The use of nosebands in the equestrian sport is widely accepted as normal. Most competitive scenes actually require the use of standard nosebands as a minimum to compete. Both pony club and EA level competitions require this, now we ask why is this the standard? Generally speaking, the overall consensus is that noseband = control. Of course we all want control of our horse in the show ring, for our safety, the horse's and everyone else around us. However, what is this cost of this forced control? Is it really necessary? I beg to differ.
I choose to start and train my horses without the use of a noseband, however, as it currently stands I have to put one on in order to compete. I have never had an issue with losing control of horse due to the fact that it does not have a noseband on. Yawning, licking and chewing, as well as large exhales of breath are standard behaviours for a horse who is releasing tension. With a noseband fastened over their jaw, these behaviours are inhibited, which can cause a build up of tension and stress. As well as this, tight nosebands can restrict standard breathing capabilities as well as causing nerve and tissue damage to the face. Why would anyone want to do this to their horse? Unfortunately nosebands are so widely accepted that most people don't even think twice about them.
The "control" offered by the use of these nosebands, in my opinion, is limited. A horse with correct, soft training methods that is taught to accept the bit and work lightly off cues is much more easily controlled than one who has his mouth jammed shut and fights the bit. Given this second horse cannot release stress properly, the situation will just get worse with time - more pressure on the face = more tension in the horse. The next step? Shove a flash on him, close his mouth even more. Around the circle goes. So, what am I trying to say? If you feel you need a noseband or a flash to control your horse, you are riding a sorry broke horse. Go back to basics and start from the start, get lighter so your horse will get lighter. These quick fixes using nosebands will end up causing more pain in the long run. Take the noseband off at home and see how your horse responds, see if he is more supple and willing, if he relaxes and works nicely into the bit. Hopefully the competition circuit will catch on soon and see that a noseband just isn't enough to get "control".
Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying nosebands are the worst thing in the world. As I said before, I compete with them, because if I want to compete it is a requirement. In saying this, I only use nosebands very loosely on my horses at competitions. What I am saying is that they are not necessary. They can do more harm than good. If you want a soft horse, you have to be soft back, so give them a chance to breathe easily, release their stress and most importantly save them from possible tissue damage. Just test it out, take the noseband off and you might just find yourself with a whole new horse.
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