Tack and Rider LLC.

More evidence that it is important to help your horse feel and perform their best by keeping that noseband loose!

New Study Links Tight Nosebands to Reduced Stride Length and Potential Facial Damage in Horses - AskAnimalweb A new scientific study co-authored by Animalweb’s own Dr David Marlin in conjuction with Anglia Ruskin University students Emily Hopkins and Stacie Whitrod and ARU Writtle Associate Professor of Animal Biomechanics and Sports Medicine and School Research Lead Dr Roberta Blake, has found that tight...

Bridle2Fit now has new Glitter Nosebands for a little more bling in the show ring and at home.🙂

https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/proposed-double-bridle-ban-denmark-880138?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3HxG7dfWhw-_PGUdmHyDJYu4gw5sUaz1kA-NWU27gKQ_us2oyoE55jZUo_aem_Y2UWVs5D5-j2TOIgKo7izQ

Is Denmark going to ban the double bridle? Proposed recommendations on a double bridle ban in Denmark spark debate in the European Parliament as critics warn of welfare implications

Emily Smith Eventing. Super fun day with such talented riders and horses!

Thank you Heather Goetsch for an incredible day doing bit and bridle fitting for our guys! So much thought goes into each choice and adjustment. We’re grateful for the insights and thrilled to have the best setup possible for all our horses.#Bridles #HorseCare

Noseband positioning- This is a great picture reference. It is so important to avoid the fragile cartilage of the nose while also allowing a little bit (about a thumbs width) of space below the facial crest.

The jaw of the horse's mouth consists of the maxilla ( upper jaw )and the mandible (lower jaw). They are connected by the TMJ.

The upper jaw is wider than the lower jaw and the horse chews in a circular motion, because of this their teeth wear unevenly and it is important for them to have regular dentistry once a year or every 6 months depending on age and condition of the teeth.

In the upper jaw, because it is wider sharp edges can develop on the outer edges of upper molars as well as the inside of the lower molars. When the noseband is tightened too much this can cause the molars to cut into the sides of the horse’s mouth.

One more reason to keep those nosebands loose.

Very informative and important info on bridle fit.

𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘩, 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥𝘏𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴

Checking a horse's bridle fit is as important as checking his or her bit fit and saddle and girth fit. It is something diligent riders and especially horse pros should be quite fanatical about as it acutely affects a horse's health.

It is important to do your due diligence and check and adjust nosebands, flashes and browbands carefully, making sure that no strap is uncomfortably tight, buckles do not push into joints (TMJ) or nerves - or are too close to the eyes - and that the poll strap does not push against the horse's ears (and of course check bit fit).

Bridle leather should be cleaned, conditioned ans checked for cracks or unraveled stitching that can irritate the skin, routinely.

No tack should be adjusted so tightly that it prevents the horse from moving its jaw and tongue comfortably, presses on its gullet or the base of his/her ears. Some horses require custom sized bridles or browbands and nosebands.

Regarding nosebands, you must be able to slide two stacked fingers between the leather and the nasal bone easily. The ISES recommends a gap of 1.5 to 2cm and you can purchase a "noseband taper gauge" online to help you if need be. Do not go by tools alone however, do what is comfortable for your individual horse based on conformation, history, preferences.

A quick look at what cranial nerves control reveals how important their health is and why properly fitted tack is paramount.

There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. They have a role in:

▶️ Balance
▶️ Sensory and motor control of viscera including heart, lungs, and bowel
▶️ Heart rate
▶️ Gastro-Intestinal peristalsis
▶️ Hearing
▶️ Smell
▶️ Vision
▶️ Eye movement
▶️ Neck muscles that move the head
▶️ Sensation from the face
▶️ Motor to the muscles for biting, chewing
▶️ Facial expression
▶️ Taste from the anterior 2/3rds of the tonque
▶️ Taste from the posterior 1/3rd of the tonque
▶️ Tearing (lacrimal gland)
▶️ Salivation from the parotid gland as well as not from the parotid gland (different nerves)
▶️ Sensation and some motor to the pharynx
▶️ Swallowing (motor to the muscles of the soft palate, pharynx and larynx)
▶️ Vocalization (motor to the muscles of the soft palate, pharynx and larynx)
▶️ Tongue movement

This is a horse clearly unhappy with his bit (the noseband looks a bit tight as well).
How do you know if you have an ill fitting bit?
Some signs are:
Head tossing
Excessive saliva
Mouth opening
Tongue Sticking out
Sores or rub marks on corners or inside of mouth
Pinching at corner of the mouth