Crank vs standard closure nosebands
Comfort of the horse through a correct, anatomic fit underpins all Lumiere bridle designs. With this in mind, a decision was made to change the Lumiere bridle range from standard buckle closure nosebands to crank closure nosebands. This decision is also in response to customer demand; listening to our customers is important to us.
We recognise that nosebands are a hot topic in the equestrian world. Whether nosebands should be used at all, whether they should be hanoverian, cavesson, crank or otherwise. Many horse people have strong opinions about nosebands. And so they should. We agree that noseband style & fit should be a consideration for every rider who prioritises the comfort of their horse.
This is a subject on which, no company will ever be able to make every customer happy.
The reason we have chosen to preference crank nosebands is that they distribute any pressure more evenly, offer more cushioning, and are easier to fit correctly.
Over the past few years, we have had continual issues with customers using our standard closure nosebands, without fitting their horses correctly. With less adjustability, a standard closure noseband on the tightest or loosest hole, will sit with the buckle to the side of the horse’s jaw. A noseband buckle that is not centred, will create an uneven fit for the horse. In an ideal world, every horse owner would measure their horse before buying a noseband & select the correct fit. However we know from experience that there are many horse owners using standard closure nosebands that are fitted badly, with buckles sitting on the side of the horse’s jaw. Sometimes, done up tightly. With a crank noseband, the buckle will always sit centred under the jaw (and in our case, cushioned by a gel-pad).
The over tightening over nosebands is an important welfare issue. However a noseband of any style can be over tightened. A standard closure noseband can be over-tightened just as easily as a crank.
We applaud the FEI’s announcement that they will be implementing checks on nosebands tightness, introducing a clear standard and method of measurement. We know that Equestrian Australia and Pony Club Australia gear checkers are trained to check noseband tightness, as are gear checkers across many equestrian bodies internationally.
Customers using a Lumiere crank noseband, fitted in line with the FEI requirement of a 1.7cm gap, can assured that their horse is wearing one of the most comfortable nosebands on the market.
Q&As:
1. What are the benefits of a crank closure noseband?
Crank closure nosebands are designed to:
- Distribute pressure more evenly.
- Provide additional cushioning and comfort.
- Allow for greater adjustability.
- Keep the buckle centred under the horse's jaw for a more balanced fit.
These features can help create a more comfortable and anatomically correct noseband fit.
2. Why can standard closure nosebands be difficult to fit correctly?
With a standard closure, horses that fall between sizing holes may end up with the buckle sitting off-centre on one side of the jaw. This can create uneven pressure and an unbalanced fit. Because many riders do not measure their horses precisely before purchasing tack, incorrectly positioned buckles are a common fitting issue.
3. Are crank nosebands more likely to be overtightened?
No. Any type of noseband can be overtightened if fitted incorrectly. While crank nosebands are sometimes criticised for this reason, a standard closure noseband can be tightened just as much. Correct fitting and adherence to welfare guidelines are far more important than the style of closure itself.
4. How can riders ensure their noseband is fitted comfortably?
Riders should follow recognised welfare standards and ensure the noseband is not excessively tight. Lumiere supports the FEI's noseband tightness guidelines, including the requirement for a 1.7 cm gap. When fitted according to these recommendations, a properly adjusted crank noseband can provide excellent comfort, cushioning, and pressure distribution.
Key takeaway: The debate around nosebands is not simply about crank versus standard closures—it's about correct fit and horse welfare. Lumiere's move to crank closure nosebands was driven by a desire to improve adjustability, achieve more consistent fitting, and provide greater comfort for horses while supporting responsible noseband use.
