Equestrian sports are under more public scrutiny than ever, and social license to operate is a topical concern throughout the industry. One step the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) is taking to address these concerns is a new two-finger rule for nosebands, which mandates that at least two fingers must fit between the noseband and the horse’s nose. Riders who are not compliant will be penalized. So, what prompted the FEI to make this rule change, and is there legitimate science behind it?
Research on Tight Nosebands
Previous studies have demonstrated that tight nosebands cause stress and discomfort, with horses displaying behavioral and physiological reactions, such as changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, eye temperature, and cortisol concentrations. In a recent study, researchers in Germany used overground endoscopy to evaluate pharyngeal and laryngeal function differences in horses ridden with tight vs. loose nosebands.
The study included 16 warmbloods ages 8-15 years fitted with a flash noseband buckled two fingers below the cheekbone. The horses were warmed up and accustomed to the overground endoscope, which was placed in the right nostril. Each horse was ridden for 30 minutes on two consecutive days by the same amateur rider, one day with a tight noseband and the other with a loose fit.
The ridden endoscopic exam lasted 10 minutes and evaluated swallowing, serous or mucous secretion, pharyngeal collapse, adduction of the arytenoid cartilages, axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (ADAF), soft palate instability, and dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Then, two blinded internal medicine specialists who did not know which noseband was used analyzed the videos.
Researchers noted pharyngeal structural changes in 56% of horses with tight nosebands compared to 44% of those with loose nosebands. Of the other parameters evaluated:
- The pharyngeal epiglottis (PE) ratio did not differ significantly between tight or loose nosebands.
- Grade of visible secretion differed significantly with higher grades correlated to tight nosebands. The authors noted that more oral secretions usually lead to more swallowing responses; however, a tight noseband likely inhibits tongue movements necessary for swallowing.
- Grade of pharyngeal collapse and ADAF counts differed significantly for tight versus loose nosebands. ADAF has significant adverse effects on the diameter of the upper airway. Head carriage behind the vertical influences the position of pharyngeal structures. Even 15 degrees of poll flexion behind the vertical increases ADAF, palatal instability or dysfunction, and collapse of various pharyngeal structures.
- There was no difference in swallowing, full adduction of the arytenoid cartilages, or soft palate instability between tight and loose nosebands.
- Three horses had DDSP with a tight noseband compared to no DDSP events when ridden with a loose noseband. DDSP decreases airflow and increases expiratory resistance of the upper airways.
The authors stated: “The pressure of the tongue basis against the soft palate and the epiglottis in horses with tight nosebands that cannot swallow despite increased secretion could also be a factor leading to pharyngeal collapse.” In addition, tight nosebands restrict the chewing behavior horses display when they are supple and accepting of the bit.
Effect of Nosebands on RHpE Scores
Researchers assigned the horses Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) scores between 0-24, with scores ≥ 8 associated with pain or discomfort. Usually, veterinarians use the RHpE to identify musculoskeletal pain, but stress and other suboptimal welfare conditions trigger similar behavioral changes. While no horse had a score above 8, the RHpE scores “were significantly higher in horses ridden with tight nosebands.” The researchers noted the following behaviors:
- Horses with loose nosebands tilted their head, carried their head in front of vertical, and opened their mouth.
- Horses with tight nosebands carried their head behind the vertical. Their ears were turned back, eyelids closed, and sclera visible, and they displayed an intense stare.
The authors report that the horses with tight nosebands displayed behavioral patterns “associated with ‘learned helplessness,’ which is a reaction to a stressor that a horse can only face with resignation.”
Final Thoughts
Physical and vascular compromise to the tissues around the bridge of the nose by a tight noseband can affect a horse’s stress level. Tight nosebands might damage soft tissues by compressing the cheek tissues against the teeth and restricting tongue movement. In general, this study and many others on this topic demonstrate that tight nosebands pose a concerning welfare issue. Equestrian organizations are taking steps to regulate noseband tautness in response to these welfare concerns.
Reference
Scholler D, Wittenberg J, Zablotski Y. Do tight nosebands have an effect on the upper airway in horses? Vet Med Sci 2024; DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1478
Related Reading
- The Evolution and Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram
- Important Elements of Saddle Fit Veterinarians Should Know
- Approach to Horses with Poor Performance
Stay in the know! Sign up for EquiManagement’s FREE weekly newsletters to get the latest equine research, disease alerts, and vet practice updates delivered straight to your inbox.
