Lunge Cavesson: Calm Guidance for Lunging and In-Hand Work

Lunge Cavesson: for lunging, groundwork and in-hand work

A lunge cavesson works through a firm nosepiece on the nasal bone, not through the mouth. That makes it the tried and tested choice for lunging and for classical in-hand work. Young horses learn to flex and bend on the lunge with it, without a bit being involved. Here you will find the Waldhausen anatomic leather cavesson, BUSSE PROFESSIONAL and ANATOMIX and the Covalliero Leder Exklusiv lunge cavesson.

A steady fit is what counts

A cavesson has to fit snugly so it does not slip. The noseband lies about two fingers below the facial crest on the bony part of the nose. The jowl strap keeps the cheekpieces away from the eye when you apply pressure from the side. A cavesson that is fastened too loosely slides towards the outside eye when lunging, which is uncomfortable and dangerous. Snug does not mean tight, though: your horse should still be able to chew.

With or without a bit

Models with bit attachments can be combined with a snaffle. This lets you ease the transition from lunging to riding later on or use a double lunge. The BUSSE cavessons for in-hand work have side rings where you clip on the lunge line or lead rein. For beginners and simple groundwork there are lunging headcollars in the Economic, Rosé and plastic versions. They are less precise than a classic cavesson, but easier to put on.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I clip the lunge line on a cavesson?
Usually on the centre ring on the nose. That way the lunge line acts evenly towards the inside and the horse learns to flex. You use the side rings for in-hand work or a double lunge.

Is a cavesson better than lunging off the bit?
For many horses it is, because the mouth is spared and the line does not pull through the bit. The cavesson must fit well, though, or it will slip. Many people also combine side reins on the snaffle with a cavesson.

How tight should the jowl strap be?
Tight enough that the cheekpieces do not slide towards the eye when you pull from the side. A flat hand should still fit underneath. A jowl strap that is too tight restricts your horse when it flexes at the poll.