Both the caveson and the flash strap should be closed in such a manner that you can easily fit 1-2 fingers under it at the nasal bone. The horse is supposed to be able to open its mouth a little and to be able to chew the bit unrestrictedly. Bear in mind that a noseband is only used to restrict excessive opening of the mouth and consider that the horse’s soft nostrils compress as the noseband is tightened. During exercise, the nostrils flare to allow more air intake and the noseband can constrict breathing if tightened too much..

Hrímnir's advice

For young horses we recommend using a drop noseband instead of a caveson. In youngsters, the molars at the sides of the jaw are a lot bigger compared to the skull during growth. Often, you can see or feel the upper and lower molars bulging out through the cheeks like two ridges along the side of the head. Since the caveson closes around that area of the head, it is likely to press the soft cheeks towards the molars when pressure is put on the noseband. Especially young horses that are still learning to carry the bit correctly can occasionally brace against the noseband. This could cause lesions on the inside of the cheeks.