The FEI has published the protocol for the application of the noseband measurement device at international competitions.
The document is dated February 2025 and titled "General and Discipline Specific Protocols for Assessing the Tightness of Nosebands."
Introduction
The tightness of nosebands shall be controlled at all FEI Events by the FEI Stewards using the FEI Measuring Device. If not all Horses are examined, Horses may be selected randomly and/or targeted.
The noseband must be fitted in such a way that the FEI Measuring Device can be inserted under the noseband, over the nasal bone, and drawn through from top to bottom.
Effective 1 May 2025, the following provisions apply regarding the Noseband Tightness: The noseband must be adjusted with sufficient laxity, as determined by an FEI approved Measuring Device. The rule applies to all types of nosebands and to both the upper and lower noseband.
General Protocol
1. Once the Horse has been selected for the control, the FEI Steward will inform the Handler of the Horse that the control of the noseband tightness will take place using the FEI Measuring Device. If the Handler of the Horse is mounted on the Horse, the FEI Steward shall ask the Handler of the Horse whether they wish to dismount the Horse for the purpose of the control. The FEI Steward may instruct the Handler of the Horse to dismount, if the Horse appears restless. Whether mounted or dismounted, it is the responsibility of the Handler of the Horse to hold the Horse’s reins at all times during the control. A mounting block can be provided to facilitate the Handler of the Horse’s dismount and/or mount, should they choose to use it.
The FEI Steward may, in justified circumstances (e.g. in case of particularly excitable and/or nervous Horses), conduct the control in a quiet area such as the stable area.
In exceptional circumstances and upon the approval of the FEI Steward, the Handler of the Horse may conduct the control.
2. Wearing a new pair of disposable gloves for each horse, the FEI Steward shall, in a calm and slow manner, approach the Horse, in general, from the Horse’s left side.
thickness of 1.7 cm that needs to go through the noseband
on the nasal bone
4. The FEI Steward shall proceed to gently insert the FEI Measuring Device under the noseband from the top in a downward direction. The left hand shall remain in place gently positioned over the nose of the Horse while holding the noseband. With the index and/or middle finger on the right hand, the FEI Steward shall proceed to gently slide through the FEI Measuring Device from top to bottom, applying a reasonable amount of pressure for that purpose. Once the FEI Measuring Device has passed through the noseband at the “Wear and Tear Mark” point, the FEI Steward can release the hold on the noseband and retrieve the FEI Measuring Device with their left hand. If the FEI Measuring Device cannot be passed through comfortably, the noseband is deemed too tight.
5. After the FEI Measuring Device has been retrieved by the FEI Steward, the FEI Steward shall inform the Handler of the Horse that the control is complete and step away from the Horse.
6. The disposable gloves used for the control shall be removed and a new pair of disposable gloves shall be worn for each Horse.
7. The FEI Measuring Device shall be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe that is non-irritant, non-toxic, horse-safe and not a risk for doping control prior to its use with the next Horse.
8. Should the Handler of the Horse readjust the noseband, following a successful PreCompetition control, before entering the Field of Play for the purpose of the performance, the Handler of the Horse must re-present the Horse for another control.
9. If the FEI Measuring Device cannot be passed through comfortably, the noseband is deemed too tight. If that occurs, the FEI Steward shall proceed as per the following steps:
i. Pre-Competition control
If the control is performed before the Competition i.e. at any time before the Athlete and the Horse combination enter the Field of Play for the purpose of their performance, the FEI Steward shall instruct the Handler of the Horse to readjust the noseband. If the Handler of the Horse is mounted and unassisted by their Support Personnel, the Handler of the Horse must dismount for the purpose of the readjustment. Following the readjustment of the noseband, the FEI Steward shall repeat the control. If the noseband is still deemed too tight, the noseband/bridle must be further adjusted until the control is passed successfully.
If the Handler of the Horse refuses or is unable to readjust the noseband in the manner whereby the FEI measuring Device is passed through comfortably, the Athlete and the Horse combination are not allowed to work the Horse and/or start in the Competition. Failure to comply with the instructions of the FEI Steward may entail sanctions as per the FEI General Regulations.
ii. Post-Competition control
If the control is performed after the Athlete and the Horse combination’s performance, and the FEI Measuring Device is unable to pass through comfortably, the Athlete and Horse combination is eliminated from the Competition in question and the Athlete is issued with a Yellow Warning Card (as per Art. 1044.8 of the FEI Veterinary Regulations).
No exceptions are allowed and the FEI Officials do not have any discretionary power to amend or deviate from the applicable consequences.
The control can be performed at any time, however, discipline specific recommendations in that regard are set out further below in order to accommodate the specificities of each Discipline. In general, the control should cause the least amount of interference, if any, with the Athlete and the Horse’s preparation for their Competition.
Discipline Specific Protocols: Dressage - Para Dressage
Although the control can be performed at any time, the following timings of the control are recommended:
Pre-Competition control
- Before the Handler of the Horse starts to warm up the Horse
- At any time the Handler of the Horse requests the control.
Should the Handler of the Horse readjust the noseband, following a successful PreCompetition control, before entering the Field of Play for the purpose of the performance, the Handler of the Horse must re-present the Horse for another control.
Post-Competition control
- Combined with the Post-Competition Tack Control. The control should be conducted before the bit check.
Related Links
FEI Postpones Implementation of Noseband Measuring Device
FEI Measuring Device for Control of Noseband Tightness Gradually Rolled out at 2025 FEI Events