After decades of non-standardised methods of measuring noseband tightness, as of May 1, 2025, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) will have a standardised method regulating noseband tightness. As part of the 37 action items in the Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, the FEI has developed a new tool that FEI stewards will use to determine whether a horse’s noseband is too tight.

The device will be used by stewards at competitions across all FEI disciplines to objectively control the tightness of a horse’s noseband. All equestrians, from riders to grooms and stable managers, can also acquire the easy-to-use device to ensure their horse’s noseband is not too tight and to ensure they comply with FEI rules.

At competitions, those horses being examined will have the measuring device, which measures 1.7cm high, 3cm wide and 11.5cm long, inserted under the noseband, over the nasal bone, and drawn through from top to bottom. The wedge-shaped device must fit between the horse’s nose and the noseband, or the horse and athlete will not be able to compete and/or face elimination and a “Yellow Warning Card”.

“We are launching the device to make sure that our horses are always comfortable when competing,” explained Dr Gonçalo Paixão, the FEI’s Senior Veterinary Manager.

“Assessing the tightness of nosebands is something that has been done for a long time, but before, the stewards were using their fingers. We decided to modernise the process. This device is much more objective and consistent, so it means fairness for the horse and the athlete.

“It’s something for all equestrians, not just for stewards at events. Athletes and grooms should have one in their tack box to assess noseband tightness at home,” adds Dr Gonçalo.

Using the Measuring Device

The noseband Measuring Device is simple to use, but it is important that the assessment is done correctly.

When using the device, the person measuring should:

• Approach the horse from the side in a calm manner
• Hold the noseband with their free hand and make room for the device
• Gently insert the thinnest end of the device through the top of the noseband
• Gently retrieve the device from the bottom of the noseband
• Step away from the horse in a calm manner
• Clean the device afterwards with a disinfectant wipe

The Measuring Device at competitions

The Measuring Device will be used to control the tightness of nosebands at competitions across all FEI disciplines from May 1, 2025. Stewards may conduct the control pre or post competition. Where not all horses entered in a competition are examined, a random or targeted selection will be made.

If the measurement is taken pre-competition, the horse and athlete combination is not allowed to start unless the noseband is re-adjusted to allow enough laxity.

If the noseband is found to be too tight post-competition, the combination is eliminated, and the athlete is issued with a yellow warning card. No exceptions are allowed, and the officials do not have any discretionary power to amend or deviate from the applicable consequences.

The FEI Measuring Device is available from the SAEF at a cost of R425. Email fei.admin@saef.org.za https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMohJ_JEeSo&ab_channel=FEI