Equine Bridle Nosebands: Pressure Testing for Horse Comfort
Abstract
There is limited evidence for the procedures of addressing noseband tightness, eliminating excessive tightening, or the approval of bridles under the governmental body Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). Quantitative measurements of pressure (mmHg) under the noseband while riding have yet to be performed. This study used a sensitive film-pressure-sensor combined with the CURO Diagnostics ApS® system to measure the pressure under five nosebands during riding. Horses (n=7) were fitted with five different bridles, four FEI-approved (A, B, C & E), the fifth, recently banned by the FEI (D). Regularity of pressure and pressure distribution was measured using colour sensitive film (Fujifilm LLLW), assessing not only level of pressure but also distribution across the surface of the nosebands. Regularity showed statistical difference between nosebands (A & B significantly worse than the others) and for the colour sensitive film D & B were ranked 1st and 2nd, respectively, explained by their pressure reducing properties. Pressure measurements, revealed significantly different means: A (4.2 ± 0.8 mmHg/cm2), B (1.9 ± 0.1 mmHg/cm2), C (7.4 ± 0.7 mmHg/cm2), D (2.3 ± 0.2 mmHg/cm2) and E (8.1 ± 0.6 mmHg/cm2), where B & D were not significantly different, but the other bridles were significantly higher compared with B & D. It is concluded that bridles and nosebands should not be evaluated by arbitrary and subjective criteria, but rather in combination with their ability to be fitted correctly while reducing and distributing pressure evenly over sensitive anatomical structures, the methods for which have now been provided.
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