The Springfield Saddler

15/06/2025

Great evening with Tayside Dressage Group talking bridle fit. Good discussion at the end. I learnt things and hopefully the group did too. Thank you for the invite and the gingerbread😋, hope you stay a bit drier today 😃

10/06/2025

What a nice surprise to find in your email! Thank you to everyone who nominated me😃

02/06/2025

The workshop is taking a break this week so I'll be back to replying to messages from 10th June.

26/05/2025

I'm coming to the Aberdeen area on 27th June and have a couple of spaces available for bridle/bit fit if anyone is interested. PM with your email address if you are.

16/05/2025

Nominations are OPEN for the 2025 Equine Fitter of the Year Award! 🏆

🌟It’s time to nominate your favourite equine fitter for the BETA Equine Fitter of the Year Award - Deadline is 16/06/2025🌟

Give them the spotlight - Whether it’s saddles, bridles, bits or harnesses – if they’ve made a real difference, why not say thank you by nominating them? 💖

🔹 Open to ALL fitters, whether BETA members & non-members!
🔹 Recognise passion, skill & outstanding service.

👉 Nominate now & celebrate the best in the business! Thank you 🙏

Visit to nominate! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13jaXuS9B_aMOjgQLZhgM89b7N3aXlwtZaQ-yJ9OsqoE/viewform?edit_requested=true

Let's celebrate equine fitting excellence 🏆


British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)

02/05/2025

Final noseband blog of the week. Russell sums it all up very well. I am loving my bridle fitting days. Seeing the difference a well fitting bridle can make to a horse and the smile it brings to a rider's face is worth more than any finacial reward.

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲 @ 𝟭𝟵:𝟬𝟬 𝗛𝗥𝗦 𝗕𝗦𝗧

𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿??

While the noseband is an essential component of the bridle, it is not the only factor that affects comfort and performance. Other elements need to be considered:

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲: the headpiece should be fitted with the horse’s anatomy in mind, taking into account the space between the back of the ears and the sides of the atlas – the first cervical (neck) vertebra. Headpiece pressures are highest at the base of the ears and in the region of the TMJ. Anatomical headpiece designs are useful for reducing focal pressure; however, they must be fitted to the individual horse, with the horse’s conformation being considered. The headpiece should be shaped, padded and constructed using one piece of leather providing attachments to the cheek pieces and noseband on both the left and right side.

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱: should be fitted so that a hand (palm down) can be admitted beneath it. A browband that is too small can pull the headpiece forward and cause localised pressures at the base of the ear.

𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: the buckles should be adjusted so that the buckle is in the middle hole of the cheek piece. This should align with the upper corner of the horse’s eye. A cheekpiece that is too long will mean that the buckles are too high and close to the areas that are sensitive to pressure.

𝗕𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: the cheekpiece should be adjusted to ensure that the bit is positioned within the horses mouth at the appropriate height. The bit should also be the correct width, mouthpiece size and type for the horse.

Whilst attention is given to the noseband, the entire bridle must be properly fitted to ensure the horse’s comfort is optimised and not compromised.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

01/05/2025

Nosebands No. 4.

** 𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?

The type of noseband used should be discussed with a coach and professionals, and fitted by a qualified bridle fitter. Each noseband has a slightly different function depending on their design and if they have one or two bands encircling the mouth.

Due to the head anatomy, pressures beneath the cavesson, Swedish (crank) and flash nosebands are relatively higher on the lateral nasal bones and mandibles; therefore, noseband design is an important consideration.

The noseband should have padding on the upper (nasal bones) and lower (mandibles) parts of the noseband; it is essential to note that regardless of padding, the noseband must still be adjusted appropriately (looser or equal to 1.5 finger tightness).

The Swedish noseband has been referred to as a “crank”, due to its fastening mechanism and potential leverage effect. However, this type of noseband usually has padding under the mandibles, which may be missing on other designs. Interestingly, no differences were found in pressures for a cavesson, Swedish and flash noseband when adjusted to the same level of tightness.

As well as the additional padding over the mandibles with the Swedish noseband, the “D” ring connecting the noseband strap to the cheek piece can also be improve comfort, as this allows the noseband to remain positioned perpendicularly to the nasal bones. This provides a more uniform distribution of pressure compared to a cavesson noseband, which can cause a ridge of pressure on the upper or lower part of the noseband, depending on the position of the horse’s head and neck.

The pressures under a drop noseband are generally less than the cavesson noseband but the noseband is positioned lower on the horse’s nose, so it is important that it is fitted correctly to avoid constricting the nostrils. .

It is essential to always consult with a qualified bridle fitter to ensure optimal fit and function.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴::

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

30/04/2025

Nosebands No.3.

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵?

The simple answer is no, if the noseband is “correctly” fitted!

If the noseband is fitted correctly, the noseband pressures are of a magnitude that should not cause any pain or discomfort.

Noseband pressures are cyclical, meaning that within the stride cycle, they have a maximum and minimum value. The peaks and troughs are repeatable and occur during the early part of the stance phase. For a correctly fitted noseband, the magnitude of minimal pressure is low; it should be noted that pressure beneath the noseband only occurs when the horse pushes against it; at all other times, the pressures are close to zero.

If a noseband is fitted, or adjusted to mechanically restrict mouth movement, compressing the soft tissues, then the pressures will be high. As already discussed (Monday), this has no place in riding, training or competing, but this differs considerably to a “correctly” fitted noseband.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

29/04/2025

No.2 Fitting a noseband. The idea of having a buckle either side of the head as opposed to the traditional one side is for balance. It has been found that an uneven number of buckles can result in a slight head tilt so increasing tension in the muscles of the head, neck snd subsequently, the shoulders, back, hind quarters etc.

