Canadian Horse Journal Staff 

Starting May 1, 2025, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) will introduce a standardized method to regulate noseband tightness across all its disciplines. This initiative, part of the 37 action items outlined in the FEI’s Equine Welfare Strategy Action Plan, aims to address longstanding inconsistencies in measuring noseband fit. 

The FEI has developed a new measuring tool to ensure a uniform approach. This device, 1.7 centimeters (approximately 0.7 inches) thick, must fit between a horse’s nasal bone and its fastened noseband. If the tool cannot pass through, the noseband must be loosened before the horse competes. In post-competition tack checks, a failure to meet the standard will result in the horse’s elimination and a yellow card for the rider. 

Photo: FEI

“This has been one of the most challenging and publicized horse welfare issues,” said FEI Legal Director Mikael Rentsch during the FEI General Assembly held November 10-13 in Abu Dhabi. “Until now, noseband tightness has varied significantly across FEI disciplines.” 

Historically, stewards relied on their fingers to assess tightness, an inconsistent method due to the variability in finger sizes. Rules also differed between disciplines. For instance, dressage and para-dressage required stewards to fit one index finger between the cheek and noseband during tack checks, whereas eventing and show jumping had no explicit guidelines for tightness, only a prohibition against tack that might cause injury. 

The new regulation, approved during the 2023 General Assembly, harmonizes these standards. Originally set to take effect January 1, 2025, the start date was postponed to May 1, 2025, to allow time for distributing the devices and training stewards in their use. 

To help riders comply, the FEI will make the devices available for purchase at cost. While similar tools exist, such as those used by the Swiss Equestrian Federation and the International Society for Equitation Science, the FEI developed its own device in collaboration with external experts. Tested over 600 times at FEI events across Europe and the U.S., the tool has been refined based on feedback. 

Watch this video of the noseband measuring device in use:  

Ideally, noseband checks using the device will occur before a horse enters the competition arena. “The horse-and-athlete combination won’t be allowed to start unless the noseband is adjusted to meet the standard,” Rentsch explained. “We’re not preventing competition—we’re ensuring compliance.” 

For more information, visit the FEI website.

With files from FEI Communications 

Main Photo: Shutterstock/Labrador Photo Video