MEASURING DEVICE

THE DEVICE WILL ENSURE THE HORSE’S NOSEBAND IS NOT TOO TIGHT…

Source FEI.ORG

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.

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 retrieve the device from the bottom 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 is for sale at the FEI Fan Shop.