{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,26]],"date-time":"2026-03-26T12:49:41Z","timestamp":1774529381381,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":37,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"5","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2020,4,30]],"date-time":"2020-04-30T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1588204800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100001774","name":"University of Sydney","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","award":["2658-005"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["2658-005"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100001774","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Animals"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This article reports on the results of a survey designed to explore the types of nosebands that owners, riders and trainers use in training and competition, their reasons for using nosebands, the design preferences in different disciplines and approaches to noseband tightness and monitoring, as well as the incidence of negative impacts related to noseband usage. Respondents (n = 3040) were asked to specify the type of noseband they were currently using and to rate how effective they were in achieving these stated reasons. Respondents who used nosebands (n = 2332) most commonly used Plain Cavesson (46.6%, n = 1087) and Hanoverian (24.8%, n = 579) nosebands. The reasons provided in the survey for noseband usage were grouped into three broad, mutually exclusive categories: Anatomical; Consequential and Passive. Responses across these categories were fairly evenly distributed overall: Anatomical (29.5%, n = 1501), Consequential (30.6%, n = 1560), Passive (32.9%, n = 1673) and other reasons (7.0%, n = 358). Across all respondents (n = 2332), the most common Anatomical reason given was to prevent the horse\u2019s tongue from moving over the bit (20.8%, n = 485), the most common Consequential reason was to improve the appearance of the horse (20.4%, n = 476), with aligning with the rules of the sport (30.2%, n = 705) the most popular Passive reason. Of the respondents who answered the question of checking noseband tightness (n = 2295), most reported checking noseband tightness at the bridge of the nose (62.1%, n = 1426), some (10.4%, n = 238) reported checking for tightness on the side of the face and others under the chin (21.5%, n = 496). This survey also revealed some of the potential issues associated with noseband use, with 18.6% (n = 434) reporting at least one physical or behavioural complication. The most common complication was hair loss under the noseband (39.9%, n = 173). Crank systems were reported to be used by 28.9% (n = 665) of respondents. This is of concern as these devices can be excessively tightened, minimising jaw and tongue movement and may compromise horse welfare. Indeed, the current data in our study show that these devices are associated with an increased risk of complications being reported. Against the backdrop of potential harm to horse welfare associated with restrictive nosebands, this report may serve as a guide for future regulations and research. It helps improve our understanding of noseband preferences and their use in different disciplines.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/ani10050776","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2020,5,5]],"date-time":"2020-05-05T06:41:20Z","timestamp":1588660880000},"page":"776","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":23,"title":["The Reported Use of Nosebands in Racing and Equestrian Pursuits"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"10","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-1282-5520","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Dominic","family":"Weller","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Samantha","family":"Franklin","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy SA 5371, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Glenn","family":"Shea","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9742-4939","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Peter","family":"White","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0649-3278","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Kate","family":"Fenner","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Bethany","family":"Wilson","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"given":"Cristina","family":"Wilkins","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Saddletops Pty Ltd, PO Box 557, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7220-8378","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Paul","family":"McGreevy","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006, Australia"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2020,4,30]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","unstructured":"McDonald, J. (2017). Horses in the British Army: 1750 to 1950, Pen and Sword."