Getting the Measure of Nosebands

Training

Education

-- This article first appeared in British Dressage magazine January 2025 - reproduced with kind permission

The FEI has confirmed that new technology will be used to check for over-tightening of nosebands from 2025. We take a look at the research behind it and how it will be implemented.

Nosebands are part of the structure of a snaffle or double bridle and have an influence on the action of the bit or bits. However, overtightening can cause discomfort or pain and limit the horse’s ability to perform what he is being asked to do.

The traditional method of measuring whether a noseband is too tight was to insert two fingers between the noseband and the horse’s face, but as Dr Russell MacKechnie-Guire points out, this had a number of drawbacks.

“The method is believed to have emerged from veterinary and equestrian best practice. However, it’s inaccurate because assessors’ finger sizes differ and there was no firm consensus on where to take the measurement – on the side of the head, the front of the nose, or how the fingers should be orientated (side by side or stacked on top of each other).”

The old way of testing noseband tightness

The International Society of Equitation Science (ISES) then developed a taper gauge which could be used to determine tightness, using a two or one finger measurement.

Dr Rachel Murray explains: “Noseband checks were made after FEI tests at the side of the noseband using their fingers – while other disciplines measured over the nasal bone. The ISES taper gauge is used on the nasal bone, and inserted from the bottom of the noseband. When the gauge is admitted beneath the noseband, it is resisted, which indicates how tight the noseband is i.e. 2.0 or 1.0 finger tightness. It was not a conclusive ‘pass or fail’.”

Along with Professor Hilary Clayton and Dr Murray, Dr MacKechnie-Guire undertook a research project to gather evidence on noseband fit and tightness, using the ISES taper gauge as a tool to determine the tightness of the noseband.

Working with Master Saddler Mark Fisher, pressure mats were placed beneath the noseband and measurements taken on the nasal bone and the mandible at the equivalent tightness: two fingers (2.0), 1.5, 1.0, 0.5 and 0.0. Nosebands tested included cavesson, flash, drop and Swedish (crank) designs. Across three studies noseband pressures were measured with horses standing, eating a treat and ridden in trot.

“We found no difference in pressure between the 2.0 and 1.5 measurements, but differences for the tighter adjustments. Contrary to thoughts, noseband pressures were found to be not constant, they had a rise and fall but were influenced by the horse’s movement.” He stresses that the 1.5 level is not ‘tight’: “You can put your finger on the nasal bone under the noseband; and comparing with other studies, the values found for the tightest setting is 11 times lower than the pressures associated with pain and discomfort.”

The data informed the dimensions of the tool, now officially adopted by the FEI, to test the tightness in a way that is ‘horse friendly and human friendly’, explains Dr MacKechnie-Guire. “We needed to do a study to inform the dimension of a measuring tool that was not subjective and could not be disputed – a ‘pass or fail’.” Dr Murray adds: “The steward should approach from the lefthand side of the horse and the tool will be inserted from the top to see if it will pass through the noseband from top to bottom. It’s designed to be easier to hold and handle with a slight curve to fit under the noseband and a long profile to work with any width of noseband.”

The FEI plans to roll out the use of the tool across all disciplines, so it needs to be simple to use in all situations. “There will be one tool, and one measurement. As riders and trainers we need to get our horses used to the tool ready for competition, but using it will also help us to check that we are training with the right level of tightness,” comments Dr MacKechnie-Guire. “By standardising measurements and checking nosebands consistently and accurately we are safeguarding their use. Its adoption is a huge step forward by the FEI for our sport.”

Bridle Fit and Pressure

Dr Rachel Murray has also carried out research looking at the bridle as a whole.

Her research on bridle fit – presented a lecture and webinar for World Horse Welfare in 2022 – considered the pressure points on the head affected by the bridle: the back of the ear, the wing of the atlas, the space between the ear of the atlas, the nasal bone and the bottom of the jaw.

“The bridle is the interface between horse and rider and has a significant influence on performance and comfort – we have to accept that one size doesn’t fit all,” she explains. “Some horses have a narrow space on the side of the head between the ear and the wing of the atlas, which can lead to pressure points between the top of the head and the browband. The noseband exerts pressure on either side of the nasal bones and under the mandibles.”

Padding for a better bride fit or to close the mouth even more?

Similar findings have been reported in current studies by Murray et al – while the cheekpieces exert minimal pressure, the browband can affect the tongue and swallowing; and it is worth bearing in mind that these pressures change with movement, in time with the horse’s stride.

“While we have looked at the tightness of the noseband, its position and fit are of equal importance. Bridles must fit the individual horse – if the front of a flash or cavesson is too long, it will drop down and put pressure on the nostrils regardless of tightness, but riders tend to overtighten it to stop it dropping. Equally if it is too high it can press on the facial crest.”

Dr Murray adds that research has shown that by adding padding to the noseband or changing its design, the horse’s movement can be improved. “A correctly fitted noseband can play a positive role in stabilising the bridle; having it too loose can also cause problems.”

Implementation of the FEI measuring device

The FEI plans to implement the measuring device from 1st May 2025, a date that has been pushed back to allow additional time to educate officials in its use.

British Dressage will work closely with event organisers, judges and stewards to ensure smooth adoption of the device, which will be rolled out gradually at competitions, expected to be from the National Championships 2025.

Officials will be supplied with the device, but it will also be available to purchase from the BD Shop later in 2025 so that riders and trainers can accustom their horses to its use.

BD will also be providing video resources and guides to support members with training and familiarising their horses to accept the gauge.

-- Jane Carley / British Dressage Magazine Issue 1 2025

Eurodressage's NOSEBAND SPECIAL
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?