What is a restrictive noseband and how does it harm horses?

Restrictive nosebands, which are increasingly popular in the equestrian disciplines of dressage, are designed to prevent horses from opening their mouths during competition. Sometimes designs, such as the ‘crank’ nosebands, have a pulley mechanism that allows them to be fastened very easily. All nosebands can be tightened so tightly that they apply damaging pressure around the horse’s nose and jaw area as the horse attempts to open their mouths to avoid bit pressure or to perform natural behaviours, such as yawning. By applying pressure and preventing normal behaviours, restrictive nosebands can cause pain and distress to horses.

The main reason riders favour tight nosebands is to impose greater control over the horse as they help to prevent the horse from moving their tongue over the bit [1]. In dressage, riders may use restrictive nosebands to reduce the likelihood of horses opening their mouths during competition, as this can attract penalties. Regardless of the primary intention, the use of tight nosebands has been found to cause significant discomfort, distress and injury to the horse.

Research has indicated, when applied with sufficient pressure to meet the riders’ needs, these nosebands can cause both physical injury and psychological stress [2]. An Australian study has shown that horses who had been denied normal oral behaviours, such as yawning and swallowing, while the restrictive noseband was applied exhibited them at a much higher frequency than normal baseline levels after the noseband was removed.[3]. In addition, physiological measurements from this study also indicated that the restrictive nosebands cause stress, providing further evidence that these nosebands compromise welfare. It has also been observed that, in a bid to find comfort, many horses may fight against the constraint of the noseband, increasing the risk of damage to the nasal bones and the mandibles (i.e. jaws) [5]. As nosebands are rarely used alone, the additional effects of bits (with and without levers), martingales or draw reins may further increase pressure on the horse and compromise both their behaviour and welfare [1].

Excessively tight nosebands can also result in the inside of the cheeks being cut by the teeth causing pain and lacerations. In severe cases, damage to bony structures can lead to significant pain and discomfort. Research undertaken in Ireland and Australia has shown that the resulting pressure from applying a ‘crank’ noseband, was comparable to the level which has been associated with causing nerve damage and other complications in humans [4].

A recent radiographic study was performed on 144 Warmblood horses aged from 3 to 18 years being trained for dressage, show-jumping, and eventing at an equine high-performance centre. The gear for these horses generally involved a curb bit and a cavesson noseband [5]. The results found bone thinning at the site of nosebands in the nasal bones, whereas palpable and radiographic bone thinning was more apparent in the mandible. The authors recommended further investigation into the effects of nosebands on bony structures.

In October 2024, the FEI, the international equestrian federation, announced that noseband tightness will have to be assessed at FEI events in the future using a standardised measuring device [6]. The following video demonstrates how the measuring device is to be used.

The RSPCA supports the International Society for Equitation Science’s (ISES) position on restrictive nosebands which emphasises the need for competition rules across all relevant equestrian events to require the routine use of a taper measuring gauge by competition stewards to measure the tightness of the noseband to prevent over-tightening of nosebands. It should be noted that noseband tightness must be measured only on the nasal bone (in the frontal midline), and not along the side of the face, as this will give riders an inaccurate measure of fit.

A peer-reviewed study has confirmed that many competitors in equestrian events are disregarding the potential dangers of using tight nosebands [7]. This study showed that 44% of 750 horses across Ireland, UK and Europe, had nosebands which were so tight that the ISES gauge could not be inserted and only 7% passed the ‘two finger’ rule. The highest proportion of very tight nosebands was among horses used for eventing, with the lowest level in performance hunters. This study raises serious concerns regarding the short- and long-term effects on the behaviour and health of horses subjected to tight nosebands.

The following video provides a useful explanation of the severe negative impacts of restrictive nosebands on horses.