Figure Eight
The figure eight is seen predominantly in the faster disciplines, such as eventing and racing. The theory is that respiration is less compromised with it. With the angled straps acting on the fulcrum at the bridge of the nose, the figure eight doesn't need to be set as tightly as a dropped. It isn't recommended to use with a standing martingale because the upper jaw strap connects to an angled cheek, altering the effect. This noseband is especially useful with a gag bit. The higher, angled strapping minimizes interference with the gag action.
Crescent
The crescent noseband isn't always clearly understood. A metal half circle curves around the front of the bit but doesn't touch it. There are rings at each end of the half circle that attach to straps going under the jaw and a ring in the middle that attaches to a padded strap that goes over the nose.
This noseband can be effective with tense, sensitive horses. The angled action is similar to the figure eight, but the nose strap can be padded around the entire nose instead of at a single pressure point. The metal crescent keeps the noseband clear of the bit, which can be effective in horses with active tongues. It is also effective for horses that cross their jaws and/or grind their teeth.
Kineton
The Kineton offers a hackamore effect on pullers. It's sometimes confused with the crescent because it also has a half circle of metal on each side. However, the half circle actually touches the bit and points to the front. In addition to the crownpiece, there's only one other strap, which goes over the nose. The Kineton is effective on heavy-mouthed horses that clamp the jaw and pull. When closing the jaw isn't the issue, the hackamore action across the bridge of the nose can offer additional control.
