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International Jumping Riders Club
FEI Now Using Noseband Measuring Tool Across All Disciplines
The device will ensure the horse’s noseband is not too tight...
The FEI has introduced a noseband Measuring Device designed to enhance horse welfare and standardise assessments of noseband tightness at FEI events.
The device will be used by stewards at FEI competitions across all FEI disciplines to objectively control the tightness of a horse’s noseband from May 1, 2025. All equestrians, from riders to grooms and stable managers, can also acquire the easy-to-use device themselves to ensure their horse’s noseband is not too tight, and to ensure they comply with FEI rules.
At FEI 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.
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
FEI Stewards using the device at events will wear disposable gloves to conduct the measurement. They will then remove the gloves and put on a new pair before assessing another horse.
The Measuring Device at competitions
The Measuring Device will be used to control the tightness of nosebands at FEI competitions across all disciplines from May 1, 2025. FEI Stewards may conduct the control pre or post competition. If not all horses are examined, some may be selected randomly or targeted.
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 FEI officials do not have any discretionary power to amend or deviate from the applicable consequences.
How to get an FEI Measuring Device
The device is recommended for all equestrians, whether to meet the FEI in-competition rules or as a guide for noseband tightness at home.
The Measuring Device is for sale here at the FEI Fan Shop.
FEI Press Release