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PloS one2017; 12(1); e0169060; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169060

Noseband Use in Equestrian Sports – An International Study.

Abstract: Nosebands are used by riders to prevent the horse from opening its mouth, to increase control and, in some cases, to comply with the competition rules. While equestrian texts traditionally recommend that two adult human fingers should be able to fit under a fastened noseband, noseband tightness levels are not, in general, regulated in competition. Possible detrimental consequences for the horse, of excessively tight nosebands, include discomfort, pain or tissue damage. The current study investigated noseband usage in equestrian competition. Data regarding noseband type, position, width and tightness were collected from 750 horses in eventing (n = 354), dressage (n = 334) and performance hunter (n = 62) competitions in Ireland, England and Belgium. Data were collected immediately before or after the performance. Using the ISES taper gauge as a guide, results were classified according to the number of 'fingers' that could fit under the noseband at the nasal planum, and assigned to six groups: greater than 2 fingers; 2 fingers; 1.5 fingers; 1 finger; 0.5 fingers; zero fingers. A calliper was used to measure noseband width and position relative to the facial crest. The data were not normally distributed so Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used. In all, 44% of horses fell into the zero fingers classification while only 7% were in the two fingers classification. Significant differences emerged between disciplines (p<0.001), with the highest levels of noseband tightness measured among eventers followed by dressage horses with lowest levels among performance hunters. Noseband tightness did not differ significantly with horse age (p>0.05), which ranged from 4 to 19 years. The flash noseband was the most commonly used noseband (n = 326) and was significantly tighter than the cavesson (p < 0.001), drop noseband (p < 0.001) and the Micklem (p < 0.005). Noseband width ranged from 10 to 50 mm. Noseband position varied widely with the distance between the facial crest and upper noseband margin ranging from 0 to 70 mm. The high proportion of very tight nosebands found in this study raises concerns regarding the short and long term behavioural and physiological consequences of such tight nosebands are for the horse. Although these data are currently lacking, the findings are of concern.
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Publication Date: 2017-01-03 PubMed ID: 28045961PubMed Central: PMC5207535DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169060Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates how nosebands are used in equestrian sports and the possible negative consequences for horses if nosebands are too tight. The study gathered data from various horse riding competitions and classified horses according to the noseband’s tightness level.

Methodology

  • The study compiled data on the type, position, width, and tightness of nosebands from 750 horses participating in eventing, dressage, and performance hunter competitions in Ireland, England, and Belgium.
  • Data was collected immediately before or after the horses’ performances.
  • The researchers used the ISES taper gauge to classify the observed noseband tightness according to the number of ‘fingers’ that could fit under it at the nasal planum.
  • Six groups were created based on the number of fingers that could fit under the noseband: greater than 2 fingers; 2 fingers; 1.5 fingers; 1 finger; 0.5 fingers; zero fingers.
  • A calliper was used to measure the width of the noseband and its position relative to the facial crest.

Results

  • The data was not normally distributed, and statistical tests like Kruskall-Wallis and Mann-Whitney were used for analysis.
  • The study found that 44% of horses fell into the zero fingers classification, indicating very tight nosebands, while only 7% were in the two fingers classification, reflecting recommended tightness.
  • Significant differences in noseband tightness emerged between disciplines, with the tightest nosebands measured among eventers then dressage horses, and the loosest nosebands among performance hunters.
  • Age had no significant effect on noseband tightness, with the horses’ ages under study ranging from 4 to 19 years.
  • Flash nosebands were the most commonly used and were significantly tighter than cavesson, drop noseband, and Micklem.
  • Noseband width varied from 10 to 50 mm, while noseband position (measured as the distance between the facial crest and upper noseband margin) varied from 0 to 70 mm.

Conclusion

  • The high proportion of extremely tight nosebands raised concerns about potential adverse behavioural and physiological effects on horses, both short-term and long-term.
  • Despite the current lack of data on these potential consequences, the study’s findings remain concerning. There is a need for further research and possibly tighter regulations on noseband usage in equestrian sports to ensure the welfare of horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Doherty O, Casey V, McGreevy P, Arkins S. (2017). Noseband Use in Equestrian Sports – An International Study. PLoS One, 12(1), e0169060. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169060

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Pages: e0169060

Researcher Affiliations

Doherty, Orla
  • Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
Casey, Vincent
  • Department of Physics, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
McGreevy, Paul
  • Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Arkins, Sean
  • Department of Life Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Belgium
  • England
  • Female
  • Horses / physiology
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Ireland
  • Male
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal / instrumentation
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sports

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

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