Why choose a PS of Sweden bridle part 2

In part two of this mini blog series - I wanted to focus on the different noseband styles that PS of Sweden offer, and why you might choose one over another. Each noseband is specifically design to offer support to a particular need and functionality varies between each design.

The most common question we're asked is 'whats the difference between the pioneer and the nirak'?

The Nirak noseband is very similar in looks to the Pioneer ñ but offers a more fixed position than the 3 way adjustable Pioneer. The noseband attaches to the cheek pieces rather than them being two separate parts which applies pressure to both the nose and the bit when the rider uses the reins. Adjusting the upper part of the noseband allows variation on the nose pressure.



The Pioneer is more akin to a traditional drop, but is more adjustable to find the position and fit that best suits your horse. It is great for young horses who need the stability in the bridle to help them work over the back into the contact correctly. It is particularly useful where a horse wants to work in an inverted shape, as it avoids pressure and the sensitive nerve endings around the head and nose to keep them comfortable.
The high jump is probably the least traditional looking noseband and gets a lot of questions from mare owners in particular. Itís designed to avoid sensitivity around the mouth and jaw which can manifest itself in grabbing, holding or pulling at the bit. Horses who donít like pressure around the jaw and nose can often shake their head or pull more to one side. This noseband helps eliminate all pressure around the nose, jaw, mouth and benefits from the reduced poll pressure the standard headpiece provides.


On to the HvE ñ designed in conjunction with Swedish Olympic rider Henrik von Eckermanns ñ is essentially two nosebands in one. It is sold with two parts to the noseband ñ one is a wider padded top strap and the second (pictures above) is a thinner rolled leather top strap. Popular with showjumpers, it gives the freedom to use a sharper action when a horse might be fresh or more excitable without altering the set up too much that is gives a different feel or pressure as it is two variations of the same noseband. Specifically aimed at quirky, bolder horses who benefit from the variety of different tack and those who can be stronger out competing than at home, it is useful for riders who want to vary the effect of the noseband in different scenarios.

The last two nosebands I wanted to talk about are two of the newer ones. The Paladin features swept up sides, which avoid the teeth area on the outside of the horses mouth so its particularly good for ones who hold tension in the jaw or suffer any dental issues such as misaligned teeth etc. It avoids the molar area, and the nerve junctions around that part of the mouth whilst allowing clearance for any supermodel-esque cheekbones! It also has an anatomically shaped backstrap that has clips at either end which offers more freedom to relax through the lower jaw. The flash loop is the new upgraded ëmagic flashí which is totally removable to give a sleek finish if you donít use flash straps.

Finally, the ëall iní ñ the most similar to a standard flash noseband but with all of the anatomical features youíd expect from PS of Swedenís designs. It has a pull back style strap to close, and features the super soft airfoam padding which spreads the pressure and avoids points of excess pressure across the nose, the padding is slightly reduced across the sides to allow better comfort around the molars. It comes with a patent finish, so is perfect for dressage divas.