BEVA highlights welfare issue of tight nosebands
Australian research reported in the Guardian newspaper in May 2016 indicated that horses’ heart rates were raised and they struggled to chew when nosebands were fitted too tightly around their heads. In a follow up survey in the UK, Over 75% of members asked by the British Equine Vets Association (BEVA) considered there is a welfare issue with over-tight nosebands.
This is an ongoing issue in the equestrian world, but awareness is growing and the judges and stewards at big events are able to comment. The FEI is considering new guidelines for international horse sports and changes will apply to national governing bodies.