Adjusting and fastening the cavesson correctly – this is how it works

In order to be able to work precisely and finely with the cavesson, a good fit and correct buckle fastening are essential. You can find out how to adjust the cavesson to the horse's head correctly and what you need to pay attention to in this blog post:

• The components of the cavesson
• How to fasten a cavesson correctly

The components of the cavesson

The classic Cavessons consist of the following elements:

• Nose part with rings: To Lunges & Ropes or Reins to buckle up
• Neck strap: ensures stability of the cavesson
• Goatskin strap: keeps the cheek pieces away from the eye
• Cheek strap: is attached to the neck strap

A throat or browband is not required for a perfect fit.

How to fasten a cavesson correctly 

The order in which the straps are fastened is crucial for the cavesson to stay properly on the horse's head. This should always be followed, regardless of whether the bridle is being put on for the first time or for the umpteenth time.

Step 1: Adjust the headpiece and cheekpiece of the cavesson

If the cavesson is new, you first put it on the horse with the chin and cheek straps open. Then the poll or cheek piece should be adjusted so that the nose piece is at the right height on the bridge of the nose. This is important so that the nerve exit points and pathways of the nose are left free and the horse's breathing is not restricted. Once correctly adjusted, the height does not need to be changed the next time it is used.

What you need to consider:

Nose part: The nosepiece should rest on the bony part of the nose about two to three finger widths below the cheekbone and one hand width above the upper edge of the nostril. Nosepieces that are too low or too high can impede both the nasal cartilage and the trumpet, and thus the horse's breathing. 

• Headpiece: The horse's freedom of movement at the poll must not be restricted, as there are many nerves, blood vessels, muscles, etc. running along it. Therefore, when fastening the bridle, you should try to see if you can still easily run your finger between the ear cartilage and the poll piece.
• Cheek piece: Make sure that the cheek piece is at least one finger's width behind the horse's cheekbone. It is important that it does not move near the eye when tension is applied to the cavesson. The buckles of the cheek piece should be approximately at eye level under the horse's jaw joint. 

Step 2: Fasten the noseband of the cavesson

The next step is to close the noseband. It should sit flush on the cheeks at the horse's eye level so that the cheek pieces cannot slip near the horse's eyes. You can close it tightly, but make sure that it does not press on the horse and that there is no kink in the poll or cheek strap. On some cavesson models, the noseband can also be moved individually on the cheek strap.

What you need to consider:

• The buckles of the noseband must not press on the horse's lower jaw.

Step 3 : Fasten the noseband of the cavesson

Finally, the noseband is closed. You should make sure that the horse can still chew well and also move its jaw and relax its neck.

Et voilà – the cavesson fits correctly!

If you follow these steps carefully, you will make training easier for yourself and your horse. A well-fitting cavesson, if properly fastened, will hold the horse in place even when the horse is pulling sideways. Reins, Lunges & Ropes and thus enables safe and precise work. This is of course good for both horse and rider. Watch our video on how to adjust the cavesson correctly.

You would like to see the correct adjustment as a video. Here you can find the relevant YouTube video:

Here you can find a selection of our cavesson models: