The Danish Equestrian Federation has released an instruction video on the function, use and tightness of nosebands.
Over the past few years the Danish FN has received much critique from horse welfarists, who exposed ill fitting bits and bridles at Danish competitions on social media.
The federation had to take active measures for damage control and ordered a comprehensive study on riding equipment and tack to be carried out in 2014. The study showed a clear correlation between tight nosebands and the presence of mouth lesions.
In October 2017 the Board of the Danish Equestrian Federation decided to impose a limit to the tightness of the noseband for competition horses applicable to all disciplines as of 1 January 2018.
As of 1 January 2018 the tightness of nosebands is measured at national competitions in all disciplines. There must be room for a certified measurement unit in between the nasal plate of the horse (bony surface) and the noseband equivalent to a diameter more than 1,5cm.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
New Rule for Noseband Tightness for Competition Horses in Denmark
An Investigation into Noseband Tightness Levels on Competition Horses
Noseband Special: Part I: The History of the Noseband
Noseband Special: Part II: The Purpose of the Noseband
Noseband Special: Part III: Riders and Trainers on Their Choice in Noseband
Noseband Special: Part IV: The Thicker, the Wider, the Better?
The Use of Nosebands in Equitation and the Merits of an FEI Equestrian Welfare and Safety Committee
ISES Suggest to Empower FEI Stewards to Control Tightness of Noseband