The Development of the Bit & Noseband Bridles

The use of nosebands and bits as part of the bridle of a horse dates back prior to the 14th century B.C. In the 21st century, the noseband is not used as a training tool, as it was through history. The figure 8 noseband is used to hold the mouth of the horse closed against the bit, the flash noseband is a traditional part of the bridle of a horse.

  1. History

    • Throughout history, riders have used bits and reins to control horses. Early horse riders used bits and reins but not saddles, making riding a difficult task, according to Equi Search. Early bits were made from available natural materials, such as bone, horn and rope that was quickly worn and broken by the horse. During the bronze and iron age period of the 14th to the 8th century B.C., metal bits were developed by the people of Luristan in ancient Mesopotamia. These bits were around 5 to 6 inches in length and were used on horses that were larger than those found in the modern world. Metal bits remained in the same basic style until the Middle Ages.

    Noseband

    • Nosebands are used to stabilize the bit in place within the mouth if the horse. The noseband is generally positioned the width of two to three fingers from the cheekbone of the horse. Nosebands are available in the cavesson style, commonly used in English riding with a snaffle bit that reflects the relaxed temperament of English hunter horses. A figure 8 or flash noseband was developed with a separate band beneath the noseband to hold the horse's mouth closed.

    Training

    • Very few changes were made to the basic bridle developed by the people of Luristan changed little during the Middle Ages, with horsemanship the domain of the wealthy who rode directly into battle on horses. Alterations to the bridle were made through the use of training schools that began to develop from the 15th century onwards, these schools used long metal bits and curb chains that damaged the mouth of the horse. The more humane Champagne School developed during the 18th century required the use of the snaffle bit that damaged the mouth of the horse very little, even if the rider was inexperienced.

    Technology

    • Older bridles used a noseband with a simple construction to hold the cheek pieces of the bridle in place where movement could take place when the horse was in motion. The bit used in the mouth of a horse could also be doubled to include two sets of reins with a snaffle bit and a curb bit, this practice is known to have been common in the riders who trained through the Champagne School. It is unknown where the practice of doubling bits with the noseband originated.