>>>>> I've heard it said that a noseband can help stabilize a bit in a horse's mouth. I can see how this could be if, for example, you have to suddenly turn the horse. For example, let's say that you have riding partner whose horse suddenly gets out of control and starts to plow into you and you need to get your horse out of the way asap. A bit could then come through the horse's mouth in an emergency type of scenario.
>> There are millions of horses around the world who are ridden with snaffles and this does not happen to them. Why? Let's figure that out. Can anyone give any input on this subject? We hear lots of "justifications" for some strange things, and to me, justifying a noseband to stabilize a bit is one. Why is the bit unstable? Too wide? I've seen plenty of Icelandic's with bits that are too wide. And, why are virtually all Icelandic's ridden in loose ring snaffles - well, except for at my house? Here's a simpler way to stabilize a bit. Buy one that is the right size, not TOO tight, but too wide can be just as bad. Voila....not noseband needed. I try to make sure that my horses don't learn to open their mouths to let the bit slide through - and the very worst bit of all is the loose-ring. First, I teach lateral flexing from the ground and in a halter. When I do use a bit, I almost always use either a d-ring or full-cheek. (The exception would be with the Happy Mouth bits that Eitill and Melnir like - they are hard to find in a d-ring - but they flex laterally nicely anyway.) If you are really attached to loose-ring bits, and you are really afraid the bit will slide through the horse's mouth, add a loose leather curb strap. Something that goes loosely under the horse's chin isn't going to affect his breathing. I think the key is not to make up excuses, but to handle the root problems...hopefully before they even become problems.... Karen Thomas [EMAIL PROTECTED] No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.485 / Virus Database: 269.13.15/1002 - Release Date: 9/11/2007 5:46 PM
