About our Cavessons

Cavessons can be used for working close to the horse for classical schooling, long reining, lunging and riding in the same way as a bridle or side pull. The cavesson can also be combined with a bridle, and works well with a curb bit.

The Cavesson can be used to halt, bend, lift and lead a horse, and has basically the same functions as a bridle. Some horses work best with a cavesson, others with a bridle. For horses who have difficulties with a bit a cavesson is often a good way to get the horse in favour of riding and the rider’s hand again. Use of them for in-hand training of classical movements helps to supple and build up musculature without the effects of the riders weight and/or balance.

The cavessons we stock have a chain nose band wrapped in leather. This allows precise movements as the noseband wraps around the horse’s nose without the need for shaping. This style of cavesson is centuries old and is lightweight and comfortable.

The cavesson’s severity depends on:

The handler should always be mindful of the horses comfort when using any equipment, these cavessons are designed for small light movements to guide the horse to bend, flex and turn and allow pressure and release. The smaller the contact area, the more severe the cavesson. Our cavessons can be padded using our sheepskin noseband covers to make them softer, but generally horses do find them comfortable.

Fitting

The cavesson should be able to be lifted 1-2 cm from the bridge of the nose. It should not be too tight. It lies on the nose bridge “corners” and should be tightened so as to allow a finger to be inserted between the cheek and the cavesson.

When riding with a full cavesson and a snaffle bridle, fit the cavesson high enough on the horse’s head to prevent the cavesson nose band from pinching the corners of the mouth.

Because the rein rings on the cavesson sit further forward on the horse’s head than rings on a bridle, a longer rein should be used.

Cavesson specifications

French Baroque style

Full Leather cavesson  available in black or brown with stainless steel fixings. The noseband is a chain wrapped in soft leather and has three attachment rings, the middle for work with one rein and the outer for long reining and work with two reins. The throat lash is sliding and can be used in any position.

Size Cob:

Head piece 100cm, Throat lash 55cm, Noseband 55 cm

Size Full:

Head piece 100cm, Throat lash 68cm, Noseband 70cm

Size Extra Full:

Head piece 113cm, Throat lash 75cm,  Noseband 80cm

The specified sizes are with the buckles on the outermost holes. If in doubt it is best to go up a size as there is plenty of adjustment available to make cavesson smaller.

Jakarta/Diamant 3-ring cavesson

Full leather cavesson  available in black (Jakarta) or brown (Diamant) with stainless steel fixings.

The noseband is a chain wrapped in soft leather and has three attachment rings, the middle for work with one rein and the outer for long reining and work with two reins. The throat lash is fixed.

These have a thinner chain and smaller rings than the french baroque style, making them lighter weight and ideal for a finer head, although the thinner noseband will act more directly on the nose area.

Size Cob:

Head piece 100cm, Throat lash 55cm, Noseband 55 cm

Size Full:

Head piece 120 cm, Throat lash 60cm, Noseband 70 cm

The specified sizes are with the buckles on the outermost holes. If in doubt it is best to go up a size as there is plenty of adjustment available to make cavesson smaller.

If you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to contact us.