20/11/2024
𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀
Have you ever wondered how gear like nosebands impacts your horse’s comfort? A recent study* reveals some important facts about the effects of very tight nosebands on horses. The findings show that nosebands tightened to the extreme can cause stress and stop horses from showing natural behaviours. Here’s what the study discovered and why it matters.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁?
Twelve horses wearing double bridles and crank nosebands were part of the study. Researchers tested four levels of tightness:
1. Unfastened (UN): The noseband was loose.
2. Two-Finger Space (CAUN): Room for two fingers under the noseband.
3. One-Finger Space (HCAUN): Room for just one finger.
4. No Space (NAUN): Noseband tightened all the way, with no room underneath.
During each treatment, they measured heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), eye temperature, and how often horses licked, chewed, or yawned.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱?
Stress Levels Went Up
- Heart Rate: Increased significantly when the noseband was tightest.
- HRV: Decreased, showing the horses were under stress.
- Eye Temperature: Got hotter, a common sign of stress in horses.
Natural Behaviours Disappeared
- Licking and Chewing: These behaviours stopped completely when the noseband was tightest.
- Swallowing: Horses swallowed half as often with the tightest noseband.
- Yawning: Rare during all treatments but increased after the nosebands were removed.
𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
When the nosebands were taken off, the horses made up for lost behaviours. They yawned, licked, and chewed more than they did before the nosebands were put on. This rebound suggests the tight nosebands left them feeling deprived.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻?
The study shows that very tight nosebands cause stress and stop horses from acting naturally. Researchers recommend:
- Keeping It Comfortable: Ensure at least two fingers of space under the noseband.
- Checking Tightness at Competitions: Gear stewards should enforce rules against overly tight nosebands.
- More Research: Experts need to explore how nosebands combined with rein tension and a rider affect horses.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀
Your horse’s well-being is key to a good partnership. This research reminds us that gear like nosebands should always prioritise their comfort and health.
📸 Image is an example of an infrared image of the eye region. The cross indicates the position of the maximum temperature within the area of the eye used for analysis.
* "The Effect of Noseband Tightening on Horses’ Behaviour, Eye Temperature, and Cardiac Responses," by Kate Fenner, Samuel Yoon, Peter White, Melissa Starling & Paul McGreevy (2016)
