A new scientific study co-authored by Animalweb’s own Dr David Marlin in conjuction with Anglia Ruskin University students Emily Hopkins and Stacie Whitrod and ARU Writtle Associate Professor of Animal Biomechanics and Sports Medicine and School Research Lead Dr Roberta Blake, has found that tight nosebands not only exert significantly high pressure on the delicate facial structures of horses, but also have a measurable impact on movement and performance.
The peer-reviewed published papert, titled “Tight Nosebands Apply High Pressures on the Horses’ Face and Alter Stride Kinematics”, investigated the pressures created by nosebands tightened to varying degrees and how these pressures influence a horse’s biomechanics.
Using advanced motion capture and pressure mapping systems, the research team assessed horses fitted with cavesson nosebands at three standardised settings: two fingers (2F), one finger (1F) and zero fingers (0F), as measured with the ISES taper gauge. The findings were striking:
- Noseband pressures increased by 338% when tightened from 2F to 0F.
- Stride length decreased significantly as pressure increased, with a mean reduction of 24cm between the loosest (2F) and tightest (0F) settings.
- The study showed a clear negative correlation between sub-noseband pressure and stride length (rs(22) = -0.592, P = 0.004), (i.e. as pressure increases, stride length decreases) suggesting performance is directly impacted.
- Whilst changes in joint angles and spinal kinematics (movement) did not reach statistical significance, the biological relevance of even minor changes was noted.
Dr David Marlin, commented: “These results provide robust evidence that excessively tight nosebands are not only a welfare concern but also detrimental to equine performance. A reduction in stride length can have serious implications in disciplines where movement quality is essential, such as dressage and show jumping.”
The study raises critical questions about noseband fitting practices, particularly in competitive settings where aesthetics and perceived control may override welfare considerations. Pressures recorded under tight nosebands reached levels known in other species to induce pain, tissue damage and reduced vascular flow.
The authors conclude that, at least based on this small sample of 8 horses, horses should not be ridden with nosebands fastened tighter than the two-finger space recommended by the International Society for Equitation Science as doing so may risk compromising both welfare and athletic function.
This latest research reinforces the need for equestrian sports to adopt more stringent rules around tack fitting and highlights the importance of evidence-based guidelines in safeguarding horse welfare.
Read the full preprint here: Tight nosebands apply high pressures on the horses’ face and alter stride kinematics
