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Bridle Figure Eight Noseband: Canada’s Top 5 Picks for 2025 — An Expert Guide to Control, Comfort, and Clear Breathing

Published on Monday, August 25, 2025

The figure eight noseband is a crisscross strap design that keeps the mouth closed while allowing freer breathing and improved nasal clearance. Favored in eventing and show jumping, this style gives riders precise control without placing pressure on the nasal bone. Canadian buyers value durable leather or synthetic construction that stands up to cold, wet conditions, secure yet comfortable padding for long training days, and competition-compliant fit. Preference often comes down to material quality, ergonomic shaping around the cheek and poll, buckle placement for easy adjustments, and whether the noseband is part of a complete bridle or sold as an upgrade. For horses that resist rein aids or open their mouths under pressure, a well-fitted figure eight offers a balance of safety, performance, and welfare when used correctly.

Quick Menu

1. Best Anatomical Fit

2. Best Premium Leather

3. Best Freedom Design

4. Best Ergonomic Option

5. Best Show Ring Choice

1
BEST ANATOMICAL FIT

Schockemohle Sports Equitus Beta Figure 8 Noseband

Schockemohle Sports

Schockemohle Sports Equitus Beta Figure 8 Noseband delivers German-made value with well-considered ergonomics and dependable hardware, making it a best-in-class choice for everyday riders who want reliable pressure distribution without a steep price. Its modular adjustability and robust construction give it a technical edge for daily schooling compared with premium fashion-forward options, and it typically undercuts Passier and Dy'on on price while matching many functional features.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • German craftsmanship

  • Plush padded comfort

  • German craftsmanship

  • Plush padded comfort

Review Summary

89%

"Users praise the supple leather, precise stitching and comfortable fit; a few note it is a bit stiff at first and more expensive than basic options."

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • Anatomically contoured padding for pressure distribution across the nose and face

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • Anatomically contoured padding for pressure distribution across the nose and face

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Schockemohle Sports Equitus Beta Figure 8 Noseband delivers German-made value with well-considered ergonomics and dependable hardware, making it a best-in-class choice for everyday riders who want reliable pressure distribution without a steep price. Its modular adjustability and robust construction give it a technical edge for daily schooling compared with premium fashion-forward options, and it typically undercuts Passier and Dy'on on price while matching many functional features.

  • German craftsmanship

  • Plush padded comfort

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • Anatomically contoured padding for pressure distribution across the nose and face

  • High-grade leather with reinforced stitching for durability

  • German craftsmanship

  • Plush padded comfort

  • Show-ring sparkle

  • Anatomically contoured padding for pressure distribution across the nose and face

  • High-grade leather with reinforced stitching for durability

Order Now

$160-260 CAD

2
BEST PREMIUM LEATHER

Dy'on New English Collection Figure 8 Noseband

Dy'on

The Dy'on New English Collection Figure 8 Noseband emphasizes classic English aesthetics and precise fit, with hand-finished details and refined shaping tailored to show and dressage riders. Although it sits at a higher price point than Schockemohle or Kavalkade, its luxury finish and bespoke feel make it a compelling choice for competitive riders who want a polished look without paying the top-tier Marcus Ehning premium.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Luxurious English leather

  • Anatomical low-profile

  • Luxurious English leather

  • Anatomical low-profile

Review Summary

91%

"Riders commend the fine craftsmanship, elegant finish and comfortable shaping, though some mention the hardware feels heavy and the price is high."

  • Elegant show-ready

  • Hand-finished English leather with refined stitching for a show-ready look

  • Elegant show-ready

  • Hand-finished English leather with refined stitching for a show-ready look

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Skill Development & Mastery

Recreational Enjoyment

The Dy'on New English Collection Figure 8 Noseband emphasizes classic English aesthetics and precise fit, with hand-finished details and refined shaping tailored to show and dressage riders. Although it sits at a higher price point than Schockemohle or Kavalkade, its luxury finish and bespoke feel make it a compelling choice for competitive riders who want a polished look without paying the top-tier Marcus Ehning premium.

