Goats and Bits

[Nanno]

I tried buckling the overcheck to the noseband but had the same problem with it sliding up to the top, and like you I didn't care for the fact that once it engaged it pulled the noseband up and then wouldn't come down. Overchecks are just not made for nosebands! I can see how the nose rings are too far down and back to be used with the overcheck. One cool thing about having goats with horns is that we shouldn't need extra straps to keep the bridle or overcheck in place since the horns will do that. When I put the bridle behind the horns and in front of the ears I find there is no need for either a browband or a throatlatch. Browbands sure can look decorative though. I like the look of the bit buckle straps. I think I could make something like that pretty easily if I use nylon. You may not think you are good at sewing, but it's not that hard. For little things like this you can even sew them by hand. Use a heavier gauge needle, and use heavier-duty thread doubled over. I use a cigarette lighter for burning the strap ends. For making holes I heat an awl in the flame of my gas cooking range and poke holes in the nylon. It's a little tedious since I have to reheat the awl after every hole and the melted nylon makes the awl messy, but it gets the job done for little projects like this.