Position of the Noseband of Diana Thompson’s Sidepull Bridle
Diana’s sidepull bridle should be adjusted so that the noseband is placed in one of two positions on the horse’s face, the upper position or the lower position. Both positions, which are shown in the photos on this page, are relatively high on the horse’s head. In these positions, the unique design of the bridle signals the horse to make an effortless sideways turn of his head using what is called lateral flexion of the poll joint.
Lateral flexion of the poll joint relaxes the horse. It’s one of the steps that need to take place so the horse can carry a rider in the balanced movement known as self-carriage. It leads to proper, balanced collection. For more information on this movement, click here to see the article on Diana’s web-site titled: Self Carriage – How a sideways turn of the head is key to proper movement
Upper Position of the Noseband
The upper position of the noseband places the diagonal brace piece of the noseband so it crosses over the lower edge of the horse’s cheekbone. This position is the one that Diana recommends for horses with relatively short heads such as Arabians, many quarter horses, Morgans, Haflingers, Peruvian Pasos, Paso Finos, smaller Missouri Foxtrotters and other breeds.
Two photos of Rosie, an Arabian gelding with a very short head. The noseband on his sidepull bridle is placed in the upper position.
Lower Position of the Noseband
The lower position of the noseband places the diagonal brace piece of the noseband completely below the lower edge of the horse’s cheekbone. This position is the one that Diana recommends for horses with longer heads such as many Thoroughbreds, quarter horses of racing bloodlines, warmbloods, Andalusians, Norwegian Fiords, larger Missouri Foxtrotters and Tennessee Walkers, horses with draft breeding, mustangs and other breeds.
Timothy, a Thoroughbred gelding with a longer head. The noseband on his sidepull bridle is placed in the lower position well below his cheekbone.