},{"key":"ref_2","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"147","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jveb.2014.11.006","article-title":"Apparatus use in popular equestrian disciplines in Australia","volume":"10","author":"Hill","year":"2015","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_3","first-page":"18","article-title":"The effect of noseband tightness on rein tension in the ridden horse","volume":"8","author":"Randle","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_4","unstructured":"International Society for Equitation Science (2019, June 24). ISES Noseband Taper Gauge. Available online: https:\/\/equitationscience.com\/store\/taper-gauge?fbclid=IwAR101yFg2E7gyHK_HUw4oRRkrPR4ZjNzKKhvQoDW7sQ7Kpi3KZYF-ydMxe0."},{"key":"ref_5","unstructured":"International Society for Equitation Science (2019, August 12). Position Statement on Restrictive Nosebands. Available online: https:\/\/equitationscience.com\/equitation\/position-statement-on-restrictive-nosebands."},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Doherty, O., Conway, T., Conway, R., Murray, G., and Casey, V. (2017). An objective measure of noseband tightness and its measurement using a novel digital tightness gauge. PLoS ONE, 12.","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0168996"},{"key":"ref_7","unstructured":"Allen, S. (2019, August 28). Danish Equestrian Federation cracks down on tight nosebands, Eventing Nation. Available online: https:\/\/eventingnation.com\/danish-equestrian-federation-cracks-down-on-tight-nosebands\/."},{"key":"ref_8","unstructured":"Equestrian Sports New Zealand (2019, August 28). Dressage: Rules of ESNZ Dressage & NZPCA Dressage (Annexe 6). The New Zealand Pony Club. Available online: https:\/\/www.nzequestrian.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017-Dressage-Rule-Book_Sourcev5_Plain_Final.pdf."},{"key":"ref_9","unstructured":"British Dressage (2019, August 28). British Dressage Members\u2019 Handbook: Incorporating the 2019 Rules. Available online: https:\/\/www.britishDressage.co.uk\/uploads\/File\/RULE%20BOOK%20corrections%20NOV%2018\/BDRB%202019%20Low%20Res%2008.11.18.pdf."},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"178","DOI":"10.21836\/PEM20100210","article-title":"Much too tight! On the effects of nosebands","volume":"26","author":"Kienapfel","year":"2010","journal-title":"Pferdeheilkunde"},{"key":"ref_11","unstructured":"McGreevy, P. (2019, January 09). Why Nosebands Should be Loosened on Dressage Horses at the Olympics. The Conversation. Available online: https:\/\/theconversation.com\/why-nosebands-should-be-loosened-on-dressage-horses-at-the-olympics-56370."},{"key":"ref_12","unstructured":"Rotterman, S. (2019, March 21). Noseband Special: Part I: The History of the Noseband. EuroDressage. Available online: http:\/\/www.eurodressage.com\/2012\/02\/07\/noseband-special-part-i-history-noseband."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"141","DOI":"10.1080\/10888705.2017.1392301","article-title":"Preliminary study on current perceptions and usage of training equipment by horse enthusiasts in Canada","volume":"21","author":"Merkies","year":"2018","journal-title":"J. Appl. Anim. Welf. Sci."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"142","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jveb.2011.08.001","article-title":"The effect of double bridles and jaw-clamping crank nosebands on temperature of eyes and facial skin of horses","volume":"7","author":"McGreevy","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1455","DOI":"10.1038\/nn.3812","article-title":"Big behavioral data: Psychology, ethology and the foundations of neuroscience","volume":"17","author":"Paton","year":"2014","journal-title":"Nat. Neurosci."},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"503","DOI":"10.1111\/eve.12445","article-title":"Right under our noses","volume":"27","author":"McGreevy","year":"2015","journal-title":"Equine Vet. Educ."},{"key":"ref_17","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Fenner, K., Yoon, S., White, P., Starling, M., and McGreevy, P. (2016). The effect of noseband tightening on horses\u2019 behavior, eye temperature, and cardiac responses. PLoS ONE, 11.","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0154179"},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"492","DOI":"10.1016\/j.tvjl.2006.09.008","article-title":"The advent of equitation science","volume":"174","author":"McGreevy","year":"2007","journal-title":"Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"479","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jveb.2013.06.003","article-title":"A preliminary report on estimating the pressures exerted by a crank noseband in the horse","volume":"8","author":"Casey","year":"2013","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Webster, J. (2016). Animal welfare: Freedoms, dominions and \u201ca life worth living\u201d. Animals, 6.","DOI":"10.3390\/ani6060035"},{"key":"ref_21","unstructured":"F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Equestre Internationale (2019, March 21). Dressage Rules: 25th Edition. Available online: https:\/\/inside.fei.org\/sites\/default\/files\/FEI_Dressage_Rules_2019_Mark_Up_Version_1.pdf."