Re: If you don't feel that it's right then don't do it !!

We were always told at the Col.'s yard when taught to ride always leave 2 fingers gap under buckle of nose band and 4 fingers under the throat latch and have been doing this for the past 46 years, never had any problems with this advice as this must have been as it was in the Cavalry, if it works etc.

Re: If you don't feel that it's right then don't do it !!

kevinhiatt said:

We were always told at the Col.'s yard when taught to ride always leave 2 fingers gap under buckle of nose band and 4 fingers under the throat latch and have been doing this for the past 46 years, never had any problems with this advice as this must have been as it was in the Cavalry, if it works etc.

Yes, same here.

When we first had Grouse, my daughters horse, we tried a few different types of bit and nosebands, one of which was a borrowed crank noseband as it had been recommended by her instructor.

I have to say I thought it was awful, and Grouse hated it - it was so tight he could hardly move his jaw, let alone open his mouth, and although I know it could have been loosened we didn't go down that road and he ended up with a flash and three ring gag which he was absolutely fine with.

So yes, if your gut instinct says no, go with that feeling !!

Re: If you don't feel that it's right then don't do it !!

I would have been inclined to get a lead rope round his neck and pull that tight aswell lol. If your just using an ordinary nose band there should be no reason to have it tight. I actually rarely use bobs noseband, only pop it on every now and then keep him used to it incase we want to do some dressage at some point.

Although a nice nose band does look lovely, I actually bought my new bridle because it had a lovely nose band, and then rememberd id be taking it off, such an idiot lol

Re: If you don't feel that it's right then don't do it !!

 Hi, I was taught the same as Kevin mentioned, the 2 finger rule for noseband and 4 finger for throatlash but for flashes I'm not sure there is a definite, I've seen them done up so tight and on others really loose and nosebands way too low. 

Re: If you don't feel that it's right then don't do it !!

 I usually do the flash up so i can fit my index finger under it quite comfortably. I use it because my horse has a tendancy to stick his tongue out of the side of his mouth (like a dog)  funny to look at but it costs points in dressage. If we are hacking or jumping i dont usually bother as he only does it every so often.