my hands or arms are tense by opening their mouths. It is interesting research though and I'm definitely going to think about it a bit more.

At 22:06:10 on 14.12.11, kibby wrote:
I really dislike this study and them reporting those findings. At least it was just the top riders cranking their nosebands shut who one, can ride and two knew what they were doing and knew how they now have to ride. We're going to see every billy-bob buying a crank noseband now and snapping it tight. I have tested this noseband thing on the another forum we had a huge debate over it. It felt to me a forced sensitivity. Phil had no choice but to listen because the bit was just jammed in there. Flicka there is also the horses without a lot of space in there mouth that will be very uncomfortable. Excuse my rant, sensitive topic. Lol

At 22:53:29 on 14.12.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
I ride with my nosebands relatively tight when i hack out because grenville loves to lock his jaw so i can't pull up but in the school i have my cavesson pretty loose and my flash isn't overly tight either. But then again grenville loves his hackamore which puts all the pressure on his nose so i think he prefers nose pressure to mouth :)

At 15:59:44 on 15.12.11, Dazzle wrote:
I don't think this is interesting just bloody stupid. So the whole premise is built on the fact that ONE rider, rode SIX different geldings - no mares and all findings were based on this one procedure. There is no information on the way the horse goes, no rider information, did the rider have to use more leg if the noseband was tightend/loosend. Cannot see what possible use this report is, what a waste of time and money. Here endth the sermon of St. Dazzle!

At 18:48:44 on 15.12.11, NMH wrote:
Totally agree Dazzle- doesn't merit being called a study! It begs loads of questions about riding techniques, the horses involved etc. I started SKy off in a (very loose) flash, to ensure she wouldn't get into a habit of opening her mouth, & soon thought- I don't think it's doing anything- & she's gone in a cavesson since.

At 18:52:26 on 15.12.11, Flicka wrote:
Ha ha Dazzle-don't hold back! That's the problem with some research/studies, a lot of it is fairly limited and particularly difficult to do with animals when there are so many variables. It worries me that their limited findings will make riders think they should crank their horse's nosebands tight. But I think it does highlight an interesting topic. And you don't say whether you think a horses mouth should be closed shut with a noseband? I've had trainers who have really had a bit of a go at me (two different clinics, two different trainers) because my mare was being a bit difficult and they said that IF I had a noseband on her (like everyone else-you stupid girl) then I would have had more control. Well spotted that they rode six different GELDINGS-now would the result have been different with mares-not so easily gagged lol

At 21:33:18 on 16.12.11, JessAndGrenville123 wrote:
The only reason i use a flash is because when i was riding in a cavesson (i took him back to basics when i got him, happy mouth snaffle in cavesson noseband) and gren locks his jaw and takes off with you lol the flash helps but he still sometimes manages to lock his jaw :P, honestly i don't think the study is that good either, i also think every horse is different on what it prefers

At 15:52:49 on 05.01.12, ToriiWolfe wrote:
I personally don't like riding with a tight noseband, I don't use one for western but when I ride english i don't tighten mine much. I never saw a point in tighting it up soo much when my horses do fine with it loose-ish. Here's a pic to show, it's of my old (27 years! he's retired now) Palomino gelding.