Mare goes better with no cavesson or noseband of any kind. Now what?

[arabiansrock]

So I posted about my mare who HATES snaffles and LOVES her western curb bit. We have tried a Myler stage 2-3 that she seems to like alot better and I have a Myler stage 3 on order (should arrive tomorrow) that is dressage legal. I am hoping she likes that one even better because is seems to be as close to the feel of a curb as can be had in dressage legal snaffles.

However, mare still was not going as well as she does in her western bridle. So last night I just pulled off her cavesson completely. Previously we had ridden her with the straps undone so no pressure but cavesson still on. No change. Last night with taking the cavesson off completely, my DD reported that maresy felt ALMOST as good as she does in the western gear. I am hoping the new bit pushes her into matching her performance in western headstall.

BUT…, how do we show dressage with a mare who does not want to wear a headstall? I have a drop that I will try on her once we have verified thru multiple rides that having a naked face is what she likes. I just don’t understand why the rules say we have to have a cavesson if the horse doesn’t need it.

And yes, her teeth are good. Were vet checked a week ago, he said later this summer. However this head business has been going on for 8 years with her with many dentals in between and no changes seen so I don’t think its teeth. I just really think she is very sensitive. She will go “on the bit” in a halter and lead rope going off the seat.

So any ideas on how to meet the legal cavesson requirement but sastisfy miss sensitive?
TIA

[poltroon]

Ride her without it for a while, then experiment with a really light weight cavesson that is really loose. Not undone, because that might flap. Consider if it is rubbing, or if the cavesson head strap is creating a pressure point at the poll.

You might borrow a micklem and use that really loose and see if that is more comfortable for her as well.

[Jealoushe]

put it on really loose?

My mare had a tooth issue that was unseen to the naked eye. A tooth shard under the gums, only would have been seen by x ray until it made its way to the surface and a little tiny piece was sticking out. She was ridden with this under her gum line for years and causing extreme nerve pain.

Might be worth some further investigation.

[cuatx55]

Make sure the buckle isn’t pinching under the jaw, that is usually the reason for horses not liking it (or somehow poking the horse with the end of the leather or crank piece sitting off center.

Also, in the effort to be “nice”–do not put it too loose- that will shift and move and it very irritating to the horse. Just settled against the skin with two fingers should work.

You can also experiment with a very padded wider noseband and crank- some horses that can’t tolerate the simple buckle acutally do like more of that stability as counter-argument as that sounds. Take a look at how each style sits on the jaw.

PS of sweeden has some new fangled cavesons that might also work. Some people really like them for new options.

[Training_Cupid]

I would try a more anatomic type, perhaps it is on a nerve. I recall the updated rulebook gives examples of several types that are dressage legal.

[Edre]

A drop adjusted loosely might be the right direction. Consider noseband types (buckle vs crank) (thin standard or wide) (padded or not).

I would also experiment with making sure it’s the cavesson that’s the issue. Try different adjustments (I had a gelding who wanted a noseband either higher than standard or lower). Also look at fit - if it’s always been moderately loose there may be extra movement that she finds vexing in which case see if there’s room to make it a little more snug (one finger under instead of two for example).

[theresak]

I’d try a monocrown or threading the cavesson strap over the top of the headstall instead of underneath.

[samwoww7]

I would try a Micklem! Maybe a loose drop noseband.

A little off topic: Have you considered doing Western Dressage? If she is not happy in the English gear, this could be a happier option!

[arabiansrock]

SAmWow - experimenting with western dressage is how we finally made the bridle connection! She totally rocks at it, btw. At first we thought it was the saddle but one day threw the western bridle on with english saddle. She still rocked it. Thats what started my spate of experimentation.

As for the bridle it is a monocrown, strap over the top. noseband is padded, not too wide I believe about an inch wide, as she has a very fine Arabian head. I have tried cavesson at 2 fingers (our standard). first hole, not even hooked, and off (best result). The two things I have not tried is making it tighter, and also adjusting position up or down on her face. Will experiment with those later this week.

I have thought about a micklem but imo they are kind of ugly, especially on fine heads. Collegiate has come out with an affordable knock off of the ps sweden bridle and it is legal and affordable. If she does not like the drop, I wwas thinking of trying this one.

I can also get a pad to put underneath the cavesson buckle to see if that helps.

thanks for all the ideas. If there are more I would love to hear!

[exploding_pony]

So what happens if you put a cavesson on with the western headstall? Not saying you would ever really train like that, but I’m wondering if it is a bit issue or a cavesson issue.

I would do a crank noseband instead of a regular noseband - no pressure points as long as you keep it loose.

[Huntin_Pony]

In the spirit of experimentation, perhaps take the cavesson off an old bridle and leave it on her when you are not riding her. Maybe she just needs to desensitize to the feeling of the noseband.

[hoopoe]

I would return to the crown and reconsider how much bulk is over her poll and into her ears. You may need a thinner crown piece with ear relief

[arabiansrock]

hoopoe that is something I have also thought about. Maresy could use a bridle upgrade… And out local tack store is closing :eek: so they are having going out of business sale starting tomorrow…

[alibi_18]

@Huntin' Pony

In the spirit of experimentation, perhaps take the cavesson off an old bridle and leave it on her when you are not riding her. Maybe she just needs to desensitize to the feeling of the noseband.

Not a good idea at all.

Just an accident/injury waiting to happen.

The OP’s bridle probably doesn’t fit. Putting it on for a longer won’t solve the problem.

[Huntin_Pony]

alibi - Sorry not to have been clear. Thanks for pointing out the ambiguity.

I meant to leave the old (and presumably somewhat weak) cavesson on, not the bridle.

It may still not be a good idea, but not as risky for the horse - moreso for the cavesson.

[CHT]

I wonder if she was previously worked in a tie down, rope noseband or something similar, so she has anxiety with the feeling of the band on her nose. I would just try a different type of noseband such as a drop, figure 8, or one of the new styles that might feel different enough that it won’t trigger the same anxiety.

It could also be that she has fat cheeks, and the cavesson is pulling into her teeth. In which case a different noseband style would also solve.

[normandy_shores]

@theresak

I’d try a monocrown or threading the cavesson strap over the top of the headstall instead of underneath.

I second this. It could be as much about the crown as anything.

[arabiansrock]

Thank you everyone. No she has not been worked in a tie down. she already has a monocrown with strap over the top. no fat cheeks, fine headed arab mare. I really do think that maybe she doesn’t like haveing the strap over her cheek. Am going to try drop noseband this week. At least we have now found a bit she likes, Myler MB33wl.