What are cavessons?
If you don’t know what a cavesson is, it’s a type of bitless bridle of sorts that is perfect for lunging. It has a neckpiece and cheekpieces like you’re used to from a normal bridle, but the noseband is different. On the noseband are typically three rings – one on the left, one on the right and one on the middle.
These are perfect to use for lunging, but also groundwork, work in hand and even riding. Cavessons are especially used in academic riding and were invented to teach a horse to use its body properly and become supple and flexible, without disturbing the mouth. A cavesson is also especially ideal for young horses, as it can help educate the horse nicely and correctly without having to irritate the mouth.
Material and styles
Originally, cavessons were made of supple and soft leather that nicely shapes to the shape of the horse and a metal core – usually a chain – within the noseband. This chain is entirely covered with the supple leather and there’s also the already mentioned three rings attached to the noseband. The F.R.A Keto model is for example one similar to that – this cavesson can also be used with a bit!
Some cavessons can also be used as bitless bridles. Given the two rings towards the sides of the noseband, using the cavesson as sidepull is often an option, too. Many cavessons come with extra pieces to include a bit - these little straps can often be attached and taken off to the sides of the cavesson like you wish - so if you wanted to, you can also use your cavesson as a bridle for riding or even ride with one rein each on the bit and the ring. This can be especially ideal if you're transitioning your horse from a bit over to bitless or the other way around.
Nowadays, you will often also see cavessons looking similar to halters. They are a nice alternative to a proper cavesson, especially if you don't want to spend much money, like in cases when you've never used a cavesson before and don't know how you and your horse will like it, and thus maybe don't want to commit to spending too much money.
Nylon or polyester cavessons are usually adjustable at 3 places - noseband, throat latch and crown piece -and are therefore similar to the size adjustments you would make on a bridle. Most of the time, they come with faux fur or other sort of padding pieces on the noseband and crown piece. This allows the horse extra comfort. One definite plus of nylon cavessons is that they are easily washable and can even go in the washing machine! Perfect for anybody that likes to procrastinate cleaning their leather tack!
Cavessons at Epplejeck
Buy all the lunging accessories you may need at Epplejeck from the comfort of your home. Our virtual doors are open 24/7 for you and ordering is quick and easy. We always strive to send out your package just a few days after your order comes in, so your wait time is minimal. If something doesn’t fit, simply send it back to us within 30 days – no questions asked!
Happy shopping!