A lunging cavesson is an important piece of kit that you will need for lunging a horse. It has several metal rings fitted on the noseband to clip a lunge rein to.Each lunging cavesson is designed slightly differently, but a good product will have padding and three metal rings on the noseband for the attachment of a lunge line or training aids. Most will be padded and fully adjustable with buckles on the headpiece and noseband for ensuring the most comfortable fit.Some cavessons go a step further and are anatomically designed with the horses delicate facial structures in mind.A few also come with detachable bit clips, which means you can add a bit if one is required for your chosen training aid without having to fit a bridle underneath the cavesson.Lunging cavesson or bridle?A lunging cavesson is essentially a cross between a bridle and a headcollar. It is possible to lunge a horse from a bridle instead (or even using both in conjunction), and which you opt for usually comes down to personal preference.The key difference is how the lunging rein attaches. There is a ring on the front of a cavesson, which means you are not controlling your horse via their bit.With a bridle, your lunge line will be attached to the bit. A lunging cavesson offers more versatility than a bridle, as it has more fastenings (rings) to clip attachments to. Many riders prefer to lunge from a cavesson so they dont interfere with their horses mouth.Using a bridle and cavesson together, or a cavesson with detachable bit clips, means you can use a lunging aid such as side-reins or a Pessoa without the lunge line interfering with the horses mouth.This is because the lunging aid is clipped onto the cavesson nose ring rather than the bit, so signals are much clearer for the horse.Shop for a lunging cavessonThe type of cavesson you select will depend on your needs and budget. Take a look at a few currently on the market below:Hy Equestrian Lunge CavessonThis fully adjustable lunging cavesson has a padded base and strong metal nose fittings. It has stainless steel fixtures and features a browband attachment.Colour: BlackSizes:Small, largeRRP 25.50 (US$29)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereShowmaster Lungeing Headcollar Freedom This cavesson also functions as a headcollar and bitless bridle. It has an adjustable headpiece, chin strap and throat lash.The curved ring on the left cheekpiece prevents pressure caused by the snap hook.Colours:Black, marine, oreganoSizes:Shetland pony, pony, cob, full, extra fullRRP 15.90Buying in the UK? Purchase hereEuropean shipping availableClaridge House Leather Cavesson Soft & LightThis lightweight leather cavesson has three metal rings for lunge line or rein attachments.Colour: BlackSizes:Shetland pony, pony, cob, full, extra fullRRP 59.90Buying in the UK?Purchase hereEuropean shipping availableShires Fleece Lined Lunge Cavesson This cavesson has a plush fleece padding on the noseband and headpiece for comfort. It is fully adjustable and comes in a choice of fun colours.Colours:Blue, pink, navySizes:Pony, cob, full, extra fullRRP 19.99 (US$27.99)Buying in the UK?Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereEquiAmi Lunge CavessonThe EquiAmi Lunge Cavesson is lightweight and soft, providing a close fit to eliminate any pinching or rubbing. The broad noseband provides improved comfort for the horse and the detachable bit straps means it can be used without a bridle.This lunging cavesson was placed as runner-up in the BETA 2012 innovation awards.Colour:BlackSizes:Pony, cob, fullRRP 47Buying in the UK?Purchase hereDelivery to USA and ROW is availableKincade Lunge CavessonThe Kincade lunge cavesson has a padded nose and wide straps.Colour: BlackSizes:Cob or fullRRP 32.99 (US$44.99)Buying in the UK?Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereWaldhausen Anatomic CavessonThis cavesson has an anatomical cut to provide greater freedom of the ears and cheekbone. It is made from high quality leather and has soft padding for comfort. It can be used with or without a bit.Colour:Black, brownSizes:Pony, cob, full, extra fullRRP 79.99 (US$110)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereWhitaker LCAV Lunge CavessonThis lunging cavesson is fully adjustable with three D-ring attachments on the noseband. It is made from strong webbing and has a padded noseband.Colour: NavySizes:Cob, fullRRP From 44.95 (from US$67.67)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereChoosing between a cavesson or bridleI have two horses: my Irish sports horse Romeo and an ex-racer called Alfie. Depending on the type of lunging session I plan to do with each horse, Ill use different tack. There are two training aids I use with Romeo: an EquiAmi or bum bands. He tends to be quite on the forehand as hes very short coupled, so these gadgets help to get him to lift through his core and back.Romeo is also known for whizzing around, so having a training aid on helps to keep him focused. When I use the EquiAmi I like to lunge him in a bridle and cavesson; it means the lunge line doesnt interfere with the training aid, as this one attaches to the bit.When hes in the bum bands, Ill opt for either a cavesson or his bridle, as these dont attach to the bridle.As an ex-racehorse, Alfie hasnt quite got the memo about lunging just yet, so we do very short sessions without any training aids. If I dont plan to ride afterwards then Ill use thelungecavesson, as he has a sensitive mouth. If Im just doing a five-minute leg stretch before I hop on to ride, Ill just lunge in his bridle with a bit coupling.Basically, all horses are different and the best thing you can do is work out what suits your own horse best.Related content9 of the best lunge reins on the marketHow to use a lunging whip correctly plus 7 designs to choose fromUseful lunging equipment you need to haveNine lunging exercises to help your horse work correctlyThe post Shopping for a lunging cavesson: what to look for appeared first on Your Horse.