},{"key":"ref_22","unstructured":"Racing Australia (2019, January 21). Register of Nationally Approved Gear. Racing Victoria. Available online: https:\/\/www.racingnsw.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/Register-of-Nationally-Approved-Gear.pdf."},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"70","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jveb.2018.03.012","article-title":"An opportunistic pilot study of radiographs of equine nasal bones at the usual site of nosebands","volume":"29","author":"Crago","year":"2019","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"154","DOI":"10.1111\/evj.12827","article-title":"Lesions associated with the use of bits, nosebands, spurs and whips in Danish competition horses","volume":"51","author":"Uldahl","year":"2019","journal-title":"Equine Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_25","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Venables, W., and Ripley, B. (2002). Modern Applied Statistics with S, Springer. [4th ed.].","DOI":"10.1007\/978-0-387-21706-2"},{"key":"ref_26","unstructured":"R Core Team (2019, February 14). R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. Available online: https:\/\/www.R-project.org\/."},{"key":"ref_27","unstructured":"Greenwell, B., McCarthy, A., Boehmke, B., and Lui, D. (2020, January 14). Sure: Surrogate Residuals for Ordinal and General Regression Models. R Package Version 0.2.0. Available online: https:\/\/CRAN.R-project.org\/package=sure."},{"key":"ref_28","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"101","DOI":"10.1111\/j.1751-0813.1995.tb15020.x","article-title":"Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract during treadmill exercise: A clinical study of 100 horses","volume":"72","author":"Kannegieter","year":"1995","journal-title":"Aust. Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_29","unstructured":"Franklin, S. (2002). Studies of Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate in Thoroughbred Racehorses. [Ph.D. Thesis, University of Bristol]."},{"key":"ref_30","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"354","DOI":"10.2746\/042516409X407107","article-title":"Dynamic respiratory endoscopy in 67 Thoroughbred racehorses training under normal ridden exercise conditions","volume":"41","author":"Pollock","year":"2009","journal-title":"Equine Vet. J."},{"key":"ref_31","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"187","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jveb.2010.04.002","article-title":"Horse-training techniques that may defy the principles of learning theory and compromise welfare","volume":"5","author":"McLean","year":"2010","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_32","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"193","DOI":"10.1016\/S0737-0806(84)80141-0","article-title":"A fluoroscopic study of the position and action of the jointed snaffle bit in the horse\u2019s mouth","volume":"4","author":"Clayton","year":"1984","journal-title":"J. Equine Vet. Sci."},{"key":"ref_33","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"74","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jveb.2012.05.004","article-title":"A retrospective survey of riders\u2019 opinions of the use of saddle pads in horses","volume":"8","author":"Hawson","year":"2012","journal-title":"J. Vet. Behav."},{"key":"ref_34","unstructured":"EuroDressage (2019, January 30). New Rule for Noseband Tightness for Competition Horses in Denmark. Available online: http:\/\/www.eurodressage.com\/2017\/10\/17\/new-rule-noseband-tightness-competition-horses-d."},{"key":"ref_35","unstructured":"New Zealand Equestrian (2019, July 07). Rules of ESNZ Dressage. Available online: https:\/\/www.nzequestrian.org.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018-Dressage-Rule-Book_Source_plain_Final_Printer-1.pdf."},{"key":"ref_36","unstructured":"Micklem, W. (2003). Complete Horse Riding Manual, Penguin."},{"key":"ref_37","unstructured":"F\u00e9d\u00e9ration Equestre Internationale (2019, December 17). FEI Stewards Manual: FEI Para Dressage. Available online: https:\/\/inside.fei.org\/sites\/default\/files\/FEI%20Para%20D%20Stewards%20Manual_2019_clean_0.pdf."}],"container-title":["Animals"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/10\/5\/776\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,10,13]],"date-time":"2025-10-13T13:32:20Z","timestamp":1760362340000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/10\/5\/776"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2020,4,30]]},"references-count":37,"journal-issue":{"issue":"5","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2020,5]]}},"alternative-id":["ani10050776"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/ani10050776","relation":{},"ISSN":["2076-2615"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2076-2615","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2020,4,30]]}}}