Nasal strips are sometimes viewed as something only top-level competitors need. In reality, that is not the case.
When nasal strips were first introduced, the racing industry quickly recognised their potential benefits. It was believed they would reduce the stress of racing on the respiratory system and, in doing so, support the body as a whole. This has since been confirmed through a number of studies published in scientific journals.
In eventing, upper-level riders rapidly adopted nasal strips for both cross country and show jumping. However, their use is less common among grassroots competitors and horse and rider combinations at the beginning of their careers.
Why Do Horses Benefit from Nasal Strips?
Horses cannot breathe through their mouths. All the air they take in must pass through their nostrils. During exercise, the negative pressure created as the horse inhales causes the soft tissue over the nasal passages to be drawn inward, or to “collapse”. This narrows the airway and reduces the amount of oxygen taken in with each breath.
Nasal strips help prevent this collapse of the soft tissue over the nasal passages. By supporting the airway, they reduce stress on the lungs and allow a greater volume of air to flow in. As a result, horses experience less lung stress and reduced lung bleeding, known as Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage, or EIPH.
Another important benefit is that reducing the effort required to move air in and out of the lungs decreases overall stress on the body during exercise. This can also lead to faster recovery afterwards.
Why Use Nasal Strips for Grassroots or Young Horses?
There are several reasons why grassroots horses, young horses, or new horse and rider combinations may benefit just as much, if not more.
Ability
Horses at the start of their competitive careers are often not as naturally athletic as those competing at the highest levels. For example, a canter at a given speed may require more effort from a grassroots horse than from a highly athletic upper-level competitor that is highly fit and has trained over a number of seasons travelling at the same speed.
Fitness
Young or grassroots horses are often less fit than advanced competition horses. A less fit horse must work harder to maintain the same speed and will generally take longer to recover after exercise.
Health
Higher-level competition horses are usually monitored more frequently by veterinarians. This means that low-grade respiratory issues are often detected and treated early. Horses competing at grassroots level may be seen less often by a vet, increasing the likelihood that low-grade respiratory disease goes undetected while they continue to train and compete.
Exercise Stress
There is a common perception that horses competing at grassroots level are not working as hard as elite horses. In reality, horses that are less athletic, less fit, or possibly carrying a low-grade respiratory issue may be working just as hard, if not harder, to achieve their level of performance.
Imagine trying to keep up with an Olympic marathon runner or sprinter. They would be working hard but moving faster and more efficiently. You, by comparison, would likely be working much harder while travelling more slowly and performing less efficiently. The same principle applies to horses.
When Should Grassroots Horses Use Nasal Strips?
Grassroots horses and young horses should use nasal strips whenever they are undertaking hard work or prolonged exercise. If you are planning a demanding training gallop or competing in an event, using a nasal strip can help reduce the degree of lung bleeding during cross country and jumping.
In competition, a nasal strip supports the respiratory system by allowing more oxygen to reach the muscles, reducing bleeding, delaying the onset of fatigue and promoting quicker recovery after exercise. Horses that fatigue less are also less likely to make mistakes, helping to reduce the risk of rails down, falls or injury.
In short, nasal strips are not just for elite competitors. They can offer meaningful respiratory support to horses at all stages of their competitive journey when the work demands it.