  • Luxurious English leather

  • Anatomical low-profile

  • Elegant show-ready

  • Hand-finished English leather with refined stitching for a show-ready look

  • Slim, elegant profile that maintains classic figure-eight geometry

  • Luxurious English leather

  • Anatomical low-profile

  • Elegant show-ready

  • Hand-finished English leather with refined stitching for a show-ready look

  • Slim, elegant profile that maintains classic figure-eight geometry

Order Now

$300-420 CAD

3
BEST FREEDOM DESIGN

Stubben Freedom Figure Eight Noseband

Stubben

The Stubben Freedom Figure Eight Noseband puts ergonomic innovation and horse comfort first, using flexible panels and soft cushioning to suit sensitive or reactive animals and stand out as a market leader for comfort-driven performance. Its reputation for durability and compatibility with a wide range of bridles makes it a technical alternative to more style-focused brands and often a longer-lasting investment than economy models.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Ergonomic freedom cut

  • Jaw-friendly comfort

  • Ergonomic freedom cut

  • Jaw-friendly comfort

Review Summary

84%

"Buyers appreciate the ergonomic cut and durable construction, but many report the leather takes time to soften and the finish isn’t as refined as premium brands."

  • Durable everyday leather

  • Comfort-focused padding that reduces pressure on sensitive areas

  • Durable everyday leather

  • Comfort-focused padding that reduces pressure on sensitive areas

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

The Stubben Freedom Figure Eight Noseband puts ergonomic innovation and horse comfort first, using flexible panels and soft cushioning to suit sensitive or reactive animals and stand out as a market leader for comfort-driven performance. Its reputation for durability and compatibility with a wide range of bridles makes it a technical alternative to more style-focused brands and often a longer-lasting investment than economy models.

  • Ergonomic freedom cut

  • Jaw-friendly comfort

  • Durable everyday leather

  • Comfort-focused padding that reduces pressure on sensitive areas

  • Robust construction with dual attachment points for stability

  • Ergonomic freedom cut

  • Jaw-friendly comfort

  • Durable everyday leather

  • Comfort-focused padding that reduces pressure on sensitive areas

  • Robust construction with dual attachment points for stability

Order Now

$140-240 CAD

4
BEST ERGONOMIC OPTION

Kavalkade Ergonomic Figure 8 Special Noseband

Kavalkade

Kavalkade Ergonomic Figure 8 Special focuses on practical ergonomics and affordability, offering easy-care materials and straightforward adjustability that appeal to everyday riders and yard use. While it lacks the high-end leather finish of Dy'on or Passier, its strong financial value and low-maintenance construction provide an accessible, cost-effective option for schooling and novice competition.

4
★★★★☆

  • Budget-friendly ergonomic

  • Extra soft padding

  • Budget-friendly ergonomic

  • Extra soft padding

Review Summary

80%

"Seen as very good value with comfortable padding and functional shape, while some users find the fit and hardware quality less premium and sizing inconsistent."

  • Gives nostrils a hug

  • Ergonomically cut and softly padded to follow facial contours

  • Gives nostrils a hug

  • Ergonomically cut and softly padded to follow facial contours

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

Kavalkade Ergonomic Figure 8 Special focuses on practical ergonomics and affordability, offering easy-care materials and straightforward adjustability that appeal to everyday riders and yard use. While it lacks the high-end leather finish of Dy'on or Passier, its strong financial value and low-maintenance construction provide an accessible, cost-effective option for schooling and novice competition.

