Riders competing at Addington CDI (29 April–5 May) reported no issues as the FEI’s much discussed new noseband measuring device made its official British debut in competition.
“It’s not as bad as some people might think,” said Carl Hester. “It’ll be like a seat belt eventually – you won’t think twice about it.”
The new check for noseband tightness was officially introduced in FEI competition on 1 May.
Stewards use the small tool by sliding it under the noseband on top the nasal bone, passing it through from the top to the bottom, in the same direction as the horse’s hair. If it fits through, the noseband is deemed acceptable; if not, it’s too tight.
Nikki Barker called it “a bit of a non-event”, adding: “It didn’t take long, it didn’t wind anyone up and it can only be a good thing if everyone’s seen to be conscious of keeping the horses happy.”
If a noseband is found to be too tight, the consequences depend on timing: before a test, riders can simply loosen the noseband; after competition, a failed check means elimination and a yellow warning card.
Riders can choose to have their noseband checked prior to competition if they wish.
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Sophie Wells had the stewards check her horse Diana before competing, just to be sure: “We tested it at home, too. If it’s not right after the test, it’s too late – so it’s better to be safe. It all seemed to go down well.”
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.
