> how can a properly, ie. Not Tight, > at the correct location nose band, cause pain.......I think it can if > its tight, but so can a halter, or a bridle or any tack......
What happens is that the noseband keeps the horse's mouth closed on any kind of pain or discomfort. He cannot get away from the rider's hands, the bit, ulcers in his mouth, etc. It is used to disguise the horse not being trained to accept the bit, the trainer / rider's poor hands, bad bit fit, etc. It gives the rider an excuse *not* to listen to the horse. >>I have > been told, that the drop nose keeps the bit in the correct location, > not allowing it to move forward and nutcracker.....I know my horses > seem relaxed when you use them, again though, they are not tight. It may be a protection for the horse in some cases from heavy hands, incorrect bit, not being taught to accept the bit. (That might seem contradictory to the above answer, but think about it.) Riding should be relaxing for the horse, and a main point in classical riding / dressage is to relax the jaw. That is not happening in today's classical riding / dressage, and it's not what happens when the noseband is brought into the picture. I think it's one of those tools that can be used for "X", but if you know how to do "X" properly, you don't really need it! In other words, just something to spend more money on, rather than spending time learning how to communicate with the horse. Judy http://icehorses.net http://clickryder.com
