What Is A Crank Noseband?

The Crank or Swedish noseband, is a type of cavesson with a leveraged buckle fastening behind the jaw.

Typically, this style of noseband is thoroughly padded for increased comfort across the nose and at the back of the jaw - the padding, combined with the leveraged buckle fastening, provide a uniform distribution of pressure around the horse’s nose and jaw when fitted safely and correctly. 

The noseband should be snug enough to stay in place whilst allowing the horse to chew and move its jaw freely. A good rule is to fit two stacked fingers between the noseband and the horse’s cheekbone for comfort. When fitting a noseband it is important to remember that horses are nasal breathers and cannot breathe through their mouths. 

The Crank noseband carries negative connotations due to the noseband having the ability to be 'Cranked' up. However, cranking the noseband too tight can lead to restricted air flow, soft tissue damage and discomfort. That is why it is imperative to ensure this noseband, as well as others, are safely and correctly fitted so welfare isn't compromised.

The Crank noseband should be fitted approximately two finger width below the base of facial crest (Cheekbones) and on the bony structures of the nose, a noseband sitting below the nasoincisive notch has the potential to restrict nostril expansion and potentially breathing.

If the noseband is fitted too high along the base of the facial crest this area can easily be rubbed and become sore. The infraorbital foramen is a hole in which the nerves of the upper lip, nostrils and muzzle emerge, direct pressure on this area can cause the horse severe discomfort and irritation.

The noseband should be fitted to avoid the mental foramen which is hole in the mandible where the nerves that serve the lower lip and chin emerge.

Measures should be taken to not tighten a Crank Noseband excessively, as it will prevent relaxation in the horses’ face, however it should be snug to allow the pressure to be distributed evenly and minimise the risk of the fit altering through movement.

FEI rules from the 1st of May 2025 state that the noseband must be fitted with sufficient laxity, as determined by an FEI approved Measuring Device. The rule applies to all types of nosebands and to both the upper and
lower noseband.