Lesions associated with the use of bits, nosebands, spurs and whips in Danish competition horses

Uldahl, Mette; Clayton, Hilary M.

doi:10.1111/evj.12827

Cited by 51 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Therefore, the choice of noseband and noseband tightness may differ between disciplines. Moreover, nosebands are sometimes worn solely for aesthetic purposes [7] and, since dressage horses are judged on total appearance, dressage riders are likely to choose a popular type of noseband. The reason respondents gave in our survey for the choice of noseband was not clear cut.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When there is this bit of space and the horse opens its mouth, the noseband tightens and puts pressure on the horse's nasal plane. When the mouth closes, the pressure is relieved immediately [7]. However, the use of bit, spur and noseband may cause lesions, undoubtedly causing discomfort for the horse [7].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…When the mouth closes, the pressure is relieved immediately [7]. However, the use of bit, spur and noseband may cause lesions, undoubtedly causing discomfort for the horse [7]. Comparing different types of nosebands, including the cavesson, Uldahl and Clayton [7], showed that lesions at the commissures of the lips were related to the tightness of the upper strap of the noseband.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Also, the post-inhibitory behavioural rebound response (significantly increased yawning, licking and swallowing) during a recovery phase (after removing the noseband) were indicative of compromised welfare [3]. Additionally, post-competition measurements in Denmark showed a correlation between oral lesions and noseband tightness for certain noseband types [7]. Increased tightening of the upper noseband significantly increased the incidence of oral lesions (10.79% (noseband tightness < 2 cm) vs. 7.51% (noseband tightness between 2 and 3 cm)).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This noseband provides the user with a mechanical advantage to tighten the noseband more easily by way of a leveraged pulley system [2,8]. The crank noseband allows for a doubling of the tightness for a given amount of handler tightening effort [2], which may have welfare implications for the horse [7]. The use of these crank nosebands and extreme tightening of the noseband is thought to be increasing in equestrian sport [4], and is therefore likely to have an impact on the welfare of horses.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Practice of Noseband Use and Intentions towards Behavioural Change in Dutch Equestrians

Visser

Kuypers

Stam

et al. 2019

Animals

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Simple Summary:The space between the noseband and the skin of competition horses is a current welfare issue. The practices regarding the noseband tightness of Dutch horses was studied, as well as the intentions of Dutch equestrians when fastening the noseband. More than half (59%) of Dutch riders had their horses' nosebands tightened according to the new two-finger regulation, implemented 1 April 2019. Dressage horses and older horses wore less tight nosebands compared to show jumping and younger horses. Results of an internet survey on intentions for noseband use showed that 54.5% of the respondents agreed with the new regulation and 62% believe that it will improve horse welfare. The respondents could be categorised into three different groups that differed regarding their own attitude towards noseband tightening behaviour, how peer pressure may affect noseband tightening behaviour, and how they perceived the new regulation. To improve horse welfare, knowledge transfer should include different strategies for different groups. Moreover, to convince equestrians to adhere to, and ensure a successful implementation of, the new regulation, transparency and objective measurements should be put in place.Abstract: Understanding equestrians' noseband tightening practices and intentions is necessary to target welfare improvement strategies. Firstly, we measured tightness in dressage and show jumping horses in The Netherlands, shortly after implementation of the two-finger rule by the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation. Noseband tightness decreased with age, was less tight in dressage horses than in show jumpers, and was dependent on the interaction between competition level and discipline. Fifty-nine percent of the riders tightened nosebands to such an extent that they adhered to the new regulation. Secondly, we conducted an online survey to gain insight into whether riders were aware of noseband use and tightening behaviour. Of the 386 respondents, 54.5% agreed with the new regulations, and 62% believe that it improves horses' welfare. Applying cluster analysis to statements regarding their own attitude, peer pressure, and behavioural control produced three clusters. Noticeably, a lower percentage of Cluster 1 respondents (38%) performing at higher levels was convinced that the new regulation improved welfare than Cluster 2 (77.9%) and 3 (89.0%) respondents. Designing strategies to ensure the successful implementation of the new regulation and to convince equestrians to comply would be most effective if targeted differentially, and should include a transparent and objective form of regulation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Practice of Noseband Use and Intentions towards Behavioural Change in Dutch Equestrians

Visser

Kuypers

Stam

et al. 2019

Animals

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Do tight nosebands have an effect on the upper airways of horses?

Scholler,

Wittenberg,

Zablotski

et al. 2024

Veterinary Medicine & Sci

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Background/ObjectivesThe public perception relating to the welfare of horses involved with equestrian sports is associated with training methods used and the presentation of horses at events. In this context, very tight nosebands, which are intended to prevent the horse from opening its mouth, also attract a lot of attention. Various studies have evaluated the impact of tight nosebands on stress parameters, whereas the effect of tight nosebands on upper airway function is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the study was to use overground endoscopy to evaluate changes in pharyngeal and laryngeal function when a tight noseband is fitted. Moreover, the ridden horse pain ethogram (RHpE) was applied to investigate signs of discomfort (Dyson et al., 2018).Study designA randomized, blinded, and prospective study was performed.MethodsSixteen warmblood horses consisting of twelve mares and four geldings with a mean age of 11.63 ± 3.53 years were ridden on 2 consecutive days with either loose or tight nosebands (two fingers or no space between bridge of the nose and noseband, respectively) and inserted endoscope in a random order. Videos were taken in a riding arena during a standardized exercise protocol involving beginner level tasks for 30 min in all gaits. For video analysis, freeze frames were prepared and analyzed at the beginning of the expiration phase. Pharyngeal diameter was measured using the pharynx‐epiglottis ratio. Other findings (swallowing, pharyngeal collapse, soft palate movements, and secretion) were also evaluated. Moreover, the RHpE was applied. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear mixed effects models were used. Results with a p‐value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsWhile the pharynx‐epiglottis ratio did not change significantly in horses ridden with loose versus tight nosebands, there was an increase in mean grade and total counts of parameters assessed in the pharyngeal region, for example, grade of secretion (1.5 [±SD 0.89] vs. 3.13 [±SD 0.96]; p = 0.0001), axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds (0.29 [±SD 0.73] vs. 1.33 [±SD 1.44]; p = 0.01), and pharyngeal collapse (0.69 [±SD 0.87] vs. 1.88 [±SD 1.54]; p = 0.005) in horses ridden with tight nosebands. There was no RHpE score above 8 indicating musculoskeletal pain, but the RHpE scores were significantly higher in horses ridden with tight nosebands (p < 0.001).Main limitationsVideo quality was limited when horses showed large amounts of secretion. Another limitation was the small number of horses.ConclusionsResults add to the evidence obtained in other studies that tight nosebands do not only cause adverse reactions based on the RHpE score such as head behind the vertical or intense staring but also contribute to changes in the pharyngeal region, such as increased secretion and collapse of pharyngeal structures. This may provide further support for future decisions regarding regulations on nosebands.

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A rein tension signal can be reduced by half in a single training session

Eisersiö

Yngvesson

Byström

et al. 2021

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

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Lesions associated with the use of bits, nosebands, spurs and whips in Danish competition horses

Abstract: Lesions of the skin or mucosa at the commissures of the lips may be decreased by limiting noseband tightness and lesions on the chest wall may be decreased by limiting the length of spurs.

Cited by 51 publications

References 13 publications

Practice of Noseband Use and Intentions towards Behavioural Change in Dutch Equestrians

Practice of Noseband Use and Intentions towards Behavioural Change in Dutch Equestrians

Do tight nosebands have an effect on the upper airways of horses?

A rein tension signal can be reduced by half in a single training session

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