The board of the Swiss Equestrian Federation has decided that as of 2020 noseband tightness at Swiss shows can be no less than 2 cm between the bridge of the nose and the noseband.
The working group "Tack and Bits" has proposed several rule changes to the board and at a special board meeting it has accepted three of those.
1) a tightened noseband shall have 2 cm room between the bridge of the nose and the leather strap, which will be measured by a special measuring tool. The disciplines are ordered by the board to prepare this rules for 2020.
2) the board will order the different disciplines to make a list of allowed bits that are age and training level appropriate and to make it effective as of 2020
3) the federation will begin research projects (BA/MA/PhD) with relevant university and college institutions to investigate: the situation of the use of bits and bridles in Switzerland, the use and effects of bits and bridles based on the Uldahl study (2018); to develop test methods of new bridles and bits on the market with regard to the wellbeing of the horses and with inclusion and possible co-financing of the federal government, manufacturers and animal welfare groups.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Effect of Noseband Positioning to Fascial and Neural Dynamics of the Head
On the Ignorance of Noseband Tightness and Vague FEI Noseband Rules
Noseband Special: Part I: The History of the Noseband
Noseband Special: Part II: The Purpose of the Noseband
Noseband Special: Part III: Riders and Trainers on Their Choice in Noseband
Noseband Special: Part IV: The Thicker, the Wider, the Better?
An Investigation into Noseband Tightness Levels on Competition Horses
ISES Suggest to Empower FEI Stewards to Control Tightness of Noseband