  • Budget-friendly ergonomic

  • Extra soft padding

  • Gives nostrils a hug

  • Ergonomically cut and softly padded to follow facial contours

  • Adjustable buckles for a customized, secure fit

  • Budget-friendly ergonomic

  • Extra soft padding

  • Gives nostrils a hug

  • Ergonomically cut and softly padded to follow facial contours

  • Adjustable buckles for a customized, secure fit

Order Now

$100-180 CAD

5
BEST SHOW RING CHOICE

Passier Marcus Ehning Figure 8 Noseband

Passier

The Passier Marcus Ehning Figure 8 Noseband represents top-tier competition craftsmanship with premium leatherwork, precision fit and fine finishing that justify its market-leading position for elite riders. It outperforms most rivals on refinement and show-ready appearance—commanding a higher price than Schockemohle and Kavalkade—but offers the technical refinement and brand prestige sought by professional competitors.

4.7
★★★★☆

  • Pro rider design

  • Precision competition fit

  • Pro rider design

  • Precision competition fit

Review Summary

94%

"Widely praised for exceptional build quality, classic fit and longevity; common caveats are initial stiffness and a notably high price tag."

  • Champion-tested polish

  • Signature Marcus Ehning model featuring premium leather and finish

  • Champion-tested polish

  • Signature Marcus Ehning model featuring premium leather and finish

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Recreational Enjoyment

The Passier Marcus Ehning Figure 8 Noseband represents top-tier competition craftsmanship with premium leatherwork, precision fit and fine finishing that justify its market-leading position for elite riders. It outperforms most rivals on refinement and show-ready appearance—commanding a higher price than Schockemohle and Kavalkade—but offers the technical refinement and brand prestige sought by professional competitors.

  • Pro rider design

  • Precision competition fit

  • Champion-tested polish

  • Signature Marcus Ehning model featuring premium leather and finish

  • Generous, anatomically shaped padding for top-level comfort

  • Pro rider design

  • Precision competition fit

  • Champion-tested polish

  • Signature Marcus Ehning model featuring premium leather and finish

  • Generous, anatomically shaped padding for top-level comfort

Order Now

$320-480 CAD

What research and veterinary guidance tell us about figure eight nosebands

Veterinary biomechanics and equine welfare research provide context for how noseband designs affect pressure distribution, mouth behavior, and airflow. While individual study outcomes vary, the consensus from vets and equine scientists is that noseband selection and correct fit are critical to achieving benefits without causing discomfort. The figure eight design aims to reduce mouth opening and bit interference while leaving the nasal bone area less compressed, which can help maintain clearer nasal passages and more effective breathing during high-exertion efforts.

Pressure distribution: Biomechanical assessments show that how a noseband fits changes where and how much pressure is applied; figure eight patterns redirect pressure away from the central nasal bone compared with some alternatives.

Mouth control without gagging: Clinical observations and trainer reports indicate figure eight nosebands reduce excessive mouth opening and bit evasion while minimizing direct pressure on delicate nasal structures.

Respiratory clearance: Veterinarians note that leaving the nose and nasal apertures freer supports better nasal clearance, which can be important in high-intensity disciplines like eventing and show jumping.

Fit matters more than model: Research and vet guidance repeatedly emphasize that even the best-designed noseband can cause problems if fitted too tightly or incorrectly; periodic checks and professional fitting reduce risk.

Mixed performance outcomes: Studies measuring performance gains specifically from noseband type are mixed; benefits are often most noticeable in horses with existing mouth or control issues rather than as a universal performance enhancer.

In Canada for 2025, the five figure eight nosebands highlighted here reflect durable construction and competition-ready design: Schockemohle Sports Equitus Beta Figure 8 Noseband, Dy'on New English Collection Figure 8 Noseband, Stubben Freedom Figure Eight Noseband, Kavalkade Ergonomic Figure 8 Special Noseband, and Passier Marcus Ehning Figure 8 Noseband. Each model suits different priorities — from premium leather and finish to ergonomic shaping and budget-friendly durability — but the Schockemohle Sports Equitus Beta Figure 8 Noseband stands out as the best overall choice for riders seeking a balance of fit, materials, and performance. We hope you found what you were looking for; refine or expand your search using the site search to compare sizes, materials, or competition-legal options across these models.

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