Cavesson
A cavesson is a rigid noseband, often made of iron, attached to a simple headstall. It rests on the horse’s nose, a sensitive area.
This type of cavesson would be used for leading and training horses when on foot with a lead rope, (attached to the central ring) or for riding. In this case it would be combined with a bit, and connected to a pair of false reins (attached to the side rings on pitons), for training young horses when they start with the curb bit. The rider would use his cavesson’s reins at the same time he uses his bit’s, teaching the young horse to respond to the bit without spoiling the sensitivity of its mouth.
This type of cavesson would be used for leading and training horses when on foot with a lead rope, (attached to the central ring) or for riding. In this case it would be combined with a bit, and connected to a pair of false reins (attached to the side rings on pitons), for training young horses when they start with the curb bit. The rider would use his cavesson’s reins at the same time he uses his bit’s, teaching the young horse to respond to the bit without spoiling the sensitivity of its mouth.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cavesson
- Date: 17th–18th century
- Culture: German
- Medium: Iron alloy
- Dimensions: W. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm); D. 15/16 in. (2.4 cm); Wt. 8.4 oz. (238.1 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment
- Credit Line: Gift of Stephen V. Grancsay, 1942
- Object Number: 42.50.473
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
German
ca. 1450
German, Augsburg
ca. 1560–70
German
ca. 1535
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525 and later
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