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

Abstract

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.

Application of the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram to Horses Competing in British Eventing 90, 100 and Novice One-Day Events and Comparison with Performance

“…To what extent mouth opening is promoted by, or restricted by, potentially restrictive nosebands or nosebands that are tightened excessively is subject to debate [ 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ], with limited fact-based information concerning pressure effects of nosebands [ 52 , 53 , 54 ]. In the current study, despite the relatively low frequency of occurrence of mouth opening, the majority of horses (92%) had potentially restrictive nosebands.…”

Noseband Fit: Measurements and Perceptions of Canadian Equestrians

“…Tested horses generally had space for the accepted two-finger (1.5 cm) measurement under their noseband with only a small proportion adjusted too tightly to allow measurement by the taper gauge. A similar study on competition horses in Belgium, Ireland and the UK found only 7% of nosebands were loose enough to meet the 1.5 cm measurement [ 6 ] while a Dutch study found slightly more than half of horses had passed [ 24 ]. Compared to these findings, Canada is on par with Germany where 70% of horses tested met the two-finger measurement [ 25 ].…”

“…Most of the Stewards surveyed believed that overtightened nosebands were only an issue with a small subset of riders and not widespread across Canadian competitors. Professional and high performance riders were less convinced that tight nosebands were a welfare issue or that a taper gauge was a fair method to measure noseband fit, perhaps due to the pressure from judge feedback that penalizes horses displaying oral behaviors [ 21 , 24 ]. Some high performance riders may believe that their horse’s nosebands need to be tighter due to the level at which they compete [ 24 ].…”

“…Professional and high performance riders were less convinced that tight nosebands were a welfare issue or that a taper gauge was a fair method to measure noseband fit, perhaps due to the pressure from judge feedback that penalizes horses displaying oral behaviors [ 21 , 24 ]. Some high performance riders may believe that their horse’s nosebands need to be tighter due to the level at which they compete [ 24 ]. Tight nosebands can prevent the opening of the mouth along with restriction of other oral behaviors [ 2 , 10 ].…”

“…Ideally though, this “submission” should be achieved through training rather than force [ 32 ]. Other studies have also noted that overtightened nosebands can cover up a lack of poor training or rider skill [ 9 , 11 , 24 ].…”