| The main noseband on a regular English bridle, called | | | | on the bridle. |
| the cavesson, should fit very snugly around the horse's | | | | Flash Function |
| nose. But even when adjusted properly, the leather | | | | Like many riders, I use a flash, an additional noseband |
| can rub under the jawbone and some form of padding | | | | which encourages the horse to keep his mouth closed. |
| becomes necessary. Maybe you want to tighten the | | | | I discovered a second place to use a halter fleece |
| noseband just a fraction, without causing your horse | | | | when my horse got a large tick bite on his chin, exactly |
| discomfort or poking an extra hole in the leather too | | | | where the flash rests. |
| close to an existing one. | | | | After the tick was removed he still had a large lump, |
| Choices of Cushioning | | | | which I disinfected but which was going to rub badly |
| A specially made leather pad is available, but | | | | when I put on the bridle. So I attached another section |
| expensive and very difficult to find. The only riders I | | | | of sheepskin to the flash, under his chin. This protection |
| know who have access to such equipment buy it | | | | allowed me to continue riding while the lump subsided. |
| abroad. Sadly we don't all have the luxury of traveling | | | | My big bay was so comfortable with this cushioning |
| overseas to procure horse accessories. | | | | that even though the bite has long since healed, I still |
| One cheap way to achieve the desired protection is to | | | | use it. He stands completely still when I attach the flash |
| put a piece of foam between the horse's jaw and the | | | | now, instead of jutting his nose in the air. After |
| noseband. However, the unattached piece is easy to | | | | dismounting, I loop the flash strap through the D-ring on |
| lose. | | | | my saddle, and close the buckle with the fleece |
| Another cost-effective method -- ideal for horses with | | | | wrapped round it ready for my next ride. |
| allergies -- is to buy a set of 6 genuine sheepskin halter | | | | This soft form of protection will also work with the |
| fleeces. They come in several colors, natural (white), | | | | other types of additional noseband -- dropped, |
| navy or black and cost around $33 from any online | | | | figure-of-eight and crescent. |
| saddlery. Cut a piece to fit round the underside of the | | | | Save the Spares |
| cavesson, completely protecting both jawbones with | | | | The value of buying a set of six halter fleeces means |
| the Velcro closing on the outside. This is wonderfully | | | | you have extras when you wash the used ones. They |
| soft for your horse and won't get dislodged. | | | | will collect sweat, especially in the summer, and need |
| Whichever method you choose, smoothing cream | | | | cleaning. Otherwise the wool will harden and cause |
| over any existing rubs before attaching the noseband | | | | discomfort. |
| will help your horse to heal. Calendula or comfrey | | | | Spare sections can be placed in your trailer or with |
| creams are excellent for this purpose as they are | | | | your show tack, clean and ready to take to a |
| gentle on the skin and encourage the healing process. | | | | competition. |
| As soon as I've finished riding, I undo the noseband, | | | | These are ways you can ensure your horse's comfort |
| take off the fleece and attach it round my reins. That | | | | without spending a lot of money and he will thank you |
| way I know where it is when I need it again. If you put | | | | for it by accepting the bridle more willingly. |
| it on the cavesson it will get in the way when you put | | | | |