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱?

Four areas need to be considered when defining the “correct fit” of the noseband:

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: traditionally, is it was advised that the noseband should be adjusted to allow two fingers to fit beneath the noseband. The origin of this rule is unclear and is not based on any evidence, and furthermore, the location (front vs. side of the horse’s head) or orientation of the fingers (stacked vs. side by side) varies in advice.

Studies have looked at the tightness of the noseband when adjusted to different levels; however, only recently have noseband pressures on the upper and lower part been reported in horses during ridden exercise. Previously, we showed no difference in noseband pressures when the noseband was adjusted from 2.0 to 1.5 finger-equivalent tightness; furthermore, horses were able to accept and chew a treat at the same frequency (confirming the noseband does not restrict natural mouth movement), and behavioural indicators such as eye temperature and blink rate were unchanged (indicating that the noseband did not cause any excitement or distress).

Whilst the chewing frequency and behavioural indicators were unchanged, pressures were increased when the noseband was adjusted beyond 1.5 finger tightness, therefore providing a threshold at which the noseband can be adjusted too (or looser) without causing any issues to the horse.

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: dependent on the anatomy of the horse, and the proximity of the bit rings, the height of the noseband should be approximately 1 to 2 cm below the facial crest. The noseband should not be fitted too high, causing focal pressures on the facial crest or so low that the skin gets pinched between the noseband and bit.

𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵: the noseband cheekpiece should ideally be fastened so that the buckles are at the level of the corner of the horse’s eye. Buckles should be positioned symmetrically (left and right) and should not be too high, causing pressures close to the TMJ.

𝗣𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Keeping the bridle clean and supple is important for the horse’s comfort and health, keeping it soft and smooth and avoiding stiff, rough and irritating edges. Padding beneath the noseband, across the nasal bones, and mandibles is useful to help dampen pressures but is not a replacement for keeping a bridle supple and clean! Ensure that a good-quality material is used to prevent the pad from deforming.

The primary goal is to ensure the noseband is adjusted to allow it to function correctly without causing unnecessary pressure or discomfort to the horse. The fit of the noseband (and all elements of the bridle) must be checked regularly as the leather can fatigue and stretch, and what was fitted one day may be defined as incorrectly fitted at a later stage.

𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

28/04/2025

Noseband week. No 1. Couple of points for me, note in the text the use of the word "can" as opposed to always, and if your horse is opening its mouth to the point you are considering a noseband, ensure you have professionals check the horse's teeth and bit and bridle fit. A noseband is only of use as a training aid if your horse is comfortable in these areas.

** 𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞**

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱?

The function of the noseband is often mistaken as merely keeping the horse’s mouth closed and covering up training faults. There is no place in training or competition for a noseband that is adjusted to the point that it restricts mouth movement, visually compresses the soft tissues, causes discomfort or constricts the nostrils.

However, a “𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆” fitted noseband does have a function:

🐴When 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 fitted, the noseband can help stabilise the bridle, preventing excessive movement of the headpiece, bit and cheekpieces.

🐴Instability of the bridle can cause problems for the horse – including discomfort, risk of rubbing and damage to the mouth, or impacting against parts of the head and ears as the bridle moves.

🐴In training, it is desirable for the horse to be able to relax the jaw and “mouth the bit.” When a noseband is 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 fitted, this is comfortable for the horse, including if chewing. If the horse opens its mouth more widely then the horse creates low-level pressure against the noseband as the upper and lower jaws come in contact with the noseband. This contact encourages the horse to avoid opening the mouth so wide that the bit and bridle become displaced and destabilised, as when the mouth is settled, the pressure is immediately removed, encouraging mouthing and preventing unintentional evasion of the bit.

🐴The noseband can allow for the attachment of health-supporting accessories such as nose nets.

There are considerable differences between a noseband fitted to restrict mouth opening and a “𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆” fitted noseband, and it is essential to distinguish these differences in noseband discussions.

📚 𝗙𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴:

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 : https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/advice/bridles-how-to-choose-and-fit-them-correctly?srsltid=AfmBOorOGLfgrP_MimX8-AxVG_gIOLRm7mk8I4XoNuYvC-aw7RoAcyrK

𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘆: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1j3gnKFGNo

23/04/2025

**𝗡𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 - 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗞𝗡𝗢𝗪𝗟𝗘𝗗𝗚𝗘 **

The noseband is a highly discussed area, and next week, each day we will be sharing an evidence based blog relating to different aspects of the noseband.

We welcome discussion and individual perspectives, with the overarching goal of advancing knowledge and understanding on correct noseband fit.

Noseband week will conclude with a 60-minute Facebook Live session at 19:00 HRS BST on Friday 2 May 2025.

🤓

15/04/2025

🌟 Do you know an equine fitter who goes the extra mile? 🌟
Then give them the spotlight! 🐴✨
Nominations are OPEN for the 2025 Equine Fitter of the Year Award! 🏆

Whether it’s saddles, bridles, bits or harnesses – if they’ve made a real difference, now’s the time to say thank you. 💖

🔹 Open to ALL fitters for nomination – BETA members & non-members!
🔹 Recognise passion, skill & outstanding service.

👉 Nominate now & celebrate the best in the business! Thank you 🙏

⏳ Deadline: 16/06/2025

Click the link to nominate! Let's celebrate equine fitting excellence!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13jaXuS9B_aMOjgQLZhgM89b7N3aXlwtZaQ-yJ9OsqoE/viewform?edit_requested=true


British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)