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 riding. In this case it would be combined with a bit, and connected to a pair of false reins (attached to rings, now missing, passing through to the loops at the top), 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. Very similar cavessons are still used today in traditional equitation in some parts of Spain and in Camargue, France.
This type of cavesson would be used for riding. In this case it would be combined with a bit, and connected to a pair of false reins (attached to rings, now missing, passing through to the loops at the top), 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. Very similar cavessons are still used today in traditional equitation in some parts of Spain and in Camargue, France.
Artwork Details
- Title: Cavesson
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Camargue
- Culture: Spanish or French, Camargue
- Medium: Iron alloy
- Dimensions: W. 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm); D. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm); Wt. 8.5 oz. (241 g)
- Classification: Equestrian Equipment
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1809
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 1555
ca. 1550
Signature probably refers to Jean Drouart (French, Paris, died before October 1715)
dated 1712
Louis Perrin (French, Paris, active 1823–65)
dated 1854
Part of the decoration design by Jean Cousin the Elder (French, Souci (?) ca. 1490–ca. 1560 Paris (?))
ca. 1555
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.