The science regarding the use of nosebands continues to evolve in equestrian activities and sport. The Equestrian Canada (EC) Equine Health and Welfare Committee is committed to fostering maximum welfare for our equine partners and athletes.
Here is a summary of what the committee has accomplished over the past three years in this area and where the focus is for 2024.
2021 – The Noseband Measuring Pilot Project
In 2021, EC launched the Noseband Measuring Pilot Project (NMPP). The goal of this project was to assess the prevalence of overtight nosebands and noseband use trends in Canadian equestrian competition.
Nineteen volunteer Stewards from five Canadian provinces were trained in the proper use of the International Society for Equitation Science’s (ISES) Noseband Taper Gauge (NTG), a device created to standardize the traditional but subjective “two-finger” noseband measurement.
A total of 551 noseband measurements using the NTG were collected by stewards involved in the pilot at events throughout the 2021 Canadian show season. The results of the NMPP measurements showed that 90% of Canadian competitors had appropriately fitted nosebands with at least 1-1.5 cm of space underneath when measured on the frontal nasal plane.
Following the pilot project, EC distributed three surveys to stakeholders in the equine industry to investigate the perceptions on issues related to noseband use, fit and measurement in competition.
- EC Sport License Holders – 1,528 responses
- Stewards involved in the pilot – 16 responses
- Stewards not involved in the pilot – 11 responses
Responses showed a general trend of concern for the welfare issues presented by overtight nosebands, and a general acceptance of the NTG as an effective method of standardized noseband measurement.
- EC published a white paper that contains all details of the NMPP.
- Researchers from the University of Guelph who worked with EC to facilitate this pilot project also published the project results in a peer-reviewed journal.
2022 – First Rule Proposal
In 2022, the EC Equine Health and Welfare Committee proposed a rule that aimed to safeguard horses against overly tightened nosebands (Article A519: Nosebands). The rule was not approved by EC’s National Rules Committee for various reasons, including concerns about measuring the tightness of different noseband types and the practicality of the Noseband Taper Gauge (NTG).
EC commissioned a study to be conducted by Dr. Hilary Clayton, a veterinarian and equine researcher, to investigate noseband pressures applied to the nasal and mandibular bones by different noseband types (e.g. cavesson, flash, dopped, and Swedish) on eight dressage horses during different conditions.
The results warrant further investigation to identify a standardized way to measure noseband tightness in equestrian competitions. Dr. Clayton’s findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
2023 – FEI RULE CHANGES AND HORSE OVERUSE IN COMPETITION
Horse welfare was at the forefront of proposed FEI Rules changes in 2023, including a noseband measuring rule. EC sought feedback from our stakeholders regarding EC’s proposed Article A519 rule. The majority of survey respondents indicated support for the implementation of this rule in EC competitions.
A survey, conducted by the EC Equine Health and Welfare Committee, was distributed to EC officials in November 2023 investigating the overuse of horses in EC competitions. Overuse refers to horses showing signs of fatigue or overexertion during competition due to various reasons, such as excessive warm-up or multiple class entries. Survey results will be analyzed by equine students at the University of Guelph and shared with our community once available.
2024 – INTERNATIONAL ALIGNMENT
Based on the need for further research to identify best practices for standardized noseband tightness, current EC rules regarding nosebands tightness will remain in effect. EC’s Horse Welfare Code of Conduct prohibits the use of nosebands used in a way that they intervene with a horse’s breathing or be tight enough to cause pain or discomfort.
EC will remain informed and aligned with the FEI’s progress towards the implementation of a noseband rule and the development of a standardized tool that will objectively measure noseband tightness.
We want to thank our equestrian community for your participation and feedback throughout the progression of this project. EC continues to prioritize horse welfare and seek evidence-based changes that support the welfare of the horse.