Abstract
Abstract
Background
Appropriate fitting of equipment provides horse comfort and avoids compromising equine welfare. In May 2025, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) introduced an evidence‐based measuring device that is passed beneath the noseband to ensure sufficient laxity.
Objectives
To study the use of the FEI noseband device during mandatory tack and equipment checks at British Dressage Championships.
Study Design
Observational.
Methods
Noseband testing was observed for a total of 523 horses competing at the 2025 British Dressage National Championship, Middle Tour Championship and Area Festival Championship. During each inspection using the FEI noseband measurement device, five parameters were recorded: (1) measurement outcome (pass/fail), (2) noseband type, (3) bridle type, (4) horse compliance and (5) steward confidence. Frequency analyses and descriptive statistics were used to compare differences.
Results
In the majority of horses (95%), the noseband had sufficient laxity to pass the noseband check. Horses ridden with nosebands most frequently used the Swedish (39%), followed by a flash (29%), cavesson (21%), drop (9%), and grackle (2%) nosebands. Horse compliance during insertion and passage of the FEI measurement device beneath the noseband was graded as ‘compliant’ by stewards in 96% of horses.
Main Limitations
No behavioural assessment carried out.
Conclusion
This study found that a high percentage of horses were ridden with a noseband with sufficient laxity to pass the noseband check. Previously published data from competition horses reported much larger proportions of horses wearing overtightened nosebands compared with the data presented here. These differences may relate to improved education relating to the impact of noseband tightness or may be a consequence of the introduction of mandatory testing of noseband tightness.