Nosebands on horse bridles are being tightened so much in some equestrian competitionsthat horses are suffering stress, reduced blood flow in the area and ultimately even deformed nasal bones,according to Professor Paul McGreevy from the University of Sydney.

But relief may be round the corner with the introduction of a simple device, the development of which ProfessorMcGreevy outlines in a recent publication of the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour. The use of restrictive nosebandshas become popular as they prevent the horse from opening its mouth which, in dressage, is regarded as a sign ofresistance or lack of compliance and attracts penalties for the rider.

Another recent study by Professor McGreevy, from the University's Faculty of Veterinary Science, and UK-basedcolleague Dr Hayley Randle has shown that as the tightness of the noseband increases, there appears to be anelevation in horses' sensitivity to the bit, presumably because it becomes more uncomfortable. So riders may alsofeel that they have more control of the horse when the noseband is tighter.

"Over-tightened nosebands put so much pressure on horses' nose and mouth areas, that they cause distress andobvious injuries to the horses," said Professor McGreevy.

"These tight nosebands restrict virtually all normal jaw and tongue movements in the horses, primarily for the sakeof avoiding penalties in competition.

"Nosebands designed to clamp the jaw shut very tightly - the so-called 'crank nosebands' - are only a fairly recentinnovation in horse bridle design. Thirty years ago nosebands were largely aesthetic rather than functional,"explained Professor McGreevy.

The International Society for Equitation Science (ISES) co-founded by Professor McGreevy, has recently made anumber of recommendations for equestrian competition organisers to decrease the harmful effects of over-tightnosebands.

With the 2012 Olympic Games fast approaching and horses being the only animals to compete, Professor McGreevy isparticularly keen to see the recommendations on noseband pressure implemented to protect competing horses.

"The recommendation is that competition organisers reinstate the traditional practice of leaving a two-fingers-sized gap under the noseband to demonstrate that it has not been over-tightened. If this is made an official partof competition rules, then riders will comply," said Professor McGreevy.

"A two-fingers-sized gap below the noseband allows horses to chew naturally and to express tension or seek relieffrom the pressure of the bit, making competition a far more comfortable experience for the horse. Allowing ridersto benchmark their horses' relaxation is a principle called 'ethical equitation'." "The practice of over-tightening nosebands to avoid penalties in competition covers up poor training at the expenseof horse welfare. By instituting rules to make sure nosebands aren't tightly clamping horses' mouths shut, we willnot only alleviate horse suffering, but also promote excellent training."

Professor McGreevy has developed a standard simple taper gauge that can be used by stewards at competition, tomeasure the gap below the noseband in a fair and objective way.

"In most equestrian disciplines, stewards check that all equipment used on horses complies with the regulationsspecified for that discipline, so adding this simple noseband tightness test would be quite easy for competitionorganisers," said Professor McGreevy.

"Adding this quick test to competition protocol would ensure that the detrimental effects of over-tightenednosebands were lessened, making a huge difference to horse welfare in these sports."

Professor McGreevy is the co-author, with Emeritus Professor Bob Boakes, of Carrots and Sticks - the principlesof animal training.

Source: University of Sydney.

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0 #1 Susan A 2012-02-24 13:58

I agree with Professor McGreevy 100%. I have never use one and never will. If you can not ride you horse with the two finger rule, then you have not trained your horse. The horse is only doing what you want because of the pain

 

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