Noseband With a Bad Reputation?

[TomE]

I usually make bridles with a simple cavesson noseband - a continuous strap of leather and the buckle off center under the chin.  This bridle has a Swedish or crank style noseband that evokes strong opinions.  The crank is two-piece construction with a padded strap that can generate some leverage when tightening the noseband.  Proponents say that the crank style provides flexibility and even pressure under the jaw.  Critics note that the crank lends itself to overtightening, causing discomfort.  The name "crank" is a rather unfortunate choice.

I posted the bridle on social media and sure enough some of the comments were "cranky."  Maybe there's no such thing as bad publicity?  I enjoyed making this noseband but the construction takes considerably longer than a simple cavesson.  At least I have the ability if someone asks for one.

 

 

[kgg]

10 minutes ago, TomE said:

I posted the bridle on social media and sure enough some of the comments were "cranky."

I know nothing about horse related items other then to say the workmanship is very nicely done. I see the same type of "cranky" comments about prong collars for dogs. 

kgg

[TomE]

1 hour ago, kgg said:

I see the same type of "cranky" comments about prong collars for dogs. 

kgg

Interesting. I thought dog fanciers are a friendlier bunch. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. 

[jrdunn]

1 hour ago, TomE said:

Interesting. I thought dog fanciers are a friendlier bunch. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. 

It seems to me that the internet is full of "experts" on nearly every subject these days.  JM2C, Jim

[Mulesaw]

Hi Tom

Beautiful looking bridle!

We had a Micklem bridle for my wifes horse, and that had the same system, I was always of the impression that it was made purely to protect the horse from having a buckle gnawing directly to the skin under the jaw (where as you know there isn't a lot of meat to add natual padding). 
Also having the buckle directly on the skin has the potential of gripping some hair from the horse, especially in the winter time where the hair s long (It might be a bigger problem in Scandinavian winters than in e.g. Florida)

I have never heard anyone complaining or bad mouthing the system, but I am not on FB, and that might filter some of the most enthusiastic voices 🙂

As I see it, you can still overtighten a cavesson noseband, but if you are a skilled rider - you make sure that your equipment is fitted correct anyway, and then it won't matter if your system allows for tightening more or less.

Brgds Jonas

 

[TomE]

@Mulesaw Thanks, Jonas.  I agree that it's up to the rider to fit their tack correctly.  At FEI sanctioned events they've begun checking noseband tightness prior to horses entering the ring.  I guess that new rule got the attention of the keyboard warriors.   I do add a leather flap under the buckle of a simple cavesson to pad the buckle.  The leather flaps under the dee rings of this crank bridle are a bit unwieldy.  Next I plan to use a smaller dee ring and contour the flap differently.  

[BlackDragon]

The bridle looks beautiful!

When it comes to keyboard warriors, there's always someone that says how awful something is and how devastating it'll be if you continue the practice. The sky will always be falling for them.

A very wise person once said

"Haters gonna hate, hate, hate. So, shake it off, shake it off."  

[kgg]

14 hours ago, TomE said:

Interesting. I thought dog fanciers are a friendlier bunch. Perhaps it’s a sign of the times. 

13 hours ago, jrdunn said:

It seems to me that the internet is full of "experts" on nearly every subject these days.  JM2C, Jim

I think on the internet with the so called "Experts ", "Influencers" and "Doctor Google" it is difficult for a lot of new people to get the necessary solid information. The days of mentorship within the dog fanciers / pure breed breeders / dog show people has long gone by the wayside. This has only gotten worst since the China Cough with a lot of people lacking common sense, being more demanding and entitled. That maybe just me as I'm an old geezer.  

kgg