Feeling the Squeeze

Scientific studies suggest that the trend for ever-tighter nosebands has serious welfare implications. Dr Orla Doherty explains how veterinary researchers are gathering evidence.

- Dr Orla Doherty

LAST month’s feature (Don’t take it on the nose, 19 January) highlighted the importance of a correctly fitted noseband, outlining how various models can enhance a horse’s way of going and allow the rider greater precision and control. A noseband also has the potential, however, to cause pain, to damage sensitive tissues and to prevent normal behaviors.

Tightness has been a focus of the recent concern among veterinary and equine welfare researchers, particularly as some nosebands are now designed to allow maximum tightness to be achieved with less effort. An example is the crank cavesson, frequently seen on dressage horses with a double bridle. 

Two separate studies, carried out in Austria and the UK, have found that the tighter the noseband, the more sensitive the horse is to bit pressure. If the goal of tightening the noseband is to reduce or prevent the mouth opening, the consequences for the horse are important to consider.

Recent research from Australia showed that a very tight noseband prevents the horse from chewing and licking and reduces the frequency of swallowing. The same study found higher heart rates and eye temperature when the noseband was extremely tight. These responses suggest that the tight noseband was causing distress.

Unfortunately, we cannot ask the horse how stressful it is to not be able to chew, lick or swallow — but these are factors that we must take into consideration if we allow or use extremely tight nosebands.

Under pressure 

NOSEBANDS apply pressure around the horse’s face and also at the poll.