This is the standard type of noseband which fits round the nose, above the bit.
It doesn't really serve any purpose unless you use it with a martingale to stop a pony lifting his head too high.
When fitting a cavesson, allow room for two fingers between the noseband and the pony's cheeks.

DROP.

A drop noseband is fitted lower down the nose than a cavesson. Extreme care should be taken to make sure it doesn't interfere with the pony's breathing.
A drop does up below the bit and stops the pony opening his mouth too wide to cross his jaw. This would allow him to evade the bit's action, giving the rider less control.
This type of noseband should be fitted four fingers' width above the nostrils. It should only be used with a snaffle bit.

FLASH.

The flash is similar to a cavesson noseband, but it has an extra leather strap fitted underneath which does up below the bit.
As with a drop noseband, the flash prevent a pony opening his mouth too far.
A standing martingale can be used with the flash, but it must never be fitted to the drop part of the noseband. Its action would then become too severe.

GRAKLE.

Sometimes known as a 'crossed noseband' or a 'figure eight', the Grakle has a similar action to the drop noseband.
However, it is more severe than a drop because it does up above and below the bit, putting more pressure on the nose.
The leather straps of the Grakle cross over on the bone in the middle of the nose. For extra comfort, it often has a soft pad of sheepskin or leather where the straps cross.

KINETON.

Unlike other nosebands, the Kineton doesn't have a strap around the pony's chin to stop him opening his mouth.
The noseband has two metal 'hoops' that sit under the bit, so when pressure is put on the reins the pony feels it on his nose.
As with a drop, this noseband should be fitted well above the nostrils. It should only be used with a snaffle.
Think twice before you consider using a Kineton noseband - its action is very severe.