Do we need nosebands? Experts have their say on comfort, fit and common myths

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or leisure rider, understanding how nosebands work and why we use them is key to making informed, horse-friendly choices when deciding which noseband to use, how to fit it and and how tight it should be fastened.

“The noseband has a function, but unfortunately, it is often mistaken as merely keeping the horse’s mouth closed, but there is no place for a noseband that is adjusted to the point that it restricts mouth movement, visually compresses the soft tissues, causes discomfort or constricts the nostrils,” says Russell MacKechnie-Guire of Centaur Biomechanics.

When used correctly, the noseband serves multiple important functions in both training and competition.

“The noseband is not just a tool for controlling the horse’s mouth; it can help stabilise the bridle, ensuring that the bit and headpiece stay in place during movement,” adds Dr Rachel Murray, an equine veterinary surgeon and researcher.

“This stability prevents the bridle from shifting, which can otherwise lead to rubbing, discomfort, and potential damage to the horse’s mouth.”

Another key benefit of the noseband is its ability to hold other supportive accessories, such as nose nets, that can aid in the horse’s welfare.

Noseband fit for comfort

A correctly fitted noseband is crucial to ensuring it functions as intended. Four key areas must be considered: noseband tightness, height, cheekpiece length and padding.

Noseband tightness: traditionally, riders were advised to adjust the noseband so that two fingers could fit between the noseband and the horse’s face. However, the two-finger method was not based on evidence.

Rachel explains, “Recent studies have shown that noseband tightness should not exceed the equivalent of 1.5 fingers, as beyond this point, pressure begins to build up.

“Often it is claimed that the horses are unable to chew whilst wearing a noseband, however, studies have shown that horses with a correctly fitted noseband can chew a treat freely and display no signs of distress.”

This is because noseband pressure fluctuates cyclically as the horse moves, with low pressures during most of the stride and only slight increases when the limbs come in contact with the ground.

Noseband height: the height of the noseband is another vital factor. It should be positioned between the facial crest and the corner of mouth, allowing space below the facial crest to avoid excessive pressure on sensitive areas and leaving room above the mouth to avoid pinching skin between the noseband and the bit. A noseband fitted too high or too low can lead to discomfort, so it’s important that the height and width matches the horse’s anatomy.

Cheekpiece length: the cheekpiece, which holds the noseband, should ideally be fastened so that the buckles align with the corner of the horse’s eye. This ensures that the noseband applies even pressure and prevents discomfort or unnecessary pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can lead to discomfort or injury over time.

Padding: keeping the bridle clean and supple is important for the horse’s comfort and health, keeping it soft and smooth and avoiding stiff, rough and irritating edges. Padding beneath the noseband, across the nasal bones, and mandibles is useful to help dampen pressures but is not a replacement for keeping a bridle supple and clean. Ensure that a good-quality material is used to prevent the pad from deforming.

Under pressure?

A common misconception is that nosebands, by nature, put constant pressure on a horse’s face, causing discomfort. However, when fitted correctly, noseband pressures are not constant and should not cause any harm.

“As long as the noseband is adjusted to the appropriate level, the pressure should not exceed a threshold that would cause pain or discomfort,” says Rachel.

“In fact, if the noseband is fitted properly, pressure is only exerted when the horse opens its mouth, and this pressure decreases immediately when the mouth is closed again.”

It’s crucial that nosebands be adjusted properly, as over-tightening can lead to consistent pressure.

“When adjusted too tightly, it can compress sensitive tissues, leading to pain and potentially causing behavioural issues due to stress,” adds Rachel. “However, when fitted correctly, the pressure should not be high enough to cause any discomfort or distress.”

Does type matter?

The type of noseband used also plays a role in the comfort and welfare of the horse. There are several different designs, including cavesson, flash, Swedish (crank), and drop nosebands. Each has distinct characteristics, and it’s important to choose one that suits the horse’s conformation and needs.

“The design of the noseband can affect the distribution of pressure,” explains Russell. “For instance, the Swedish noseband, often referred to as a crank noseband, often includes additional padding to help alleviate pressures.”

Interestingly, studies have shown that there is no significant difference in the pressures exerted by a cavesson, Swedish, or flash noseband when adjusted to the same tightness.

The drop noseband, positioned lower on the horse’s nose, typically exerts less pressure compared to the cavesson, but it must be fitted carefully to avoid constricting the nostrils.

It is vital to ensure that whichever noseband is chosen, it is adjusted correctly to prevent discomfort or undue pressure on sensitive areas.

The bigger picture

While the noseband fit is crucial, it’s just one part of the overall bridle. The entire bridle must be fitted to the horse’s individual anatomy to ensure comfort with the headpiece, browband, cheekpieces, and bit all contributing to the horse’s overall comfort and performance.

The headpiece, for example, can be shaped and padded to reduce pressure on the horse’s neck and ears. An anatomical headpiece, designed to alleviate pressure on the TMJ and cervical vertebrae, may be particularly useful for horses who are sensitive in those regions, but not every anatomical headpiece is suitable for every horse.

“Every element of the bridle, from the noseband to the cheekpieces and bit, needs to be evaluated regularly to ensure it’s fitting correctly,” says Rachel. “It’s also important to remember that the bridle and noseband may need adjusting as the horse’s fitness and posture change over time.”

Is no noseband better?

For some, the idea of removing the noseband entirely may seem appealing, especially if the goal is to allow the horse to move freely without restriction. However, removing the noseband can cause instability in the bridle, potentially leading to more movement of the bit, which could increase the risk of oral lesions as the bit rubs against the horse’s mouth.

“While removing the noseband may seem like it would give the horse more freedom, it’s important to consider how it may impact the overall fit and function of the bridle,” says Rachel. “If removing the noseband results in more rein tension or instability, it could ultimately cause more harm than good.”

Before making any changes to a horse’s bridle setup, it’s essential to consult with a qualified bridle fitter and evaluate whether the noseband is truly hindering the horse’s performance.

FEI measuring tool to monitor noseband fit

The FEI introduced a noseband gauge this spring to ensure that nosebands are not overly tight during competitions. This works by measuring the space between the noseband and the horse’s face. The device is a simple, handheld tool that can be placed between the horse’s nose and the noseband. If the gap is smaller than the recommended size, the noseband is considered too tight and must be adjusted to be allowed in FEI competitions.

Russell explains: “The FEI Noseband Gauge is an excellent tool for ensuring the noseband is appropriately adjusted. It provides a clear, objective measure that riders and officials can use to check the welfare of the horse, helping to promote fair competition and horse welfare.”

The introduction of this gauge serves as a step toward more standardised measurements of noseband tightness, offering a clearer guideline for both riders and officials.

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