Q: I saw racehorse Kauto Star racing at Down Royal in Ireland last month wearing a large, fleecy noseband. Is it a special design?
JD, Buckinghamshire
The former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner won the JNwine.com champion chase in Ireland wearing a Maveband — a new, contoured noseband cover.
“Trainers were asking us for bigger noseband sleeves, but with more shape,” explained Martin Ledger of manufacturers Harley Equestrian. “So we adapted our original sheepskin design and the new, ergonomically designed Maveband was created.
“It fits over a cavesson or flash noseband, and is designed to lower a high head carriage and aid concentration.
The noseband also reduces pressure over the horse’s nose, hence it aids comfort.”
Who uses the Maveband?
According to Martin Ledger, the product has already proved to be popular with trainers up and down the country, with Kauto Star’s trainer Paul Nicholls and Donald McCain Jnr just a few of the UK trainers currently using it.
We asked Donna Blake, travelling head girl to Paul Nicholls, why she uses the Maveband.
“We have been using it on a number of our horses, including Kauto Star, and have been pleased with the results,” she said.
“We were looking for a smarter and more effective version of the usual fluffy noseband cover, and the Maveband has adjustable ends that you can taper as much as you want.
“This looks a lot neater on the horse, and gives the desired effect of lowering the horse’s head carriage.”
Where can I get one?
The Maveband is made from 100% sheepskin with Velcro fastening and retails at £14.95, available solely from Harley Racing, part of Harley Equestrian.
Information
Harley Racing, tel: 01327 260818 www.harleyracing.net
This article was first published in Horse & Hound (25 December, 08)
