What is a correctly fitted noseband?
Four areas need to be considered when defining the “correct fit” of the noseband:
Noseband tightness: traditionally, it was advised that the noseband should be adjusted to allow two fingers to fit beneath the noseband. The origin of this rule is unclear and is not based on any evidence, and furthermore, the location (front vs. side of the horse’s head) or orientation of the fingers (stacked vs. side by side) varies in advice. Studies have looked at the tightness of the noseband when adjusted to different levels; however, only recently have noseband pressures on the upper and lower part been reported in horses during ridden exercise. Previously, we showed no difference in noseband pressures when the noseband was adjusted from 2.0 to 1.5 finger-equivalent tightness; furthermore, horses were able to accept and chew a treat at the same frequency (confirming the noseband does not restrict natural mouth movement), and behavioural indicators such as eye temperature and blink rate were unchanged (indicating that the noseband did not cause any excitement or distress). Whilst the chewing frequency and behavioural indicators were unchanged, pressures were increased when the noseband was adjusted beyond 1.5 finger tightness, therefore providing a threshold at which the noseband can be adjusted to (or looser) without causing any issues to the horse.
Noseband height: dependent on the anatomy of the horse, and the proximity of the bit rings, the height of the noseband should be approximately 1 to 2 cm below the facial crest. The noseband should not be fitted too high, causing focal pressures on the facial crest or so low that the skin gets pinched between the noseband and bit.
Noseband cheek piece length: the noseband cheekpiece should ideally be fastened so that the buckles are at the level of the corner of the horse’s eye. Buckles should be positioned symmetrically (left and right) and should not be too high, causing pressures close to the TMJ.
Padding: Keeping the bridle clean and supple is important for the horse’s comfort and health, keeping it soft and smooth and avoiding stiff, rough and irritating edges. Padding beneath the noseband, across the nasal bones, and mandibles is useful to help dampen pressures but is not a replacement for keeping a bridle supple and clean! Ensure that a good-quality material is used to prevent the pad from deforming.
The primary goal is to ensure the noseband is adjusted to allow it to function correctly without causing unnecessary pressure or discomfort to the horse. The fit of the noseband (and all elements of the bridle) must be checked regularly as the leather can fatigue and stretch, and what was fitted one day may be defined as incorrectly fitted at a later stage.
Further reading and watching:
Bridle fitting guidelines: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK
Bridle fitting webinar with Dr Rachel Murray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo