Stricter control of noseband tightness at FEI events

You could already see it on social media: The FEI's new measuring device for checking nosebands. After initial announcements and changes, the tool has now arrived on the market. However, it will not be officially used by stewards until May 1, 2025:

With this new FEI Measuring Device, the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) is introducing a standardized procedure for checking noseband tightness. This protocol, which comes into force on May 1, 2025, is intended to ensure that horses do not suffer from nosebands that are too tight and could affect their well-being or breathing.

General measuring method

According to the new guidelines, nosebands will be checked at all FEI events. The inspection is carried out randomly or specifically by the FEI stewards using the FEI Measuring Device. The noseband must be adjusted so that the measuring device can be passed under the noseband over the bridge of the nose. This regulation applies to all types of nosebands as well as to upper and lower nosebands.

The general protocol provides for the following steps:

• Announcement of the inspection: The FEI Steward informs the rider or the person in charge of the horse about the inspection. If the rider is sitting on the horse, he can dismount if he wishes.
• Carrying out the measurement: The steward approaches the horse in a calm manner and uses the measuring device to check the tightness of the noseband.
• Result: If the measuring device cannot be passed easily through the noseband, it is considered too tight and must be loosened.
• Hygiene: Each steward wears disposable gloves, which are changed after each test. The measuring device is disinfected after each use.

Sanctions for violations

If the noseband is classified as too tight, the following consequences apply:

1. Before the exam (pre-competition check)
   • The noseband must be loosened before starting.
   • If the rider or handler refuses to loosen the noseband, the horse will not be allowed to start.
2. After the examination (post-competition check)
   • If the noseband is too tight, the horse-rider pair will be disqualified.
   • The rider will receive a yellow warning card in accordance with the FEI Veterinary Regulations.

The check can be carried out at any time, but it is recommended that it is carried out before the warm-up or after the competition in combination with other checks (e.g. bridle check).

Discipline-specific adaptations

• Show jumping: Inspection in connection with the inspection of the hind boots.
• Dressage: Inspection before or after the test, often together with the bridle inspection.
• Eventing: Inspection before the cross-country section, but with priority given to cooling the horse down after the test.
• Driving: For four-in-hand and two-in-hand horses, all horses in the teams are checked.

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